http://www.autocar.co.uk/VideosWallpapers/Videos.aspx?AR=246738&CT=V
This video on it's own merit is a bit of a pointless exercise.
We all know an Audi R8 V10 is faster than a Skoda Octavia 1.4 in every condition, BUT on a very bendy track with hardly any straights IN THE WET, the gap comes down from 14 seconds to 2 seconds.
The Audi has Quattro, over 500bhp, nearly 400lb/ft, so surely it should be much quicker.
The test proves that in wet / standing water conditions the FWD Skoda 1.4 can almost match a 5.2 V10 with Quattro, which is constantly being reigned in by it's nanny state electronics.
The overall summation is that when:
1) The suspension is too hard and unforgiving on wet skittish waterlogged roads, your braking is $h1t as is your lateral grip.
2) The wheels are too big / wide / low profile you will aquaplane rather than cut through the standing water
3) You have too much power it will very quickly overcome the laws of physics, so the onboard electronics will have to reign it all back in, negating any power benefits through mods / extra BHP and meaning you are decelerating rather than putting down grip through acceleration
So seeing we have on average 190 days of wet/damp roads, Autocar are basically saying buy a cheap moderately powered front wheel drive car, as Quattro is only required to keep you out of the ditch, NOT make you a driving God in the wet!!! Also ridiculously hard suspension with huge hoopage is a recipe for disaster in the wet when pushed too hard.
For anyone slamming on hard suspension, on 19's /20's, expect damp conditions to be a great leveller, and don't feel the need to be too embarrassed when the Octavia 1.4 keeps you honest!
This video on it's own merit is a bit of a pointless exercise.
We all know an Audi R8 V10 is faster than a Skoda Octavia 1.4 in every condition, BUT on a very bendy track with hardly any straights IN THE WET, the gap comes down from 14 seconds to 2 seconds.
The Audi has Quattro, over 500bhp, nearly 400lb/ft, so surely it should be much quicker.
The test proves that in wet / standing water conditions the FWD Skoda 1.4 can almost match a 5.2 V10 with Quattro, which is constantly being reigned in by it's nanny state electronics.
The overall summation is that when:
1) The suspension is too hard and unforgiving on wet skittish waterlogged roads, your braking is $h1t as is your lateral grip.
2) The wheels are too big / wide / low profile you will aquaplane rather than cut through the standing water
3) You have too much power it will very quickly overcome the laws of physics, so the onboard electronics will have to reign it all back in, negating any power benefits through mods / extra BHP and meaning you are decelerating rather than putting down grip through acceleration
So seeing we have on average 190 days of wet/damp roads, Autocar are basically saying buy a cheap moderately powered front wheel drive car, as Quattro is only required to keep you out of the ditch, NOT make you a driving God in the wet!!! Also ridiculously hard suspension with huge hoopage is a recipe for disaster in the wet when pushed too hard.
For anyone slamming on hard suspension, on 19's /20's, expect damp conditions to be a great leveller, and don't feel the need to be too embarrassed when the Octavia 1.4 keeps you honest!
