The front luggage rack creates a LOT of turbulence and drag.  Yes, frontal
area is the same but with the rack the drag is much higher.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/misterpolak/Misc%20VW%20nuttiness/windtests.jpg

2008/9/26 Mike S <mikes@flatsurface.com>

> At 08:11 PM 9/26/2008, Michael Snow wrote...
>
>> I can't imagine that the aerodynamics are significantly different.
>>
>
> Ditto. The surface area is the same, and the area which has been moved
> back is a very small fraction of the total front end area.
>
> The V is a box on wheels, there's not a whole lot to be done to
> _significantly_ affect the aerodynamics. I suspect the single biggest
> difference would be from having the underbody panel with which AC gas
> heater models were equipped (cuts a lot of turbulence). I'm biased,
> I've got one. :-)
>

--
Chris S.
Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"