Which Numbers are You Looking At?

Which part of the specs sheet do you notice first whenever a new coupe rolls out of the showroom? Is it the instant magnetic appeal of the tall horsepower output, how much volumetric weight those humongous cylinders can stuff to provide those jaw dropping torque figures, or maybe even justifying the purchase with your partner, by claiming that it can swallow shopping bags in empty compartments that only seem huge in your naïve eyes?

If I were to answer this question 3 years back, I would definitely be harping on the ongoing fascination about new and “improved” technology by manufacturers, being able to extract the most ridiculous numerical advantage over rivals, just by the inclusion of a couple of cylinders or forcemeating superchargers into the already jammed-packed engine bay. Fast forward 1000 days, and here I am being all grumpy about these additions, because they coincide with the first quantitative item that I look for in the specs sheet now – weight.

My answer might seem surprising to some, and I wouldn’t blame those seeking to disagree with me. Big engines and high torque output will certainly provide any driver that instant shove in the back sensation whenever needed. Simply put pedal to the metal, let the engine rake up his horses, and there you are at point B before you know it. Maybe you can consider asking yourself this question: is power output the only figure that you are chasing? If yes, is it due to the fact that you believe that high performance translates to the acquisition of a better driving machine?

In more ways than one, cars with towering performance figures supply the avenue for technological advancement and bragging rights. Why hold back when engineers know that they have power plants capable of producing digits in their favour? I dare say that the performance numbers game does not appeal to car enthusiasts as much anymore, which is why I am getting all excited when Toyota and Subaru release their modern Hachiroku on local shores, in front of members of the public that seem oblivious to the amount of muscles strained and elbows greased to perfect its basis for existence – keeping weight to the minimum.

Physics will allow us to believe that we can push objects further with less mass. Same logic applies to vehicles. Imagine a sub-tonne Mazda Miata strutting her anorexic load on B roads. This makes hardly any sense to wedge a heavy duty V8 in coupes for these sorts of twisties. The Miata has been hailed as one of the best handling mass production cars to ever grace public roads, and I can sense the urgency for petrolheads to jump into one given the slightest of opportunity, after having the privilege to try a couple of NA 1.6 on good roads. Her divine talent to direct her path on switchbacks according to my demanding limbs, transfers the whole limelight from “marvelous” technological modernity, to the good old days where flyweight is the key to driving satisfaction and more importantly, enjoyment.

Whenever you have an intention to purchase a coupe, it wouldn’t do harm to take a glance at the curb weight of your intended acquisition. Focus on how the power delivery is being fed to the driver during the test drive. Does it go fast due the strength of her heartbeat, or because of weight that she has shed? I’ll select the latter in a jiffy. 86, do Petrolheads proud and set the second wave of trend. It has been proven successful before I was born. I’m sure you can follow suit.

Let's keep our fingers crossed.

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