Stock weight vs. weight reduction + ballast?

[tezster]

Is there an advantage to intentionally reducing the weight of a car below the restrictions, then adding ballast? i.e. compared to just using a car at its stock weight?

If there is, are there any general setup guidelines in terms of how weight distribution effects handling characteristics of a car (taking into consideration the drivetrain)?

The reason I ask is I've tried doing some testing with mixed results. I'm only a casual gamer, so my personal lap times aren't consistent enough from lap to lap to determine if any advantage gained is due to my driving or the car setup.

 

[adeadsnipermatt]

I personally love being under weight so I can move the ballist around to make the car balance. If want more grip when breaking slide the weight to the front and you need more balance a twitchy MR slide slightly to the front keep close to the middle. I honestly rarely place in the rear the only time I would would be a front heavy FR like a striped down miata but it's rare.

 

[veyron1001]

With a ballast you can move the weight around to your advantage for the best results.

 

[Infused]

What I would like to know is if or how weight reduction affects car durability? Does each stage of weight reduction make the car more susceptible to mechanical and cosmetic damage when being contacted by another vehicle?

In theory (and reality) adding lightweight parts will make your car weaker, but does this translate in game?

 

[DGXR]

What I would like to know is if or how weight reduction affects car durability? Does each stage of weight reduction make the car more susceptible to mechanical and cosmetic damage when being contacted by another vehicle?

In theory (and reality) adding lightweight parts will make your car weaker, but does this translate in game?

I'm pretty sure none of the structural bracing is removed outright during the weight reduction procedure, that would not make sense from a safety standpoint. Any new parts used for lighter weight will be at least as strong as the parts they are replacing. Add the $20k bracing in the body/chassis menu if you want more chassis rigidity, or just do a chassis rebuild. Obviously a lighter car will lose a shoving or bumping match with a heavier vehicle.