Many factors influence a car’s handling in corners, especially in racing games like Need for Speed. Track surfaces, car setups, and individual driving styles all contribute to how a car performs. One common complaint is cars feeling too stiff and prone to understeer, particularly when accelerating out of corners. This issue is often amplified on uphill sections, where the combination of turning and acceleration puts extra stress on the car’s suspension and tires.
Different tracks and even different corners on the same track can present unique challenges. For instance, the heavily damaged and uneven road surface of the Needle Climb on Fortune Island in Forza Horizon 4 is known to be particularly unforgiving. This type of surface can exacerbate handling issues, making a car feel even stiffer and more difficult to control. Even seemingly minor differences in pavement can significantly impact grip and handling.
Tuning can help alleviate these problems. Adjusting suspension settings, differential settings, and even tire pressure can dramatically change how a car behaves in corners. Softening the suspension can improve grip and reduce stiffness, allowing the car to better absorb bumps and maintain contact with the road. Fine-tuning the differential can help balance power delivery to the wheels, improving traction and reducing understeer, especially when accelerating out of turns.
Driving style also plays a crucial role. Smooth throttle control is essential to avoid overwhelming the tires and inducing understeer. Techniques like braking hard before a corner and letting off the brakes to allow the differential to pull the car through the turn can be effective. This method utilizes engine braking and weight transfer to enhance turning capabilities, particularly during acceleration. Utilizing manual transmission with clutch and avoiding driving assists can offer greater control over the car, allowing for more precise inputs and adjustments.
Experimentation is key to finding the optimal tune and driving style for each car and track combination. Sharing tunes and driving techniques within the community allows players to learn from each other and discover new approaches to improve their performance. While a single solution may not exist for all scenarios, understanding the interplay between car setup, track conditions, and driver input is crucial for conquering challenging corners and achieving faster lap times. Even a quick 10-minute tuning session can yield noticeable improvements.
