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Re: Does 3.91 make the '91 fastest? (archive)
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Posted by Gary Derian on January 19, 2002 at 22:52:48:

In Reply to: Does 3.91 make the '91 fastest? posted by Skid on January 18, 2002 at 01:18:03:

A lower final drive will only help the performance from a dead stop up to 25 or 30 mph. Above that, the average performance will be the same.

In a given gear at a given speed, say 60 mph in 5th, the lower axle will of course accelerate faster, but you will have to shift at a lower speed. The result is, on average, there is no difference.

At say 90 mph, with a 3.73 you can be in 3rd with nearly 20 mph to go. With a 4.10, you will need to be in 4th. In this case, the car will be faster with the 3.73.

My M5 has a 3.91 and is plenty fast off the line. I can dump the clutch and spin the tires at will. Switching to a 4.10 will not help as I am traction limited. Actually, switching to a 3.73 will likely still allow the rear tires to spin and will not slow the car at all.


The final drive was made taller for '92 and '93. Is there any material difference in quater mile times or overall feel?




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