Car culture by nation
Discussion
Just come back from a weeks cycling in Mallorca, stayed in Port Polença, wonderful time. A few car related differences from UK - firstly, people drive much more slowly, even on empty roads they just potter along, and secondly, an almost total absence of expensive cars. Mostly people driving around in hatchbacks from SEAT, Peugeot, Citroen, VW etc, or utility vehicles like Berlingos. Very few ‘old bangers’, most cars looked newish and in good condition. Very few BMW or Audi, virtually no executive cars at all. Very few sports cars. The car culture seems to have passed them by. Travelling in mainland Spain, Portugal and France observation seems to be the same.
So, what creates car centric culture? Why do countries differ so much. The desire for more powerful machines, race cars for the road, modded cars, private plates, and such like. Some countries seem to use cars as mere tools and I would suggest their society is better for it.
Discuss.
So, what creates car centric culture? Why do countries differ so much. The desire for more powerful machines, race cars for the road, modded cars, private plates, and such like. Some countries seem to use cars as mere tools and I would suggest their society is better for it.
Discuss.
Edited by Tim O on Wednesday 4th May 09:23
I would say in general that UK drivers would like 21 inch wheels on their M-Sport/AMG-Line/S-Line to impress the neighbours, whereas most Europeans would like a nicer leather seating because that's what they see and feel each day from driving the car.
And the Eastern Euros want both but in a clapped out smoking premium car.
And the Eastern Euros want both but in a clapped out smoking premium car.
As well as by nation I notice differences within the country.
For example in Shropshire I find less car based communication than South Yorkshire. (I live in Shropshire now, but from South Yorkshire)
When I drive in Yorkshire I find more assertive driving and more friendly traffic lights GPs or general communication between drivers.
I might just be describing population density difference and the difference between more sparse rural population and urban areas.
I notice more hot hatches and slightly more modified cars in Yorkshire, more 3D or embossed plates, tinted windows, and window deflectors. Hardly the peak of modification, but more seem into cars, if I drive round an estate in Yorkshire more likely to more fruity Japanese machinery, than in Shropshire where I see typically newer SUVs.
From what I see the south east might have more fruity cars, maybe due to wealth of that section of the country, or maybe it’s me making assumptions or seeing a pattern
In reference to the Orignal post regarding countries, In Romania I noticed almost exclusively old German diesel cars, with the occasional boxy soviet era car.
In Mallorca and other similar islands I tend to notice small newer white cars and the modified cars appeared to be more modified almost to the max power levels, big wheels and chrome.
In France I recall seeing a lot of small diesel cars eg 205s, 206s
Is this due to lower cost of diesel on the continent vs petrol?
For example in Shropshire I find less car based communication than South Yorkshire. (I live in Shropshire now, but from South Yorkshire)
When I drive in Yorkshire I find more assertive driving and more friendly traffic lights GPs or general communication between drivers.
I might just be describing population density difference and the difference between more sparse rural population and urban areas.
I notice more hot hatches and slightly more modified cars in Yorkshire, more 3D or embossed plates, tinted windows, and window deflectors. Hardly the peak of modification, but more seem into cars, if I drive round an estate in Yorkshire more likely to more fruity Japanese machinery, than in Shropshire where I see typically newer SUVs.
From what I see the south east might have more fruity cars, maybe due to wealth of that section of the country, or maybe it’s me making assumptions or seeing a pattern
In reference to the Orignal post regarding countries, In Romania I noticed almost exclusively old German diesel cars, with the occasional boxy soviet era car.
In Mallorca and other similar islands I tend to notice small newer white cars and the modified cars appeared to be more modified almost to the max power levels, big wheels and chrome.
In France I recall seeing a lot of small diesel cars eg 205s, 206s
Is this due to lower cost of diesel on the continent vs petrol?
Edited by mintmansam on Wednesday 4th May 10:11
The UK must be the least patriotic car buying nation.
France has a long history of taxing cars on engine power (even having famous cars named after their taxable power rating) and Italians have/had punitive taxes on engines over 2 litres - both leading to a culture of small cars.
England (as opposed to the UK as a whole) has very few areas that are outside of commuting distance of large towns/cities, so country areas have plenty of rich commuters living in them you see nice cars everywhere.
Used cars have always been cheaper in the UK so easier to get into a fancy brand at lower cost.
France has a long history of taxing cars on engine power (even having famous cars named after their taxable power rating) and Italians have/had punitive taxes on engines over 2 litres - both leading to a culture of small cars.
England (as opposed to the UK as a whole) has very few areas that are outside of commuting distance of large towns/cities, so country areas have plenty of rich commuters living in them you see nice cars everywhere.
Used cars have always been cheaper in the UK so easier to get into a fancy brand at lower cost.
In the area of Spain that we regularly visit (Mar Menor area), the locals seem to run cars to their death and then replace them, having frequent low-speed accidents. 
Unsurprisingly, lots of Seats, Citroens and Peugeots. In new cars Dacias are much more common than here. Don't see much VAG/BMW/Merc stuff.
Obviously if you head towards the likes of Banus, the willy wavers are out in force and you see more fancy stuff going up and down repeatedly.
Unsurprisingly, lots of Seats, Citroens and Peugeots. In new cars Dacias are much more common than here. Don't see much VAG/BMW/Merc stuff.
Obviously if you head towards the likes of Banus, the willy wavers are out in force and you see more fancy stuff going up and down repeatedly.
mintmansam said:
....From what I see the south east might have more fruity cars, maybe due to wealth of that section of the country, or maybe it’s me making assumptions or seeing a pattern
Indeed. There is a noticeable difference in car quality in the 100 miles between where I live in Hampshire and my home town in Dorset. Many more white collar jobs up here so newer company cars leads to newer average age. More likely to see an expensive luxury car or sports car by being near to many expensive areas.mintmansam said:
From what I see the south east might have more fruity cars, maybe due to wealth of that section of the country, or maybe it’s me making assumptions or seeing a pattern
The London ULEZ has probably put paid to this, but back in the day you'd see all sorts of interesting 70s, 80s and 90s cars that had vanished elsewhere. I assume a lot of people bought a car simply to go outside of London and used public transport to go everywhere else. Even a couple of years ago a walk around suburban South London would show up all sorts of cars like old 80s Granadas on people's driveways.Since discovering Roadkill (initially YouTube and subsequently on Motor Trend) and the various spin off shows, I've become fascinated by American hot rod culture. There's something quite evocative about the rich history of groups of friends getting together on weekends to work on a car, and employing low tech but ingenious, and often low budget techniques to coax decent power out of the gargantuan boat anchor V8s that power so much old American metal, before racing it on the street or on the drag strip. Helped of course by many states rather lax approach to roadworthiness. The idea that in many states, you can just build something, (or pull it out of a junkyard) and drive it on the road is unthinkable to me as a Brit.
It's one of those cultures that I know, if I'd been born in a different place and time, I'd be a very enthusiastic part of. It's clear that America is still littered with junk yards full of these old cars, and in the states with kinder climates (or very lax/non existent inspection laws), many are still quite saveable. Most spares and 'speed parts' are available off the shelf. No, they don't go round corners, and would be nigh on hopeless over here, but that doesn't matter when you're racing in straight lines, and you can build the car yourself with a set of commonly available tools.
The 'drag week' events look like great fun as well. You have an event at a different drag strip every day where you need to set a time, and then you drive the same car between each event over a pre-determined route (enforced with checkpoints). Support vehicles (and external help generally) are banned. It's on you to drive it, patch it up and race it for the duration.
Very different to what we do here, but it really appeals to me.
It's one of those cultures that I know, if I'd been born in a different place and time, I'd be a very enthusiastic part of. It's clear that America is still littered with junk yards full of these old cars, and in the states with kinder climates (or very lax/non existent inspection laws), many are still quite saveable. Most spares and 'speed parts' are available off the shelf. No, they don't go round corners, and would be nigh on hopeless over here, but that doesn't matter when you're racing in straight lines, and you can build the car yourself with a set of commonly available tools.
The 'drag week' events look like great fun as well. You have an event at a different drag strip every day where you need to set a time, and then you drive the same car between each event over a pre-determined route (enforced with checkpoints). Support vehicles (and external help generally) are banned. It's on you to drive it, patch it up and race it for the duration.
Very different to what we do here, but it really appeals to me.
vikingaero said:
And the Eastern Euros want both but in a clapped out smoking premium car.
Maybe depends on which bit, but in Bulgaria no-one in their right minds would have low profile tyres on a car, the roads are just too poorly surfaced. You see loads of things like AMG Mercs on 17 inch steel wheels, god knows what they do to the brakes to get them to fit. I would say car culture is strong in the UK. Not just ownership of cars but places you can go to experience more. There’s little places like Caffeine and Machine, Aces Cafe, Brooklands+Mercedes World, Goodwood FoS plus many more. Lots of racing events and circuits to go to. I’m not sure you could find many other places with as concentrated car enthusiasm elsewhere in the world.
Although when you actually go to America the roads are just full of dull Honda and Toyota saloons and small SUVs.
I visited earlier this year, having been away for 3 years due to you-know-what, and expected to see loads of Ford Broncos and Corvette C8s that I'm always seeing on social media, but I saw one of each and the Corvette was at a car meet rather than on the street.
They also have a different attitude to law enforcement - most of the cars on Roadkill are illegal but the punishment is minor so they don't care, the same with speeding, it seems to be easier to be caught but only small fines and not the same risk of losing your licence that we have.
They do have the advantage of having massive garages and driveways on normal suburban homes, so easy to have multiple cars and projects.
I visited earlier this year, having been away for 3 years due to you-know-what, and expected to see loads of Ford Broncos and Corvette C8s that I'm always seeing on social media, but I saw one of each and the Corvette was at a car meet rather than on the street.
They also have a different attitude to law enforcement - most of the cars on Roadkill are illegal but the punishment is minor so they don't care, the same with speeding, it seems to be easier to be caught but only small fines and not the same risk of losing your licence that we have.
They do have the advantage of having massive garages and driveways on normal suburban homes, so easy to have multiple cars and projects.
Truckosaurus said:
Although when you actually go to America the roads are just full of dull Honda and Toyota saloons and small SUVs.
I visited earlier this year, having been away for 3 years due to you-know-what, and expected to see loads of Ford Broncos and Corvette C8s that I'm always seeing on social media, but I saw one of each and the Corvette was at a car meet rather than on the street.
Yes, I noticed that too, certainly in NY/NJ where I went. I visited earlier this year, having been away for 3 years due to you-know-what, and expected to see loads of Ford Broncos and Corvette C8s that I'm always seeing on social media, but I saw one of each and the Corvette was at a car meet rather than on the street.
It's a shame, but I think even the Roadkill guys acknowledge hot rodding's days are numbered. Freiburger said that in LA, running clapped out old cars about is seen as baffling and even antisocial by the growing "Prius and skinny latte" crowd, and doing a burnout away from the lights would likely see you being reported rather than applauded.
Of course when it comes to the middle classes, it's just like here and most people drive something dull, comfortable and relatively new.
It's definitely becoming even more of a fringe thing as time passes, but there is still clearly a hardcore of enthusiasts out there. The drag week events are incredibly well attended, with people driving hundreds of miles to attend.
Limpet said:
Truckosaurus said:
Although when you actually go to America the roads are just full of dull Honda and Toyota saloons and small SUVs.
I visited earlier this year, having been away for 3 years due to you-know-what, and expected to see loads of Ford Broncos and Corvette C8s that I'm always seeing on social media, but I saw one of each and the Corvette was at a car meet rather than on the street.
Yes, I noticed that too, certainly in NY/NJ where I went. I visited earlier this year, having been away for 3 years due to you-know-what, and expected to see loads of Ford Broncos and Corvette C8s that I'm always seeing on social media, but I saw one of each and the Corvette was at a car meet rather than on the street.
It's a shame, but I think even the Roadkill guys acknowledge hot rodding's days are numbered. Freiburger said that in LA, running clapped out old cars about is seen as baffling and even antisocial by the growing "Prius and skinny latte" crowd, and doing a burnout away from the lights would likely see you being reported rather than applauded.
Of course when it comes to the middle classes, it's just like here and most people drive something dull, comfortable and relatively new.
It's definitely becoming even more of a fringe thing as time passes, but there is still clearly a hardcore of enthusiasts out there. The drag week events are incredibly well attended, with people driving hundreds of miles to attend.
delta0 said:
I’m not sure you could find many other places with as concentrated car enthusiasm elsewhere in the world.
Germany. Ok the UK has a few hotspots associated with car racing, but most of the general population don't
care very much about cars.
Germans love their cars *far* more than Brits love theirs. An Englishman's home may be
his castle, but a German pretty much defines their place in society by what car they drive.
For another example of how close cars are to the centre of German culture,
name another country in the developed world with no general speed limit on their fast roads
and a general population that approves of such a measure.
Geography,density traffic laws and tax I suspect .
Living in Canada with a winter home in Arizona I do a lot of long distance driving, and also spend frequent time in Germany which appears to only have grey cars.
Outside of urban areas in Arizona the dominant vehicle is an F150 truck though Jeeps are common. I have one myself.
On the drive down through the Midwest my co-driver and I place bets on the number of miles before we see a Porsche for instance and we can go a thousand miles without seeing one.
Yet,in Toronto you will see a few dozen a day mainly SUVs with some sports cars.
There are some changes. Though you would expect that the right wing environment of Arizona would be anti-EV the opposite is true in the cities and suburbs. Three is endless sunshine and people want to get off the grid and use solar panels , so Teslas are very common.
When I was in Sicily I rented a Fiat 500 for a couple of weeks and it felt perfect where a GMC Yukon was excellent for bringing four people for a weekend backroads tour of American backroads. In Germany I have learned to fear grey Audi RS estate cars that can appear out of nowhere in the autobahn.
Although I spent a couple of years in the UK I never drive there -London has excellent public transport and the density of traffic,camera surveillance and many rules make it not worthwhile for a casual visitor
Living in Canada with a winter home in Arizona I do a lot of long distance driving, and also spend frequent time in Germany which appears to only have grey cars.
Outside of urban areas in Arizona the dominant vehicle is an F150 truck though Jeeps are common. I have one myself.
On the drive down through the Midwest my co-driver and I place bets on the number of miles before we see a Porsche for instance and we can go a thousand miles without seeing one.
Yet,in Toronto you will see a few dozen a day mainly SUVs with some sports cars.
There are some changes. Though you would expect that the right wing environment of Arizona would be anti-EV the opposite is true in the cities and suburbs. Three is endless sunshine and people want to get off the grid and use solar panels , so Teslas are very common.
When I was in Sicily I rented a Fiat 500 for a couple of weeks and it felt perfect where a GMC Yukon was excellent for bringing four people for a weekend backroads tour of American backroads. In Germany I have learned to fear grey Audi RS estate cars that can appear out of nowhere in the autobahn.
Although I spent a couple of years in the UK I never drive there -London has excellent public transport and the density of traffic,camera surveillance and many rules make it not worthwhile for a casual visitor
dcb said:
delta0 said:
I’m not sure you could find many other places with as concentrated car enthusiasm elsewhere in the world.
Germany. Ok the UK has a few hotspots associated with car racing, but most of the general population don't
care very much about cars.
Germans love their cars *far* more than Brits love theirs. An Englishman's home may be
his castle, but a German pretty much defines their place in society by what car they drive.
For another example of how close cars are to the centre of German culture,
name another country in the developed world with no general speed limit on their fast roads
and a general population that approves of such a measure.
Are they allowed to be individuals in Germany & mod their cars, or is that frowned upon with punitive measures?
vonhosen said:
Are they allowed to be individuals in Germany & mod their cars, or is that frowned upon with punitive measures?
Modding is allowed to a very limited degree, and very strictly controlled.A more petrolhead nation I cannot think of. Way more petrolhead than anywhere
else in Europe or North America or East Asia.
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