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What The Hell Does WHEELBASE Means?

Started by 88 200sx se · Oct 22, 2011 · 12postsSMF 2010–26

88 200sx seOct 22, 2011, 5:04 pm · #1

I've notice that a S12 has a higher number than a Z31 but then the Z can actually fit wider tires. Now...my 2 cent question is...How does it work? Just out of the blues!!!

SchizophrenicMCOct 22, 2011, 6:01 pm · #2

Wheelbase is the distance between front and rear axles. It's not related to width at all. Just the distance between the front and rear axles. I don't remember if that's taken interior, exterior, or center of the axles, but there you go.

JayOct 22, 2011, 8:33 pm · #3

Center to center of front and rear wheels.

SchizophrenicMCOct 22, 2011, 8:54 pm · #4

Thanks for clarifying, Jay.

88 200sx seOct 23, 2011, 7:46 am · #5

Thanks! Why would they call that "wheelbase"...=D First thing pops out of my mind is something to do with the "wheel" (tires, rims)


Post Merge: 07:56:54 AM / 23-Oct-11
I guess I should of just google it at first huh...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelbase

:O
SchizophrenicMCOct 23, 2011, 10:39 am · #6

Because it's the base distance between the centers of the wheels. Wheelbase affects handling characteristics. Shorter wheelbases are more capable of tight turns, and the closer the wheelbase is to the length of the vehicle, the better its off-road handling, for some examples.

Now, as for wheels, you're gonna be looking at diameter, width, and offset.

silvertonOct 23, 2011, 4:45 pm · #7

the s12 has a longer wheelbase than the z31?  I don't believe that.

SchizophrenicMCOct 23, 2011, 5:53 pm · #8

The short wheelbase variant of the Z31 has a wheelbase that is 3 inches shorter than the S12.

SWB Z31: 91.3in
All S12: 95.5in
LWB Z31: 99.2in

Jeremy AOct 23, 2011, 7:25 pm · #9

What the?!  How can one tell the model difference between long and short Z31's?

SchizophrenicMCOct 23, 2011, 7:33 pm · #10

Measuring tape ;)

It was probably related to the suspension type, among the trim levels, but I don't know, honestly.

sam31183Oct 23, 2011, 7:33 pm · #11

2+2 versus coupe?

SchizophrenicMCOct 23, 2011, 8:00 pm · #12

^ Probably. I have trouble distinguishing Zs, to be honest. There's something in my brain that just sees Z and forgets the rest. Oh well.