Stick vs saddle pack batteries

[fredswain]

I have only ever run a stick type of battery and have zero experience with a saddle pack. I know some cars are designed for one or the other but what I am interested in knowing is which type would be preferred if designing from scratch? Let's say we have a rear motor 2wd buggy and the chassis is such that either could be used. Which would be the preferred type to use and why? Aside from any pricing, what would the positives and negatives of each type be?

[slow bob]

the only differnce i can see is stick can only be used in cars made to fit them but saddles can be used in all formats ..

i have had stick packs and saddles and saddles are better for only that reason.

[fredswain]

Have you noticed any handling differences between them? Obviously a side by side saddle pack will distribute its weight differently than a lengthwise mounted stick pack but I'm wondering if it's enough to really matter.

[/tobys]

Battery position does make a difference to the way a car handles (it's usually the 2nd heaviest item in the car, after the motor) but there will be no difference between a stick or saddle format mounted in exactly the same position - such as straight down the middle as per B4/Cougar/etc (unless there is a big difference in the weight of the 2 pack styles).

[fredswain]

I understand that. What I'm really asking is if you had a preference to run a saddle pack arranged side by side vs a stick pack mounted down the center of the chassis, which would you prefer? Clearly the stick pack would have it's weight more centered on the chassis whereas a side by side saddle pack would spread it out a little bit but is this always desirable? Is there ever an instance where you'd prefer the weight to be centered like the side by side saddles over the center stick mount? I am assuming that we have a choice of either and aren't limited due to car design.

[/tobys]

I guess it depends - designers spend hours on the CAD systems and the track determining what the best layout for their design is.

The further the weight goes outside the centre line of the chassis, the more stable it should become at the expense of changing direction quickly. On the X6 for example, running the "standard" chassis across the length makes for a very stable car, whilst running the saddle chassis helps increase steering response.

Most modern buggies offer few options for changing this without some serious mods. In virtually all 4wd, you are somewhat limited by the drivetrain location.