How much does an S weigh?

[frontfloater]

Not as simple as you might think. When trying to work out my S2's power-to-weight figure after a recent dyno run, I noticed an anomaly in the factory figures. My original red owner's manual, on page 4, illustrates an S1 and gives the dry weight figures as 940 kgs / 1984 lbs. But those are nowhere near equivalents.

If 940 kgs is correct, that's 2072 pounds. Or if 1984 lbs is correct, that's only 900 kgs. The latter would mean 215 BHP per tonne instead of 206.

Steve Heath's book has a table on page 17 showing an S1 figure of 900 kgs "taken from the original sales brochure", but then all models from S1 to S4 & V8S as 940 kgs "from the owner's manuals". It seems likely that most other independently published specifications are probably taken from that same factory data. Is there any independent source which gives the actual verified weights?

[v8s4me]

The only weigh to know for sure is to take is to a public way bridge

Anything else is just speculation. You'd be surprised how much difference there can be between the weights of different wheels and tyres.

And of course a 10W/40 oil is a different "weight" to a 20W50

[GreenV8S]

If that's for the purposes of the speed championship, talk to the coordinator for the current reference figures. We used 987 Kgs and 172 BHP as the kerbside weight and stock power for an S2 when I did it.

If it isn't for competition purposes, pick any number you like.

[DamianS3]

v8s4me said:

The only weigh to know for sure is to take is to a public way bridge

Anything else is just speculation. You'd be surprised how much difference there can be between the weights of different wheels and tyres.

And of course a 10W/40 oil is a different "weight" to a 20W50

I’ve always been curious about this.. can you just turn up and get the car weighed? Any idea of cost?

Thanks

Damian S3

[BIG DUNC]

Go to your local scrappy.

They often pay by weight. Van drives onto weigh bridge, gets weighed. Goes and unloads scrap. Gets weighed again. Gets paid in difference on weight.

I gave them a small beer voucher and they gave me a print out showing how much the car weighed.

Make sure you empty the boot, and all the crap from inside the car first, you would be surprised how much it weighs.

Also, make sure your fluids (especially fuel) are either on max or min, so you have a reference.

[v8s4me]

You'll find the info HERE

Is there anything the buers haven't privatised?

[88S1]

Says 900kg on this doc.

[Deeman]

For a technical diagram, that front view looks dreadful!

[v8s4me]

The side view shows how the lovely lines were compromised by the stupid hood design.

[Bercilac]

I also find the hood design stunningly bad. Has anyone ever had a go at fitting a drop top?

[WotnoV8]

Yes it has been done. Modified mx5 soft top frame?

Edited by WotnoV8 on Tuesday 21st July 17:32

[frontfloater]

88S1 said "Says 900kg on this doc."

I assume that's from the factory sales brochure mentioned in Steve Heath's book, which I mentioned in the original post. But 900 conflicts with the owner's manual.

BOB

Edited by frontfloater on Tuesday 21st July 16:31

[v8s4me]

WotnoV8 said:

Yes it has been done. Modified mx5 soft top frame?

Edited by WotnoV8 on Tuesday 21st July 17:32

But unfortunately it still sticks up above the line of the car thanks to the stupid (lack of) design of the seat belt locating point. Had that been thought through properly even the OE pram hood would have folded down in to the parcel shelf.