What The Hell Does WHEELBASE Means?

[88 200sx se]

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!!!

[SchizophrenicMC]

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.

[Jay]

Center to center of front and rear wheels.

[SchizophrenicMC]

Thanks for clarifying, Jay.

[88 200sx se]

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

[SchizophrenicMC]

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.

[silverton]

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

[SchizophrenicMC]

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 A]

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

[SchizophrenicMC]

Measuring tape

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

[sam31183]

2+2 versus coupe?

[SchizophrenicMC]

^ 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.