I wonder what the coefficient of drag difference is with the side mirrors pulled in versus out...? It could be significant at high speeds, no?

 

Umm, I wouldn't think so considering when the mirrors are folded in there is more surface area that is at a greater perpendicular angle to the travel of the air around the car than when the mirrors are out. Don't you think they would have designed the housings better or more like when they are folded than out if that worked??? :dunno:

 

No, because the mirrors have to be out enough to be useful. They wouldn't design them to be more like the way they are when they are folded in because they'd be less useful as mirrors.
As for there being more surface area when they are folded in...I don't think so. The cross sectional area is reduced when they are folded in.

 

you might pick up .0000000000001 sec. with them in. I want to get some bomex ones. They are hella tight and kinda have the same effect as what you are asking about.