rec.autos.simulators

Two arguements we have at work about cars:

        1. Two four-cylinder engines of the same displacement, one with
a
single overhead cam and six*** valves and one with dual overhead cams
and six*** valves.  Would the engine with dual overhead cams be any
more powerful, and if so why?

        2. If you had two Mitsubishi Eclipses with identical engines
(turbocharged) and identical drivers but one was all-wheel drive and one
was just front wheel drive, which one would win in the quarter-mile and
why?

        Any input will be appreciated.

Well, all other things being equal, the only difference would be the
extra mass of the arms to actuate the valves on the single cam, while
the twin-cam has a cam right over each set of valves with (usually) no
arms to operate the valves.

The all-wheel drive will be faster from a standing start, the
front-wheel drive will be faster from a rolling start. The all-wheel
driver simply has to rev to 6000 RPM and sidestep the clutch. If the
transaxle lives, it will grip at all 4 corners and leave really hard.
Makes for really good 60ft times. The front-wheel driver will spin
uncontrollably if he does this. He will, however have a LOT less weight
to carry being without all the extra drivetrain stuff for the rear. Look
for the Front driver to catch up to the all-wheel driver in a longer
distance, but not in a quarter mile.