understeer-oversteer

[Robert Deis]

On Thu, 16 Nov 2000, Robert L Rotax wrote:

> Would someone please explain understeer and oversteer to me. I have an 
> idea but would like to know more.


Let's start with definitions, then let racing experts go into more detail
for you:

Understeer is a tendancy for the car to continue straight when you give
steering input.  In essence, the steering response is *less* than the
steering command- hence "under."

Oversteer is the tendancy for the back end to kick out becasue of steering
input.  In essence, the steering response is *greater* than the steering
command- hence "over."