When is the time to relinquish the Need For Speed?
Discussion
I've owned many performance cars over the years as well as being employed in a performance car related job for the last 10 years. However, lately, I've wondered whether it's time to slow down a bit. At the moment I have a Westfield with track days tyres that steps out of line on a regular basis and in recent conditions makes me feel a tad uneasy over taking especially with someone I love sitting alongside me in the car. The car is immensely quick, quicker than most cars I have driven and although I believe I have mastered its performance the feeling in the back of my mind that someone else might not see me or I might make a small mistake that could potentially be fatal is there more often these days.
Don't get me wrong, I love 'spirited' driving but maybe its time for a classic (TR6/ classic Porsche). To still feel the wind in my hair and taking bends and slightly less mad speeds maybe the way to go. Anyone else felt the need to wind it down a little?
Don't get me wrong, I love 'spirited' driving but maybe its time for a classic (TR6/ classic Porsche). To still feel the wind in my hair and taking bends and slightly less mad speeds maybe the way to go. Anyone else felt the need to wind it down a little?
I think you've answered your own question. If you are thinking about it, its time to wind it down a little. You can always come back to it. When my daughter was born I went from a Impreza PPP to a 159 q4, just because I wanted to be in safer car, then was less of a symbol for spirited driving.
More importantly these days is the ability to use a "performance" car on the road. Unless you are willing to seek out empty roads or get up very early in the summer the traffic density even off peak is ever increasing. Add to that cameras and police radar you may come to the conclusion that a more gentle pace is ultimately more practical!
Keep the track car for the speed thrills.
Keep the track car for the speed thrills.
My Westfield is now on semi-permanent SORN and gets trailered to track days because of all the cars I've owned over the last two or three decades it's the one I'd least like to have a crash in - whomsoever's fault. Ironically, track days are probably safer than road use in the current traffic densities and lack of general concentration by many drivers. The daily hack is a 'normal' estate car, and the wind in the hair summer car, a 2.2 BMW Z3 Roadster - far safer to crash. The Z is none too fast, but fast enough to be fun.
Ozzie Osmond said:
Time to replace the "toy" with a "proper car". But that doesn't mean you need to take a huge step back into stuff that's way past it's sell-by.
Have a look at some of the decent sportscars after 2000.
The trouble is that the mismatch between how fast you are going and how fast it feels gets greater with modern mainstream sportscars. He may struggle to find something safe which isn't also numbingly refined.Have a look at some of the decent sportscars after 2000.
Blimey, I though I'd get a host of school kids replying with 'man up' type comments that questioned my driving ability. However, these replies have reassured me that I'm probably not the only one on here who thinks their current car is being used less and less due to crowded roads and poor conditions.
I have been around some amazing super cars over the years but only met a handful of people who's driving skills were up to the potential of the car. This is why I find super cars (although lovely to look at) a bit pointless especially in the UK but that is a different debate. So, I think I'll keep the Westy for another summer then start looking at the classifieds which I always enjoy.
I have been around some amazing super cars over the years but only met a handful of people who's driving skills were up to the potential of the car. This is why I find super cars (although lovely to look at) a bit pointless especially in the UK but that is a different debate. So, I think I'll keep the Westy for another summer then start looking at the classifieds which I always enjoy.
otolith said:
Ozzie Osmond said:
Time to replace the "toy" with a "proper car". But that doesn't mean you need to take a huge step back into stuff that's way past it's sell-by.
Have a look at some of the decent sportscars after 2000.
The trouble is that the mismatch between how fast you are going and how fast it feels gets greater with modern mainstream sportscars. He may struggle to find something safe which isn't also numbingly refined.Have a look at some of the decent sportscars after 2000.
otolith said:
The trouble is that the mismatch between how fast you are going and how fast it feels gets greater with modern mainstream sportscars. He may struggle to find something safe which isn't also numbingly refined.
Very good point, the Westy feels like you're doing a ton when you're doing 30 which is no bad thing.A few years ago I got fed up with increasingly having to look out for cameras what with the Surrey police having a few mobile camera campaigns. I also was getting stuck in traffic more often than I liked and I started thinking about how much money I was burning in fuel going not very far.
Having moved to budget motoring, I've discovered you can still have fun getting the racing line right, predicting traffic conditions and working out what the idiot in front is going to do before he does it. Driving has become satisfying even without a powerful engine.
Having moved to budget motoring, I've discovered you can still have fun getting the racing line right, predicting traffic conditions and working out what the idiot in front is going to do before he does it. Driving has become satisfying even without a powerful engine.
This is exactly why I use an eco-box for the dull stuff e.g. supermarket runs, driving through the city, commute to work in traffic. Bliss is getting up early at the weekends during the summer and taking to the hills, or the odd trip to somewhere interesting in something interesting, either home or abroad. While probably not the cheaper option, I find it a better way for me than a "one car for all occasions"
As for speed, the latest 320d is almost certainly a faster car than my older Alpina, but that's never been the reason for owning it
As for speed, the latest 320d is almost certainly a faster car than my older Alpina, but that's never been the reason for owning it
If the car does not put a smile on your face, when you drive it find one that does?
I have not used mine, as much over the last few years however to have have it I feel lucky.
Also what could I replace it with? I would lose as I say 'EVERY MILE IS A SMILE' factor.
My kids are a bit big now for the small rear seats however we work around that.
I have not used mine, as much over the last few years however to have have it I feel lucky.
Also what could I replace it with? I would lose as I say 'EVERY MILE IS A SMILE' factor.
My kids are a bit big now for the small rear seats however we work around that.
Edited by SEE YA on Monday 30th December 13:22
A big 4x4 is a great way to slow down and still enjoy the journey. They aren't fast but very comfy and perfectly matched to most road conditions. With an auto box, good stereo and lots of toys you simply chill along and laugh at all the idiots. I recommend a Disco or Range Rover.
I also have a Monaro which is great to gurgle along in when the weather is great and you can go everywhere with the window down. Finally I have a bike which is a complete license loser but fun when nothing else will do.
The Monaro is modern enough to use every day but is already a classic in my book or how about a classic American V8?
I also have a Monaro which is great to gurgle along in when the weather is great and you can go everywhere with the window down. Finally I have a bike which is a complete license loser but fun when nothing else will do.
The Monaro is modern enough to use every day but is already a classic in my book or how about a classic American V8?
Mr2Mike said:
Do you just mean that most roads are now pot-holed war zones?
No, a Land Rover would not sustain such abuse without breaking down immediately. I mean, you don't care about going fast or traffic jams and nobody really tries to intimidate you. All very chilled out with the added benefit of practicality and comfort.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff