If the shape with the least air-resistance is a raindrop 💧, why are most cars shaped like a backwards raindrop? 🚗

Question

I am basing my question off this [image](https://study.com/cimages/multimages/16/dragcoefficients8851096396303799158.png)

Edit: Okay, okay, I should have said “teardrop” instead of “raindrop.” Talking about the *actual* shape of raindrops doesn’t really help given the visuals I provided.

In: 558

Answer 1

Along with everyone else’s points, keep in mind that topology plays a part. That raindrop is a single solid object whereas a car can have air got through the grill, engine bay, cabin, etc. The most aerodynamic solution becomes infinitely more complex based off that alone.

On top of that, there’s value in the air resistance. If you want performance, you need to generate downforce to stay on the road and maintain grip. If you don’t counter air resistance enough, at higher speeds, you’re losing grip, potentially lowering power output, potentially even generating some degree of lift which could lead to lack of control. In essence, the physics might say it’s a good idea, but the engineering and economics say it’s a bad idea.