Weight Distribution

[Rafi]

My question regards weight distribution. Is it true that BMW achieved their almost perfect weight distribution in almost all of their cars, by overhangs? What about the Alfa's? How did they achieve their 50:50?

Any reply, information, pictures, or something else will be accepted!

[ar1750gtv]

The four cylinder Alfetta coupe (GT & GTV) and sedan have the best, almost exactly 50/50 weight distribution. Alfa achieved this with the de Dion rear suspension and transaxel. The GTV-6 and 75 (Milano) loose a little with the heavier V6 engine. I don't know about the 75 with a TS engine. It might be pretty close to 50/50 as well, but since the 75 is heavier overall than the Alfetta, I bet it is less than perfect 50/50.

[beatle_bayly]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rafi My question regards weight distribution. Is it true that BMW achieved their almost perfect weight distribution in almost all of their cars, by overhangs? What about the Alfa's? How did they achieve their 50:50? Any reply, information, pictures, or something else will be accepted!

[ar1750gtv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beatle_bayly However, 50:50 distibution may not be the best distribution in the real world as the dynamics of a car on the road and in different conditions often disproves the best laid theories of auto design. A critical aspect of chassis design is to try to have all the weight of the car toward the centre to reduce "Polar Moment". A car with 50:50 distribution but with all the weight forward of the front axles and rearward of the rear axles will handle a lot worse (generalisation) than a heavier car with all the weight situated in the middle of the wheelbase.

[Rafi]

Thanks for the info beatle_bayly.
How did BMW get their 50:50 weight distribution? Was it like Alfa, or in a different way?