How do you build in balance?

 

1957 Chevrolet

HOW DO YOU BUILD IN BALANCE?

Fifty-fifty weight distribution is the automobile designer's aim — and his nightmare! It's easy to understand why: Balancing the weight equally between front and rear wheels is fundamental if you want stability and sure-footed control on curves and solid driving traction at the rear. But (and this is the joker) the passenger space has to be ahead of the rear axle if you want a soft rear seat ride and full rear seat hip room.

On most cars, that means too much weight on the front wheels. But not in Chevrolets. For example, a Chevrolet "Two-Ten" four-door sedan with Turboglide has from 207 to 240 pounds less dead weight on the front end than comparable cars in the low-price field.

That makes a big difference in handling ease and road security. It explains why Chevy's steering is so light and precise, why its traction is better (light rear ends tend to spin and skid under power thrust). It is the basic engineering principle behind Chevrolet's famous roadability. It is a basic design fact that can be proved on the scales. But there's an easier proof for you—just see your dealer and drive a new Chevrolet. You'll find there's a whale of a lot more pleasure in bossing the best balanced car in its field!

CHEVROLET



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