Which is stiffer? Hatch or Notch?

[Aftrbrnr]

I'll say I searched not only Stangnet for this question but I also went on Google and didn't find any conclusive answers. I remember reading in a magazine years ago (5.0?) that although hatches are heavier they maybe better because they are stiffer. I've heard other people say that also but at the same time I've also heard people tell me it's the notches that are the more stiffer and rigid cars. Can anyone speak out on the subject?

 

[2000xp8]

With the design of the roofline, i'd say notch is stiffer. It's not a conclusive answer because i truely don't know that answer.
I'm not sure it really matters, each can be stiffened up just as easily as the other.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Notch is stiffer, and slightly lighter (50 pounds or so)

 

[Turd Tops]

Seeing that mustangs are unibody and does'nt have a full frame there both as stiff as a slinky but notchs are a little lighter and stiffer. My ex-gf's dad was a Michigan state trooper that drove a notch mustang up by bay city. He was told SSP used the notchs because of that reson. Some outsiders say they were used because it was a coupe and would restran people better then the coupe's. He said that was untrue because up here in Michigan if you were a SSP driver you would have to call for a 4 door cruiser to transport people. Hope that helps

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Notch is stiffer, and slightly lighter (50 pounds or so)

This depends HEAVILY on year and options, even among 5.0 cars.


Also to my knowledge the SSP's were basically chase cars and ticket cars...when someone needed hauled in they called for a Vic to pick them up. There was no separation between the driver and suspect so for the safety of the officer they didn't hold people custody in the Mustangs.

 

[Mustang5L5]

True.

Okay, just to clarify a little more.

Two identical year cars with identical options. (5-spd, same options and features) Notch vs hatch the notch should be slightly stiffer and lighter.

 

[LiquidGT]

I read that the notch is stiffer, and I can believe that because it has the package tray frame in the rear that ties L&R sides of the car together. The hatchbacks extra weight probably comes from the huge rear glass, larger 1/4 window glass (on the aero cars), and the fold down seat back stuff uses a lot of steel.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Ever have to hold a hatch up with busted lift shocks??? It's a heavy MOFO

 

[87AODGT]

well, the weight is at least in the right place over the rear tires.

 

[LiquidGT]

The notch has the lightness, but the hatch has the aero.

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

If you really wanna answer this, ask yourself how many coupes are in road racing vs. hatches. It's probably a 10:1 ratio of coupes to hatches at least.

 

[ID89GT]

Ever have to hold a hatch up with busted lift shocks??? It's a heavy MOFO

I second that. My hatch shocks are shot

 

[DARCA]

Ever have to hold a hatch up with busted lift shocks??? It's a heavy MOFO

I can attest to this... and so does the flat part on the top of my head...

 

[nunly94gt]

I can attest to this... and so does the flat part on the top of my head...

My vice grips are even starting to wear out its so heavy.

Plus its never cool when your at the track with your 2x2 wooden hatch prop.