Originally Posted by shadowboy
if you want to pm me (or if anyone posts a request) i can explain this in MUCH, MUCH greater detail. with hypothetical numerical examples.
I'll save you the trouble...
F (at the wheel) = M (of car) * A (of car)
If the mass stays the same (if it doesn't you're in trouble), then the max Acceleration happens at max wheel Force.
If wheel Force = wheel Torque / wheel radius, and the wheel radius is constant, then max Force happens at max wheel Torque.
Max wheel Torque happens at max engine torque with the most mechanical advantage, ie. lowest gear (highest gear ratio).
So max acceleration happens at max engine torque in 1st gear. Of course this assumes that the acceleration is in the forward direction....