Quote:
Originally Posted by Longshot270
True, but the F350 also has a significantly larger/more powerful motor. I was trying to compare just weight and forgot to tie engine size into the equation.  |
I don't think you "forgot" exactly, but it's like comparing "apples and oranges". A more powerful engine is going to be able to operate at a lower "load" at a specific gear ratio to generate the same speed. I'll call this the "Lance Armstrong effect".
Let's put Lance and me on identical bicycles, and let's lock the gearing at the "highest" point, so we are each turning our cranks at the slowest RPM to maintain a set speed. So, Lance motors along, has enough energy left over to wave at the crowd, carry on a discussion with somebody on his cell phone and maybe even carry someone on the handlebars. Me, the sweat's pouring down. I'm about to have cardiac arrest and I look stupid out there trying to compete with Lance.
The difference is in the native "power" of our two "engines". His is suited for a lower gear ratio than mine. He is seeing a lower "load demand".
The engine design, vehicle weight, transmission and intended use are also factors in choosing a TS and GR. As I said earlier, it's an optimization problem that can be solved through linear programming techniques. I imagine the engineers at Ford do this very well.
- Jack