rec.autos.simulators

All of the cars are based on real GT series cars: e.g. Viper GTS-R, Mercedes
CLK-GTR, Lister Storm, etc., and the specs are pretty accurate.
Each car has a rating of 1-10 for the following categories, so there's no
"raw" data to look at.
1. Top Speed
2. Acceleration
3. Handling
4. Weight

Please tell me how each of following can affect the car in these four
categories:

Engine: How does the engine displacement have an effect on power?  How about
the number of cylinders?

Power: How do the engine revs affect power?  Are there advantages or
disadvantages to cars that output their maximum power at 6000 rpm vs. 8000
r.p.m.?

Gearbox: what are the advantages of 7 and 6 speed gearboxes versus 5?  There
are no gear ratios listed, so I'm guessing the top gear on a 7-speed can be
geared for higher top speeds, while the lower ones can be geared for better
acceleration.

Wheelbase:  How does this affect handling?  Is a longer wheelbase more
desirable?

Front track, rear track: Some of the cars have wider rear tracks.  Is a
wider rear track more stable, or does it provide better handling?

Weight:  Obviously, a lighter car is easier to stop, but I've also found
that the lighter cars are harder to handle.

Tires:  The tires range from 355 R18's to 375 R20's.  Wider tires will give
you better grip, but how can the diameter affect speeds?

Brakes.  Brake discs diameters range from 330mm to 383mm.  The wider discs
have more surface area to provide more stopping power.  Anything else?

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<snip>
More displacement=more power.
A 6cyl engine with the same displacement as a 4cyl will provide more power.
(more plug firings/revolution)

Peak power at low revs is good for fuel mileage, as well as takeoff.
Most Nascar racers operate at high revs throughout the race, so they want the peak up there.
Road course types, which are always shifting for corners, need acceleration.

Like a bicycle, more gears give more options to the driver. The gear ratios could all be
within 1 of each other for 4, 5, 6 or 7 gear trannies. Each gear can be individually
tuned for specific use (turn 1, 3, etc).

Short cars are generally more maneuverable. (ie Civics do better in parking lot rally comps in my area).
This could, however, be bad for some drivers who like to "toss" the car.

You need only look at the Hummer for the answer to that one. It's like having outriggers.

Bit of a tradeoff here. Lighter cars accelerate/stop better. Less centrifugal force in the turns too.
However, traction is dependent on weight pressing down. (ie burnout easier in light car with big engine).

All I know is, the engine doesn't have to turn as much for bigger tires, which could give better speeds, or
keep revs down whichever you want.

More surface area=better heat dissipation, resulting in better stopping.

<snip>

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