Compare aerodynmics of two cars

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jurgen M
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cars Compare
AI Thread Summary
The Mercedes CLA has a lower drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.22 compared to the CLS C218's Cd of 0.26, primarily due to its shorter and more aerodynamic design. The CLA's features, such as narrow tires and a flat bottom, contribute to its superior aerodynamics, while the CLS's wider tires and larger frontal area increase drag. Despite the CLS's longer and more streamlined shape, modifications like narrower tires could potentially improve its Cd. However, even with such modifications, the CLS may still consume more fuel due to its heavier weight and larger footprint. Ultimately, the CLA's design is more efficient in terms of aerodynamics compared to the CLS.
Jurgen M
Mercedes CLA has Cd =0.22(180 Blue Efficiency) and Cd=0.23(180).
CLS C218 has 0.26, but CLS has wide tires, no flat bottom and other aero features like CLA.

aero features of CLA:
https://www.car-engineer.com/mercedes-cla-is-the-most-aerodynamic-production-car-of-the-world/

If we compare just body shape ,do you think CLS has better Cd from CLA, for example if we put narrow tires, flat bottom etc maybe CLS will have even better Cd then CLA?

I ask this because CLA is short, rear roofline looks to stubby, rear window+trunk slope is too steep,this can cause flow separation or too steep slope induce low pressure at rear window+trunk.

CLS is longer, more streamlined siluetthe,rear end slope is not so steep.

all-building-facade-moscow-russia-august-232195598.jpg
mercedes-benz-cla-c117-45-amg-2013-379557.jpg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Jurgen M said:
...
If we compare just body shape ,do you think CLS has better Cd from CLA, for example if we put narrow tires, flat bottom etc maybe CLS will have even better Cd then CLA?

I ask this because CLA is short, rear roofline looks to stubby, rear window+trunk slope is too steep,this can cause flow separation or too steep slope induce low pressure at rear window+trunk.

CLS is longer, more streamlined siluetthe,rear end slope is not so steep.
Modifying the CLS C218 car, you could reduce the factory's Cd.

1) The CLS has wide tires because it weights around 1950 kgf, compared to the 1540 kgf of the CA.
2) It also has a frontal footprint area about 4% bigger than the CA.
3) Being longer, it has more drag caused only by skin friction.

Because those three factors mentioned above only, it will still use more fuel after you improve its Cd to match the CA's Cd of 0.22.
 
Lnewqban said:
Modifying the CLS C218 car, you could reduce the factory's Cd.

1) The CLS has wide tires because it weights around 1950 kgf, compared to the 1540 kgf of the CA.
2) It also has a frontal footprint area about 4% bigger than the CA.
3) Being longer, it has more drag caused only by skin friction.

Because those three factors mentioned above only, it will still use more fuel after you improve its Cd to match the CA's Cd of 0.22.
I mean if we compare only car body, which will have better Cd..
 
Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
Back
Top