Mr Harris, Who cares if it drifts? Does it flow ?!!
Discussion
Read with interest the thread about drifting and the view of Chris Harris on the subject. Interesting stuff.
I have some sympathy with the issue that drifting well is not, really, the kind of day to day factor that really matters in a car. Of course, it has it's place, but in the day to day business of running a single car ( like most mortals) I think there are far more important questions?
For me, the big question I ask about most modern cars is,
Does it flow?
In other words, can the car string a series of bends together on typical British A or B road, with reasonable steering, fluidity and sublety? Does the car have poise, a sense of keeping momentum so that braking is minimised and the car can "flow" across a country road swiftly, comfortably and easily. And without requiring maximum attack concentration and the white knuckles and staring eyes that go with it.
I ask this because I think too many cars simply do NOT flow at all.
The reason - an obsession with large wheels, thin tyres and "sports" suspension.
In my opinion, too many production cars are afflicted with terrible ride qualities, too large wheels and too narrow profile tyres. As a result, they do NOT 'flow" and although the driver thinks he is going fast, he is really bumping and crashing his way from one corner to the next. There is a better way.
Sadly, fashion and the sheer number of rubbish riding cars on the road, has in my opinion generated a generation of drivers who simply do not understand what "flow" is. They think cars should be hard riding. They think cars should have 20' rims.
It is all nonsense. Cars in this country needs supple suspension together with grip and poise. But it sadly lacking.
We need a campaign from people who DO know better ( that is you I hope Mr Harris !! ) to help people understand.
The last Audi S line I drove had a ride like a home made shopping trolly. It was rubbish, lurching its way from corner to corner and jiggling the occupants as it did so. Progress on country roads was slower than it should be, simply because of the whims of fashion and accepted knowledge.
It's time to set things right.
Lets have more cars that "flow" from corner to corner, rather than transport us there in a series of lurches and bumps.
Rant over.
Thanks
I have some sympathy with the issue that drifting well is not, really, the kind of day to day factor that really matters in a car. Of course, it has it's place, but in the day to day business of running a single car ( like most mortals) I think there are far more important questions?
For me, the big question I ask about most modern cars is,
Does it flow?
In other words, can the car string a series of bends together on typical British A or B road, with reasonable steering, fluidity and sublety? Does the car have poise, a sense of keeping momentum so that braking is minimised and the car can "flow" across a country road swiftly, comfortably and easily. And without requiring maximum attack concentration and the white knuckles and staring eyes that go with it.
I ask this because I think too many cars simply do NOT flow at all.
The reason - an obsession with large wheels, thin tyres and "sports" suspension.
In my opinion, too many production cars are afflicted with terrible ride qualities, too large wheels and too narrow profile tyres. As a result, they do NOT 'flow" and although the driver thinks he is going fast, he is really bumping and crashing his way from one corner to the next. There is a better way.
Sadly, fashion and the sheer number of rubbish riding cars on the road, has in my opinion generated a generation of drivers who simply do not understand what "flow" is. They think cars should be hard riding. They think cars should have 20' rims.
It is all nonsense. Cars in this country needs supple suspension together with grip and poise. But it sadly lacking.
We need a campaign from people who DO know better ( that is you I hope Mr Harris !! ) to help people understand.
The last Audi S line I drove had a ride like a home made shopping trolly. It was rubbish, lurching its way from corner to corner and jiggling the occupants as it did so. Progress on country roads was slower than it should be, simply because of the whims of fashion and accepted knowledge.
It's time to set things right.
Lets have more cars that "flow" from corner to corner, rather than transport us there in a series of lurches and bumps.
Rant over.
Thanks
I think it's situation dependent too. A car that flows well on the Autobahn will not necessarily flow well around the Brecon Beacons' A and B roads.
Cars that I've enjoyed more on British B roads are often less enjoyable on the more broken surfaces of Irish R roads (and vice versa). Interestingly, the more compliant your car's suspension, the more your wheels are in contact with the tarmac when you drive over poor surfaces. Often, ride is more important in those situations than steering feel in making a car flow.
Cars that I've enjoyed more on British B roads are often less enjoyable on the more broken surfaces of Irish R roads (and vice versa). Interestingly, the more compliant your car's suspension, the more your wheels are in contact with the tarmac when you drive over poor surfaces. Often, ride is more important in those situations than steering feel in making a car flow.
it does interest me that people keep saying that s lines are a hard ride
i have had an a4 and an a5 s line in the last couple of weeks and both to me had a soft ride and handled bumps very well, no crashing that the 318 bimmer i had suffered from terribly, certainly a lot softer than my golf
its all relative i guess
i have had an a4 and an a5 s line in the last couple of weeks and both to me had a soft ride and handled bumps very well, no crashing that the 318 bimmer i had suffered from terribly, certainly a lot softer than my golf
its all relative i guess
Chaps, I have been speaking with Chris and it's best if we keep this type of conversation within the existing thread.
It's easier for everyone to keep track of and does have some similarities.
Thanks
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
It's easier for everyone to keep track of and does have some similarities.
Thanks
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
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