Saturn Sports Coupe Aerodynamics

[Peakster]

I've been checking out the Saturn sports coupes lately (hey, the Geo won't last forever you know) and have been comparing the SC1 with the SC2. I like the SC1 because it looks just like the SC2, tends to be a lot cheaper than its dual cam version, better expected fuel economy, and it has its peak torque at lower rpm.

However, I noticed one large difference about the 2 models in terms of aerodynamics: the SC2 has a Cd of 0.31 while the SC1 has a Cd of 0.33!

Other than the wing mirrors being the same colour as the body with the SC2 the cars look virtually the same to me. Why would the SC1 have worse drag than the SC2?

SC2 & SC1:
Attachment 273Attachment 274

[Hockey4mnhs]

it could be a very small thing like mirors that can at some drag so if there is a lot of small things it can add up pretty quick. thats my guess on what it would be

[rh77]

The side sills look different. Other differences could include the foglights creating different airflow, wheel size and/or vehicle height. Merely guessing...

[Peakster]

Originally Posted by rh77

The side sills look different. Other differences could include the foglights creating different airflow, wheel size and/or vehicle height. Merely guessing...

I thought about the fog lamps and the different styled rims too. I think that rear spoiler creates more drag than if it was without one (forces the air upwards before separating from the car). Indeed the site says the spoiler is for looks and doesn't mention any aerodynamic improvement. Could you explain more about the side sills?

[lovemysan]

For starters, you could option any sohc s-series to look like its dohc sibling. My car is an SL but it has the appearance and interior of an SL2. It only lacks the rear taillight valance on the trunk.

The cars pictured show slightly different wheels and thats it. Leading me to believe the CD would be identical. The CD would however differ on the less option laden base model SC1.

The following is my personal speculation why the number is higher for the SC1.

Usually the SC1 is without a spoiler and has hubcaps on 14" wheels. The spoiler and wheel combo of the SC2 could contribute to a better CD. Also
SC2's are more likely to have fog lights thus blocking more of the bumper cover.

Those numbers could be for a previous year car.

Its is somewhat confounding to me that the SC2's CD is only .005 lower than my SL sedan's. It does after all appear to have a much nicer taper to the rear of the car.

[lovemysan]

If I were you I wouldn't rule out the 4 door cars either. I've seen some fantastic deals around here on more than one SL.

2001 SL2 5spd, 50k, $3900(saw it last winter) it was a steal.

2001 SC1 5spd, 55k, $3900 saw it last month.

I would stick to the sohcs as they have nice FE friendly transmissions. Don't get an auto there terrible. The 5speeds have long overdrives. I turn just under 2500rpms at 70mph.

I paid 5k for mine with 50k on it.

[GasSavers_Red]

Ride height? Angle of the windshield?

[rh77]

Originally Posted by Peakster

Could you explain more about the side sills?

Now that I looked at other models, the Silver SC1 in the pic looked to have a slight notch running at the very bottom of the door at the bottom of the body. It turns out they're similar except for the spoiler.

I was curious as to the SC's weight vs. the SL's:

SC1 = 2379 lb.
SC2 = 2437 lb.

SL1 = 2351 lb.
SL2 = 2403 lb.

Pretty similar and the 4-door costs less, and could be more practical. If you're looking to haul more cargo than passengers, then the hatch is the winner. Plan on taking you and 2-3 others comfortably? Then the SL is the choice.

For me, the Integra's ability to haul LOTS of stuff trumps a Civic 4-door for utility, but is heavier, and is a true 4-seater (or 2 -- sitting in the back stinks).

[Mike T]

Could it be that the twincam has more airflow through the radiator, which upsets the Cd?

[GasSavers_BluEyes]

Yeah, 0.31 to 0.33 only changes drag by about 0.6hp at 65mph.

Does the site that you got that info from list other cars or only Saturns?