Disc vs. Drum

All braking really is, is turning energy into heat. Disk brakes are way better at that, they also give better constant pedal feel and are easier to "balance" side to side. Additionally, they last longer and work much better when wet.

I like disks on the front of a car, and they are usually lighter than drums, but not by as much as you'd think. For the rear, I actually prefer drums, especially if its going to go down the track. The stopping power for one big stop is nearly identical to disk and the maintenance is sooooo much easier with drums.

Some late fifties/early sixties corvettes actually had vented drum brakes

Here's an article that talks about upping the performance of drum brakes. Its got some pretty neat ideas.

http://www.automedia.com/How_to_keep_Drum_Brakes_cool/res20051101db/1

Steve