Expert: Dan Liddy - 4/5/2004

Question
Why makes a 1998 Corvette or an other sports car have such great steering? I think i asked that right. You know what i mean a vet can corner better and you only have to move the wheel a little bit where as in an other car you would have to turn the wheel more?
Thanks
Sean

Answer
Hi sean;

An easy question.  The Corvette is a high-performance sports car, and as such, most buyers prefer a quick response to the steering, brakes, and throttle.  To accomplish this, the manufacturers simply reduce the mechanical advantage of the various wheels, pedals and such to provide quicker reaction from the car.  There is a trade off of course, they steering will be a bit stiffer, and harder to turn, but most sports car buyers will gladly endure that for the advantage of quicker steering.

Street sedans on the other hand, have slower , easier steering, and a much softer ride for the average driver. They are designed for ultimate comfort on the drive to work, or cross-country. However , to negotiate the same corner, the speed  must be much slower.

Hope that answers your question

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida