Originally Posted by
Brian Ratliff
incorrect. Do the math. We'll wait.
Without drag, the light and heavy objects will accelerate due to gravity at the same rate because gravitational force is acting unopposed. With drag, the heavier object accelerates faster than the lighter one even assuming equivalent coefficients of drag. Gravitational force acts on the higher mass of heavy objects more than light objects while drag is proportional (squared, in the case of aero drag) to velocity and is not dependent on mass. Thus, the same drag force acting on a heavy vs. light object creates a resultant force that is larger for the heavier object and smaller for the lighter object, causing the heavier object to accelerate faster.
Incorrect
Acceleration of two objects of different mass is identical, given the same coefficient of drag.
A=f/m
F=mg
A=mg/m=g independent of mass
You are thinking about terminal velocity, which is in favor of the heavier rider. Which I mentioned in my post, the light rider will reach their terminal velocity first, which is lower than the heavy rider.
In terms of acceleration with same coefficient of drag, they will be identical.