Bigger cars do WAY more damage. To pedestrians, the impact is higher on the body and far more lethal; and to other vehicles, well that’s obvious.
I think you’re right though, with simplified physics the additional traction does cancel out the additional momentum.
But wider tyres and expensive brakes actually don’t make a difference. More contact with the ground just reduces the traction per area, total traction hasn’t changed (assuming a smooth road). As for brakes, as long as they’re strong enough to lock the wheel, that’s enough. ABS helps a little, but expensive designs are only useful if you’re in a race.
Bigger cars do WAY more damage. To pedestrians, the impact is higher on the body and far more lethal; and to other vehicles, well that’s obvious.
I think you’re right though, with simplified physics the additional traction does cancel out the additional momentum.
But wider tyres and expensive brakes actually don’t make a difference. More contact with the ground just reduces the traction per area, total traction hasn’t changed (assuming a smooth road). As for brakes, as long as they’re strong enough to lock the wheel, that’s enough. ABS helps a little, but expensive designs are only useful if you’re in a race.
Yet, performance cars with wider tires and bigger brakes (that don’t overheat and fade quickly) stop quicker than economy cars.
If they do that’s probably softer tyres and aerodynamics. Maybe suspension and weight distribution. Many factors anyway.