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Automotive engineering

Name another field where people (like yourself) can claim exceptional skills and never have to prove it (other than the usual "because I say so").

You can measure basic data like 0-60 acceleration times and static lateral cornering on a 200' skidpad, but there are zero metrics to quantity far more valuable characteristics. How does the suspension behave, for example, under changing camber conditions? I have yet to read some a$$hole complain to Car & Driver, Automobile, or Road & Track that their observational reviews of exotic cars is invalid because there are no metrics to support their assertions.

In the most demanding racing venue, Formula One, engineers are constantly experimenting with different engine, suspension, and tire characteristics to find the best combination. Why? They don't know all the answers and readily acknowledge such. Theory goes only so far even for a mature industry such as automobiles.

The difference is that these engineers get it.

rw


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