R2 Acceleration Contest!

[mfg]

Assuming the same engine, (R2?), transmission, tires, rear end ratio, driver, weight,  etc…. Why would a ‘63 Studebaker Lark Standard 2 dr sedan have an advantage in an acceleration contest over a ‘64 Studebaker Commander 2 dr sedan?

[aardvark]

likely bodyweight.

[Geoff]

Acceleration contest. Which test are we running? [0-60, 1/4 mile, 1 mile, V-max]

I don't know the inner and under workings of these specific cars. My guesses are:
Weight bias.
Suspension geometry.
Aerodynamics.

[mfg]

1 hour ago, aardvark said:

likely bodyweight.

Sorry no…… Weight being equal is mentioned in the question.

[mfg]

6 minutes ago, Geoff said:

Acceleration contest. Which test are we running? [0-60, 1/4 mile, 1 mile, V-max]

I don't know the inner and under workings of these specific cars. My guesses are:
Weight bias.
Suspension geometry.
Aerodynamics.

You’re on the right track with your #2 guess!

Now…. what would be different between the two’s suspension?

PS… Not that it matters, but let’s call it a 1/4 mile drag race!

Edited March 8, 2025 by mfg
Added text

[Geoff]

I'll yield to someone who knows these cars, as I haven't dug into the 'Lark lineage' much.

[mfg]

9 hours ago, Geoff said:

I'll yield to someone who knows these cars, as I haven't dug into the 'Lark lineage' much.

I understand.. a person would REALLY have to know the Lark type chassis layout inside out to get this one…. I myself learned this basic difference “ the hard way”!!

[Geoff]

At best I can apply general knowledge. Differences in traction bars, radius rods, an added Panhard bar / Watts link? Do their pinion angles vary?

Does one model have a pinion snubber and the other doesn't?
"Since the snubber tries to lift the car at this point, the rear differential is actually forced downward and improves rear traction."
- https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/mopar-rear-leaf-springs-suspension-get-hooked-up/

Sounds like a piece I'd love to fabramacate on my future 1025 modded-dupe … along with some Super Stock Dart leaf packs.

[mfg]

50 minutes ago, Geoff said:

At best I can apply general knowledge. Differences in traction bars, radius rods, an added Panhard bar / Watts link? Do their pinion angles vary?

Does one model have a pinion snubber and the other doesn't?
"Since the snubber tries to lift the car at this point, the rear differential is actually forced downward and improves rear traction."
- https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/mopar-rear-leaf-springs-suspension-get-hooked-up/

Sounds like a piece I'd love to fabramacate on my future 1025 modded-dupe … along with some Super Stock Dart leaf packs.

Everything you mention would indeed aid acceleration/handling, however, consider all those things to be the same between these two Studebaker models.

BIG HINT!!….. wheelbase

Edited March 8, 2025 by mfg
Added text

[paul shuffleburg]

Weight transfer???

[mfg]

25 minutes ago, paul shuffleburg said:

Weight transfer???

EXACTLY!!….For whatever reason Studebaker installed early ‘59-‘61 leaf springs in the ‘63 Lark ‘Standard’….

This spring has a 20” front ‘leg’…..

The’ ‘64 Commander utilized a leaf spring with a 20 1/2” front leg… Which accounts for a slightly longer wheelbase…..

This 1/2” change improves down force or ‘planting’ of the rear tires… thereby improving traction and acceleration times.

 

 

[Mark63Avanti]

I always count it as good day if I've learned something new!