. . . Are great, until you get to a bend.
Why can't you yanquis handle corners?
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"I started out with nothin' and I still got most of it left" - Seasick Steve
Something about proving that we're really really straight, even the Brokeback boys.
SUVs,
higher center of gravity,
no Autobahn,
eeeek I'm going to tip over,
Moe hold me.
higher center of gravity,
no Autobahn,
eeeek I'm going to tip over,
Moe hold me.
The average American car leaves a lot to be desired in terms of handling. But then again, Chevys and Fords on the NASCAR circuit seem to do pretty well going around turns at 190 MPH. If only I could buy one of those....
Jawbox the Furtive wrote:
The average American car leaves a lot to be desired in terms of handling. But then again, Chevys and Fords on the NASCAR circuit seem to do pretty well going around turns at 190 MPH. If only I could buy one of those....
The Corvette race car has been smashing everything in its path as far as competition. This isn't nascar though, I believe it's Le Mans.
http://www.corvetteracing.com/history/2005_results.shtml
Edited, Thu Apr 13 21:13:32 2006 by fenderputy
Nobby wrote:
. . . Are great, until you get to a bend.
Why can't you yanquis handle corners?
Why can't you yanquis handle corners?
Deja Vu
Some people are like slinkies, they aren't really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
The average car in america is produced for people who think expressway driving is the end-all of motorsports.
Take a decent(sometimes) engine. Slap some understyled four-door sheetmetal on it, cheap leather seats and other assorted "luxury" ammenities and suspend it on a set of rusty bed springs.
That's what 90% of americans roll of new car lots.
Take a decent(sometimes) engine. Slap some understyled four-door sheetmetal on it, cheap leather seats and other assorted "luxury" ammenities and suspend it on a set of rusty bed springs.
That's what 90% of americans roll of new car lots.
We have enough land to build our roads straight.
Professor CrescentFresh wrote:
We have enough land to build our roads straight.
Its a proven fact that SUVs have a tendency to roll over without the slighest force applied to it. Any possible handling improvements raises this tendency and lawsuits there after.
Plus people are stupid, don't pay attention during drivers ed and will always attempt the off ramp at 85 MPH even tho several warning signs say 45.
Plus people are stupid, don't pay attention during drivers ed and will always attempt the off ramp at 85 MPH even tho several warning signs say 45.
Professor CrescentFresh wrote:
We have enough land to build our roads straight.
I'm going to second this (kinda). Quite frankly, in the US, the vast majority of roads are straight with banked and easy curves. While I've never driven in Europe myself, I do have several friends who have. They've described the experience as "nutty". Basically, you're typically toolling down a super narrow road that winds randomly in all directions. Stops are often "sudden", and random intrusions into the road (like flocks of sheep for my friends driving in Ireland) are frequent. Visibility is generally poor as well, with many roads lined by brick walls or high shrubs so you can't see very far in front of you either. You pretty much have to have a good handling vehicle to make any time on those roads and survive the experience.
In the US, it's just not cost effective to bother building cars designed to handle corners that US roads largely don't have. You just need a box that can drive in a relatively straight line without the wheels falling off...
King Nobby wrote:
More words please
Quote:
You just need a box that can drive in a relatively straight line without the wheels falling off...
And those are hard to find...
Just had to replace my timing belt. Damn thing only lasted 200k miles. They just don't build them like they used to.
Yup, the whole straight road thing is pretty much it.
As a result, as the car developed here in the states, "car enthusiasts" demanded cars that could basically just go in a straight line very fast. And thus drag racing was born (Do they drag race in Europe?)
Holds true for motorcycles too, for the most part. While other countries developed well-balanced, nimble machines, that could stop and turn well, here we developed the over-weight, under-powered, wallowing buffalo that is the Harley-Davidson.
As a result, as the car developed here in the states, "car enthusiasts" demanded cars that could basically just go in a straight line very fast. And thus drag racing was born (Do they drag race in Europe?)
Holds true for motorcycles too, for the most part. While other countries developed well-balanced, nimble machines, that could stop and turn well, here we developed the over-weight, under-powered, wallowing buffalo that is the Harley-Davidson.
couldnt agree with you more.....however.....
untill you foreign people start building cars that dont all look like they came out of a cracker jack box, ill buy american. even though buying american isnt really buying american anymore. my last 2 chevys were made in mexico.
have you foreign people seen he new camaro concept car? or the dodge challenger? THATS why we buy american.
untill you foreign people start building cars that dont all look like they came out of a cracker jack box, ill buy american. even though buying american isnt really buying american anymore. my last 2 chevys were made in mexico.
have you foreign people seen he new camaro concept car? or the dodge challenger? THATS why we buy american.
Quote:
have you foreign people seen he new camaro concept car? or the dodge challenger? THATS why we buy american.
If you want a classy sports car, you buy European.
Jawbox the Furtive wrote:
The average American car leaves a lot to be desired in terms of handling. But then again, Chevys and Fords on the NASCAR circuit seem to do pretty well going around turns at 190 MPH. If only I could buy one of those....
Banking on the speedways is a result of why those cars can turn so easily, but thats besides the point, those cars can't turn very well while actually driving.
Then again, we're not supposed to take hairpin turns at 60 mph
tarv of the Seven Seas wrote:
Quote:
have you foreign people seen he new camaro concept car? or the dodge challenger? THATS why we buy american.
If you want a classy sports car, you buy European.
Yeah. But you're comparing 50k cars to 200k cars. I think that the more accurate comparison is the "average" European model VW or BMW compared to the "average" US model Ford or Chevy (or even Asian Toyota and Hondas designed for the US market). On that comparison, the European cars do handle better. Much better. However, IMHO, US cars are more comfortable, ride smoother, and handle long trips better. It's really about what the market uses them for, and the conditions they're designed for.
The simple fact is that US cars are predominantly driven relatively long distances in a straight line. Even our city streets tend to be broad and straight (or gently curved). Cars designed for European drivers are driven typically shorter distances at a time, on narrow streets, with sharp corners. The need to corner and maneuver in tight spaces is much more important in Europe then it is in the US. Hence the differences in design.
King Nobby wrote:
More words please
Of course, gbaji's right as usual. We're all lined up on muddy cart-tracks waiting for the invention of blacktop and for the castle walls to crumble so we can see ahead 
We have long, straight Motorways and Autobahns / Autopistes / Autostradi.
So do you.
You have ludicrous speed limits that mean you can never legally realise the potential of these muscle cars.
In UK it's 70 (with an acknowledgement that unless you're driving like a nutter or in heavy traffic, you're OK up to 85 or so)
In northern europe the speed limits are either absent, 'advisory', or set in the high 80s and 90s.
As for our twisty roads, yep, we have 'em. And that is when a car (especially a good performance car) comes into its own.
Taking a curving bend at 50 with the steering wheel pushing gently back into your hand as you drop down a gear to power out is what driving's about.
Feeling the back wheels kicking out in random tail-slides is what happens in shi[Azure][/Azure]tty cars.
If what matters is going really fast in a straight line, fly a plane or take a train.
If you want to really enjoy driving a car, get a decent European car and take it on roads where you push the gearbox, the tyres and your skills to the limit.
I've driven fairly high spec Pontiacs, Dodges, Corvettes and Mustangs. It's no hyperbole that for handling on a nice curvy "Driver's Road" they're crap compared to a decent European family saloon.
We have long, straight Motorways and Autobahns / Autopistes / Autostradi.
So do you.
You have ludicrous speed limits that mean you can never legally realise the potential of these muscle cars.
In UK it's 70 (with an acknowledgement that unless you're driving like a nutter or in heavy traffic, you're OK up to 85 or so)
In northern europe the speed limits are either absent, 'advisory', or set in the high 80s and 90s.
As for our twisty roads, yep, we have 'em. And that is when a car (especially a good performance car) comes into its own.
Taking a curving bend at 50 with the steering wheel pushing gently back into your hand as you drop down a gear to power out is what driving's about.
Feeling the back wheels kicking out in random tail-slides is what happens in shi[Azure][/Azure]tty cars.
If what matters is going really fast in a straight line, fly a plane or take a train.
If you want to really enjoy driving a car, get a decent European car and take it on roads where you push the gearbox, the tyres and your skills to the limit.
I've driven fairly high spec Pontiacs, Dodges, Corvettes and Mustangs. It's no hyperbole that for handling on a nice curvy "Driver's Road" they're crap compared to a decent European family saloon.
"I started out with nothin' and I still got most of it left" - Seasick Steve
Uh huh... And when you *aren't* on those autobahns and motorways, you're on cramped, tiny, sharp cornered streets.
You have to get your car from your home to the motorway Nobby. In the US, that typically means driving down long straight streets, with wide sidewalks and traffic lights you can see from a mile away. In Europe, it typically means winding through teeny little streets, with practically zero clearance, and minimal visibility.
Streets in Europe are typically smaller then the alleys in most US cities. With the difference being that no one expects to actually drive anywhere in an alley.
Come to California sometime Nobby. I think you'd be shocked at just how different the street layouts are, even when compared to those in the older Eastern US cities. US cars are designed based on the roads in the West and Mid-west. If your only experience with US roads is NY and Boston, you really don't understand the difference.
You have to get your car from your home to the motorway Nobby. In the US, that typically means driving down long straight streets, with wide sidewalks and traffic lights you can see from a mile away. In Europe, it typically means winding through teeny little streets, with practically zero clearance, and minimal visibility.
Streets in Europe are typically smaller then the alleys in most US cities. With the difference being that no one expects to actually drive anywhere in an alley.
Come to California sometime Nobby. I think you'd be shocked at just how different the street layouts are, even when compared to those in the older Eastern US cities. US cars are designed based on the roads in the West and Mid-west. If your only experience with US roads is NY and Boston, you really don't understand the difference.
King Nobby wrote:
More words please
gbaji wrote:
Uh huh... And when you *aren't* on those autobahns and motorways, you're on cramped, tiny, sharp cornered streets.
You have to get your car from your home to the motorway Nobby. In the US, that typically means driving down long straight streets, with wide sidewalks and traffic lights you can see from a mile away. In Europe, it typically means winding through teeny little streets, with practically zero clearance, and minimal visibility.
Streets in Europe are typically smaller then the alleys in most US cities. With the difference being that no one expects to actually drive anywhere in an alley.
Come to California sometime Nobby. I think you'd be shocked at just how different the street layouts are, even when compared to those in the older Eastern US cities. US cars are designed based on the roads in the West and Mid-west. If your only experience with US roads is NY and Boston, you really don't understand the difference.
You have to get your car from your home to the motorway Nobby. In the US, that typically means driving down long straight streets, with wide sidewalks and traffic lights you can see from a mile away. In Europe, it typically means winding through teeny little streets, with practically zero clearance, and minimal visibility.
Streets in Europe are typically smaller then the alleys in most US cities. With the difference being that no one expects to actually drive anywhere in an alley.
Come to California sometime Nobby. I think you'd be shocked at just how different the street layouts are, even when compared to those in the older Eastern US cities. US cars are designed based on the roads in the West and Mid-west. If your only experience with US roads is NY and Boston, you really don't understand the difference.
You don't need to keep posting to make yourself look ridiculous you know. . .
"I started out with nothin' and I still got most of it left" - Seasick Steve
Lol. Unless the UK has completely rebuilt its road system in the last 8 years or so, I'm going to stand by my statement.
I'm thinking maybe you and I have different definitions of "tiny roads".
I'm thinking maybe you and I have different definitions of "tiny roads".
King Nobby wrote:
More words please
gbaji wrote:
I'm thinking maybe you and I have different definitions of "reality".
If I own a Maserati or a Ferrari (or even a humble BMW or Audi) I'm hardly going to test its prowess driving through a town or city.
Whether LA, NYC, Boulder or London, the difference is academic.
I'm talking about "Driving".
By that I don't mean clicking on the cruise control at 55 on a 200 mile straight road.
Over here, a testing corner is trying to hold 60mph on a road that would kick a Dodge Viper over the side at 25.
You don't sound like you've ever driven a decent car on a road that requires a combination of power, traction and skill.
You sound like a Lothario Playboy that's never met a woman but has become an 'expert' through watching ****.
Oh, did I mention lately that you're an cu[Azure][/Azure]nt? I don't want our relationship to grow cold.
"I started out with nothin' and I still got most of it left" - Seasick Steve
Nobby wrote:
You don't sound like you've ever driven a decent car on a road that requires a combination of power, traction and skill.
Again. In the US, there just aren't very many roads that "require a combination of power, traction, and skill" to drive on. Driving isn't something we reserve for the elite in the US (what percentage of Europeans own cars?). Everyone drives. So we build roads that anyone can drive on safely, and cars designed with those roads in mind.
King Nobby wrote:
More words please
So we build roads that anyone can drive on safely, and cars designed with those roads in mind.
Never been to Boston, I see.
Most roads in the US, particularly the Eisenhower Interstate system were designed and built much later than most roads in Eurpoe, and they were largely deigned to accomidate large military vehicles. So they're mostly straight. Also Americans are stupid gullible sheep and would rather have 4 more horsepower than a well tuned variable spring suspention.
So there you are. Thank goodness zee Germans still make cars.
Disclaimer:
To make a long story short, I don't take any responsibility for anything I post here. It's not news, it's not truth, it's not serious. It's parody. It's satire. It's bitter. It's angsty. Your mother's a *****. You like to jack off dogs. That's right, you heard me. You like to grab that dog by the bone and rub it like a ski pole. Your dad? Gay. Your priest? Straight. **** off and let me post. It's not true, it's all in good fun. Now go away.
To make a long story short, I don't take any responsibility for anything I post here. It's not news, it's not truth, it's not serious. It's parody. It's satire. It's bitter. It's angsty. Your mother's a *****. You like to jack off dogs. That's right, you heard me. You like to grab that dog by the bone and rub it like a ski pole. Your dad? Gay. Your priest? Straight. **** off and let me post. It's not true, it's all in good fun. Now go away.
41 posts
i live in america and im glad we got long streat roads if we dident i would reck every time i got out (ps my car has 450 horses not including the turbo)
Im not too fond of American cars anymore. I was a big Mustang fan for awhile. Then I got my 99 BMW M3 and I will never go back. Driving it is a dream. I only wish I was over in Europe to take advantage of all those twisty roads.
There are plenty of European cars that top that HP and have no problem turning as well.
Edited, Sun Apr 16 11:00:09 2006 by TheDraaken
Quote:
live in america and im glad we got long streat roads if we dident i would reck every time i got out (ps my car has 450 horses not including the turbo)
There are plenty of European cars that top that HP and have no problem turning as well.
Edited, Sun Apr 16 11:00:09 2006 by TheDraaken
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