Have you noticed? Envy...
Discussion
I drive a a beautiful, mint red Prosche cabriolet. Ever since I bought it I have noticed the amount of people that do the following:
(1) If I am a split second late on the uptake at the traffic light (and by "late", I mean not having hit 60mph between the yellow and green light) horns start blowing immediately.
(2) People seem far more agressive at the lights and always try to pull away first and then (sometimes) swerve back into my lane in front of me.
(3) If I slow down ever so slightly when having spied a parking spot on a yellow line (signal immediately put on, by the way!)instant horning and relevant death stare on passing!
(4) The occasional poor sod who yells "w*nker" if the top is down/or even if it isn't!
It doesn't take much to understand where the angst comes from, but it is sad isn't it?
This is my first Porsche in the UK. Before I had a 'nice' car, I used to drive a 'normal' one. I used to love seeing something nice at the traffic lights and admire it (still do!). What's with these people?
Have any of you with your beautiful machines noticed the same?
(1) If I am a split second late on the uptake at the traffic light (and by "late", I mean not having hit 60mph between the yellow and green light) horns start blowing immediately.
(2) People seem far more agressive at the lights and always try to pull away first and then (sometimes) swerve back into my lane in front of me.
(3) If I slow down ever so slightly when having spied a parking spot on a yellow line (signal immediately put on, by the way!)instant horning and relevant death stare on passing!
(4) The occasional poor sod who yells "w*nker" if the top is down/or even if it isn't!
It doesn't take much to understand where the angst comes from, but it is sad isn't it?
This is my first Porsche in the UK. Before I had a 'nice' car, I used to drive a 'normal' one. I used to love seeing something nice at the traffic lights and admire it (still do!). What's with these people?
Have any of you with your beautiful machines noticed the same?
Have a look on my profile. When I owned this car and drove anywhere I received the same (mind you it is a bit garish) never let out of any junctions except funnily enough every year in June in a certain town in France where people who appreciate vehicular excellence seem to gather and enjoy each others cars.
Same thing happens now with my 20 year old 911 Targa, except most people seem to take the p
ss and ask why I couldn't afford a new one. Can't win can you?
Still with the old girl pumping out a healthy 250bhp and quite a bit lighter she cause a few surprises I can tell you (Particularly Scooby and M3 drivers)
Same thing happens now with my 20 year old 911 Targa, except most people seem to take the p
ss and ask why I couldn't afford a new one. Can't win can you? Still with the old girl pumping out a healthy 250bhp and quite a bit lighter she cause a few surprises I can tell you (Particularly Scooby and M3 drivers)
I find people's attitudes quite sad, that they see a nice car and instead of admiring it, they automatically label the driver a child-murdering lunatic and want damage it. In fact, it makes me worried about actually owning a sports car because of the potential for envy-based vandalism.
silversun said:
I find people's attitudes quite sad, that they see a nice car and instead of admiring it, they automatically label the driver a child-murdering lunatic and want damage it. In fact, it makes me worried about actually owning a sports car because of the potential for envy-based vandalism.
Peoples attitudes towards the Griff aren't like this though. I usually get compliments, people letting me out etc etc.
I wonder if it helps having a British car?
DustyC said:
I find people's attitudes quite sad, that they see a nice car and instead of admiring it, they automatically label the driver a child-murdering lunatic and want damage it. In fact, it makes me worried about actually owning a sports car because of the potential for envy-based vandalism.
Peoples attitudes towards the Griff aren't like this though. I usually get compliments, people letting me out etc etc.
I wonder if it helps having a British car?
Same in the Caterham - usually I get let out and generally positive comments.
oh yes, most definately. Most people buy cars purely on image, and this is how they see it out on the road. They think that because I'm in a sports car that I bought it purely to show off. I've even spoken to people who think that the Elise is the ultimate in vanity, because people "put up with a lack of creature comforts just to boost their ego". yes, really!
I drive a variety of cars (my own, plus hire cars), and this is the reaction I get:
Micra/Punto: everyone tries to overtake me and I also get bullied a lot
Flashy sports car: insults, gesticulations. I've been threatened with physical violence twice (once with a knife!). Tends to be people in cheap mundane cars that get irate. People in expensive cars aren't bothered.
Mundane saloon: no-one seems to even notice me! I just get on with it.
Ultimate mundane saloon (the diesel Vectra estate I had last week for instance): people let you out of junctions and smile at you etc. This tends to be people in other ultimate mundane cars or trucks. Gives me a nice 'part of the community' feeling
I drive a variety of cars (my own, plus hire cars), and this is the reaction I get:
Micra/Punto: everyone tries to overtake me and I also get bullied a lot
Flashy sports car: insults, gesticulations. I've been threatened with physical violence twice (once with a knife!). Tends to be people in cheap mundane cars that get irate. People in expensive cars aren't bothered.
Mundane saloon: no-one seems to even notice me! I just get on with it.
Ultimate mundane saloon (the diesel Vectra estate I had last week for instance): people let you out of junctions and smile at you etc. This tends to be people in other ultimate mundane cars or trucks. Gives me a nice 'part of the community' feeling
On the contrary, I generally get very positive vibes from other road users, of driving a Ferrari.
However, I was once pulled over by the Police at 2 am coming out of a night club with my lady. Mine was the only car pulled over. Yes it was red, yes it was a Ferrari 360 Modena, and yes it did have a rather distinctive number plate.
The young PC made a big thing of breathalising me (I do not drink) and looking over the car from top to bottom for 25 minutes to the jeers from fellow clubbers.
At the end of it, the only thing that the PC could find to complain about, was a mis-spaced number plate. I was given an on the spot fine of £40 (I think).
However, I was once pulled over by the Police at 2 am coming out of a night club with my lady. Mine was the only car pulled over. Yes it was red, yes it was a Ferrari 360 Modena, and yes it did have a rather distinctive number plate.
The young PC made a big thing of breathalising me (I do not drink) and looking over the car from top to bottom for 25 minutes to the jeers from fellow clubbers.
At the end of it, the only thing that the PC could find to complain about, was a mis-spaced number plate. I was given an on the spot fine of £40 (I think).
DustyC said:
I find people's attitudes quite sad, that they see a nice car and instead of admiring it, they automatically label the driver a child-murdering lunatic and want damage it. In fact, it makes me worried about actually owning a sports car because of the potential for envy-based vandalism.
Peoples attitudes towards the Griff aren't like this though. I usually get compliments, people letting me out etc etc.
I wonder if it helps having a British car?
Exactly what I was about to post. Word by word in fact.
Peoples attitudes towards the Griff aren't like this though. I usually get compliments, people letting me out etc etc.
I wonder if it helps having a British car?
I think it could be the perception of Porsche owners by certain people. There are oceans of jealous pricks in this country.
DustyC said:
I find people's attitudes quite sad, that they see a nice car and instead of admiring it, they automatically label the driver a child-murdering lunatic and want damage it. In fact, it makes me worried about actually owning a sports car because of the potential for envy-based vandalism.
Peoples attitudes towards the Griff aren't like this though. I usually get compliments, people letting me out etc etc.
I wonder if it helps having a British car?
It might not be the car to be honest, i have to admit I also took pity on you first time I met you.
lazyitus said:
I wonder if it helps having a British car?
i think it does - i was in birmingham once and some guys gave out abuse to a guy in a murkylager and praise to (presumably) his mate following in a vanquish... likewise i have seen loads of ZTs being driven stupidly but they have been given more leeway (sp?!) than a well driven 3-series.
ps if anyone out there is the fool in the red MCS with additional wally lights who was tailgating everyone on the a1m last sunday i see why a few PHers think of MINIs as my first beemers! generally people are fine with the mini cos they are seen as girls cars (fine by me!). i am not trying to say a MCS is comparable to a 911 or a Tiv BTW i am just saying that even though they aren't really british they are perceived as such and most normal people don't have a problem with them. even the Jr chavs in my road like it - they prefer mr miagi's evo but they do actually like it which surprised me!
AdvocatusDiaboli said:
Have any of you with your beautiful machines noticed the same?
Fact of life I'm afraid. When I used to run Porsches many moons ago you got treated like sh!t. Folks would shake the beans at the car(s), spit at them etc. No one would let you out at junctions and folks would try to block you passing. I put up with this for over 10 years.
Cerbera was lots better, with many folks actually giving thumbs-up! But still the occasional beans or objects thrown.
I now drive a Ford DoubleCab Pickup. It's great. Folks let you out at junctions, let you past, but then otherwise ignore you. Although I'm just waiting on the first quiche-eater to start moaning about its size.
Anyway, you ain't going to change folks' attitudes, unfortnately, so you either have to put up with it, drive it less, keep it for the open road only, keep it for track days only, or buy something else. TVRs don't attract such negative vibes..I guess Porsches are the worst, especially in red. Not sure about 'rarris, but Massers - like TVRs - don't seem to be hit so badly either.
jeremyc said:
'Tis a veritable parting of the proletariate in the Moses-wagon Aston. 
Maybe it is a British thing...
Interesting point! I have to admit I have never given that much thought. However, I do believe that a lot of the people that do give you grief are ignorant of a car's origins. Only that it looks better, sounds louder (ifs its a griff!) and they don't have one.
I have a 'friend' who loved my car when I bought it, and when he got pissed said: "Oh no, why did it have to be red." I explained to him that I bought a 10 year old Porsche in red because:
(a) its beautiful
(b) it makes you feel so involved
(c) red only makes it look more beautiful
Its got nothing to do with badge envy or try to pull some awesturck bird. I would admire a Huyndai if it was beatiful!
tvrolet said:
Have any of you with your beautiful machines noticed the same?
Fact of life I'm afraid. When I used to run Porsches many moons ago you got treated like sh!t. Folks would shake the beans at the car(s), spit at them etc. No one would let you out at junctions and folks would try to block you passing. I put up with this for over 10 years.
Cerbera was lots better, with many folks actually giving thumbs-up! But still the occasional beans or objects thrown.
I now drive a Ford DoubleCab Pickup. It's great. Folks let you out at junctions, let you past, but then otherwise ignore you. Although I'm just waiting on the first quiche-eater to start moaning about its size.
Anyway, you ain't going to change folks' attitudes, unfortnately, so you either have to put up with it, drive it less, keep it for the open road only, keep it for track days only, or buy something else. TVRs don't attract such negative vibes..I guess Porsches are the worst, especially in red. Not sure about 'rarris, but Massers - like TVRs - don't seem to be hit so badly either.
i doubt they are letting you out out of kindness - more likely fer that you'll drive into them! tht's the benefit of driving a commercial vehicle!
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