Discussion
So... tomorrow I'm picking up a 235bhp car, which is approximately double the power of my current car. I have driven cars like this before, but only on track or for maybe a mile down the road.
I suspect my most likely failing is that I will overestimate the power and make ridiculously dangerous overtakes. I don't see wet roundabouts, etc, as a likely source of problem, but I can see absent minded flooring away from lights happening.*
Anything else I should be looking for?
I suspect my most likely failing is that I will overestimate the power and make ridiculously dangerous overtakes. I don't see wet roundabouts, etc, as a likely source of problem, but I can see absent minded flooring away from lights happening.*
Anything else I should be looking for?
*I am seriously exaggerating my incompetence here, as I figure that's a lot better than only slightly exaggerating my competence
It's not quite in the same league, but the difference I find in moving from the MR2 (138 hp) to the Beemer (190-odd hp) is that it's ridiculously easy to hit the limiter when doing a bit of spirited acceleration in first gear. The MR2 has a "natural" change up to second well below the limiter, but the Beemer just seems to hit it within a few seconds of moving off.
Just take your time and build up to using all the power gradually. The thing with high performance cars is that it's not just the power that's better - it's the handling, brakes, steering (usually), grip levels etc, etc.
What I'm trying to say is that it won't just feel like a more powerful version of your own car - you'll have to get used to the feel of the controls and the chassis, and when it's something you've spent your own hard-earned money on, there's a big incentive to build up your experience of the car gradually.
I'm fairly confident that I can jump in most cars and have the measure of them in about 10 or 15 minutes, but when it's my own car, I take weeks, rather than minutes getting used to it.
What I'm trying to say is that it won't just feel like a more powerful version of your own car - you'll have to get used to the feel of the controls and the chassis, and when it's something you've spent your own hard-earned money on, there's a big incentive to build up your experience of the car gradually.
I'm fairly confident that I can jump in most cars and have the measure of them in about 10 or 15 minutes, but when it's my own car, I take weeks, rather than minutes getting used to it.
Keep your discipline, drive to the best of your ability and the extra power, grip, handling and brakes won't be a problem. If you are moving from Front Wheel Drive to Rear Wheel Drive that could be a problem if you press on - you'll need to learn some extra restraint.
When the wife and I first got our TVR Chimaera (280bhp/RWD) the only times we got into trouble was when enthusiasm triumphed over talent.
A few rules of thumb:
Do not floor the accelerator in anything but a straight line.
Do not floor the accelerator in the wet.
When pulling away from junctions (i.e. turning as well) feather the throttle.
When pulling away from traffic lights in the wet - feather the throttle.
Yes the brakes will be better. No they will not stop you in half the distance - assume its the same as your old car.
You'll be fine. Enjoy!
When the wife and I first got our TVR Chimaera (280bhp/RWD) the only times we got into trouble was when enthusiasm triumphed over talent.
A few rules of thumb:
Do not floor the accelerator in anything but a straight line.
Do not floor the accelerator in the wet.
When pulling away from junctions (i.e. turning as well) feather the throttle.
When pulling away from traffic lights in the wet - feather the throttle.
Yes the brakes will be better. No they will not stop you in half the distance - assume its the same as your old car.
You'll be fine. Enjoy!
imbecile said:
So... tomorrow I'm picking up a 235bhp car, which is approximately double the power of my current car. I have driven cars like this before, but only on track or for maybe a mile down the road.
That kind of experience is a lot better than what most people have when they buy powerful cars. imbecile said:
I suspect my most likely failing is that I will overestimate the power and make ridiculously dangerous overtakes. I don't see wet roundabouts, etc, as a likely source of problem, but I can see absent minded flooring away from lights happening.*
My predictions for the first few weeks are: 1. You probably will not overestimate the power and make ridiculously dangerous overtakes.
2. Web roundabouts will be a problem.
3. You probably will not go absent-mindedly flooring away from lights.
Why? Because you have already subconsciously put check-boxes in your brain, saying "don't absent-mindedly floor away from lights", and "don't overestimate the power and do ridiculously dangerous overtakes". Yet at the same time, you have also settled into complacency regarding wet roundabouts.
Self-awareness is important. Beware the roundabouts!
imbecile said:
Anything else I should be looking for?
Higher fuel and maintenance bills. 
imbecile said:
*I am seriously exaggerating my incompetence here, as I figure that's a lot better than only slightly exaggerating my competence
Edited by Jungles on Tuesday 10th April 11:30
I've never been on one and have nothing to do with the company what so ever, but have you thought about one of these:
www.ridedrive.co.uk/do-hp.htm
Or any similar kind of training course designed around sports cars? If you can afford something nice, surely you can afford a few 100 for a days worth of training?
www.ridedrive.co.uk/do-hp.htm
Or any similar kind of training course designed around sports cars? If you can afford something nice, surely you can afford a few 100 for a days worth of training?
Some words of wisdon (hopefully) I offered a while back to a new Chimaera owner
over_the_hill said:
Another few tips.
1) do not use engine braking, use the brake.
2) do not use engine braking, use the brake (just in case you missed it the first time).
3) when changing down make sure the engine revs are matched to the gear to avoid a jerk as this can cause problems in the wet.
4) ensure car is pointing straight before opertaing the loud pedal.
5) even as low as 30mph bends/roundabouts can lead to rear end twitches in the wet.
6) now you are a month into ownership you will be thinking that you are getting used to it - you are not
7) even in the dry beware of loose stuff e.g. gravel
8) do not get involved in road "antics" with other vehicles. You will probably kill them in a straight line and yourself on the bends.
9) enjoy the interest/admiration of the public. I still do.
10) change down whenever you are in a tunnel even if you don't need to.
1) do not use engine braking, use the brake.
2) do not use engine braking, use the brake (just in case you missed it the first time).
3) when changing down make sure the engine revs are matched to the gear to avoid a jerk as this can cause problems in the wet.
4) ensure car is pointing straight before opertaing the loud pedal.
5) even as low as 30mph bends/roundabouts can lead to rear end twitches in the wet.
6) now you are a month into ownership you will be thinking that you are getting used to it - you are not
7) even in the dry beware of loose stuff e.g. gravel
8) do not get involved in road "antics" with other vehicles. You will probably kill them in a straight line and yourself on the bends.
9) enjoy the interest/admiration of the public. I still do.
10) change down whenever you are in a tunnel even if you don't need to.
I've done it a few times, but have never had a problem. I've alwyas taken it very slow and carefully, then just built up from there. As for overtaking, the way I do it is to overtake on a dual carriageway first in the same gear, then by dropping down. After a few attempts you learn the time it will take. Same for roundabouts really; find an empty one late at night, then slowly increase your speed until you feel the car about to go. You don't havew to let it go, and can slow down easily if required
You don't say what car it is, so with 235 bhp it could be front, rear or four wheel drive.
If its a front driver, don't forget there may be a fair bit of torque steer on cambered/ bumpy roads.
If its four-drive, it doesn't make you invicible. You might get under- or over- steer, so don't get too complacent.
If its rear-drive, most of the advice already mentioned would be good to pay heed too. No much experience in them myself.
Also remember that many modern cars have traction control but it doesn't stop the car from sliding (unless you've got ASM, ABC, XYZ and every other combination possible).
If its a front driver, don't forget there may be a fair bit of torque steer on cambered/ bumpy roads.
If its four-drive, it doesn't make you invicible. You might get under- or over- steer, so don't get too complacent.
If its rear-drive, most of the advice already mentioned would be good to pay heed too. No much experience in them myself.
Also remember that many modern cars have traction control but it doesn't stop the car from sliding (unless you've got ASM, ABC, XYZ and every other combination possible).
I went from a 90Bhp 1.9 Tdi Audi 80 (FWD) to a 190Bhp 2.0 turbo 200SX (RWD) - a fair leap in performance.
I'd say that you're less likely to overstep the mark in your first few weeks, and much more likely to get into trouble after 6 months or so. It's when you get complacent, start to think you know how the car handles and how to get yourself out of trouble that problems arise. My tip tips for survival would be:
1) Don't take friends out for a spin until you've driven a fair bit yourself. Bad things happen when we try to impress.
2) Go gently as you gain experience.
3) Make yourself aware and familiar with the cars layout and driver aids. My car has a limited slip differential, and no traction control and it is often these features that dominate it's handling as you approach the limits of traction.
4) Make conscious decisons as to where it is appropriate to use the full potential of the car and where it isn't.
5) Enjoy it! That's what it's there for!
6) Don't use full throttle in 2nd on a freshly gritted slip road onto the M40..
(Actually point 6 is more relevant to me, my first scary moment after 12 months of ovnership!)
I'd say that you're less likely to overstep the mark in your first few weeks, and much more likely to get into trouble after 6 months or so. It's when you get complacent, start to think you know how the car handles and how to get yourself out of trouble that problems arise. My tip tips for survival would be:
1) Don't take friends out for a spin until you've driven a fair bit yourself. Bad things happen when we try to impress.
2) Go gently as you gain experience.
3) Make yourself aware and familiar with the cars layout and driver aids. My car has a limited slip differential, and no traction control and it is often these features that dominate it's handling as you approach the limits of traction.
4) Make conscious decisons as to where it is appropriate to use the full potential of the car and where it isn't.
5) Enjoy it! That's what it's there for!
6) Don't use full throttle in 2nd on a freshly gritted slip road onto the M40..
(Actually point 6 is more relevant to me, my first scary moment after 12 months of ovnership!)
TheKeyboardDemon said:
imbecile said:
It's a 1989 Jag XJ40, and it's lovely (my "previous" car was RWD too, but understeered to buggery, except in weather conditions like this morning when I was driving it to the station...)
Any chance of some pics. It'd be nice to put a face to the name, so to speak. 
I'll put some up shortly... So far:
Good points:
Suspension that, comfort wise, is astonishing. Also makes corners that would have my car off the road seem like a non event, although I haven't really got much feel for the car itself yet
Engine and box seem in good nick
As quick from 70-100 as it is 0-30
It's a jag for under a grand
All instruments etc working
Bad points:
Front right hand brake seems to be binding after driving for a few miles (not 100% confident of my diagnosis... basically it starts to make a noise that is almost like a wind noise at higher speeds, beomeing worse and morphing into a more traditional brake binding noise at lower speeds. Car only did 1000 miles last year and almost none in last few months)
Hideous, difficult to use, off-centre aftermarket all walnut steering wheel. Does come with the original though, so won't be hard to sort
Headlights crap (probably normal - I'm too used to the excellent volvo ones)
Cruise control works, but not as smooth as I would like (again, probably normal for cruise control from the 80s - I've never actually used cruise control before)
Haven't worked out how to open the fuel filler at the back, but luckily found an emergency release in the boot
Check your speed more often especially on motorway or DC. You'll find that you'll pull on from slip road and go to check when you're doing 70 or so...and find you're doing 100. This then happens again if you pull out to overtake etc.
My first fast car I thought I was doing 70 or so after pulling into M3. Overtook lorry to find BiB in front, looked down with complete confidence to find I was doing 120
Many thanks to that PC who probably didn't have a good measure of my speed but stopped me 1/2 mile later and then treated the whole thing with good humour and politeness, and I learned my lesson (and he had a good look at the car)
My first fast car I thought I was doing 70 or so after pulling into M3. Overtook lorry to find BiB in front, looked down with complete confidence to find I was doing 120
Many thanks to that PC who probably didn't have a good measure of my speed but stopped me 1/2 mile later and then treated the whole thing with good humour and politeness, and I learned my lesson (and he had a good look at the car
)I'm surprised no one's mentioned this.
If you do start to enjoy your car's performance, BE AWARE many other road users will not expecting their space suddenly invaded by the sudden arrival of a fast car. They will not be making allowances for faster traffic and get very irritated if they feel threatened.
And reactions to you will vary, and more than likely will be unfriendly and aggressive.
It also come to mind that if you have a fast Jaguar, your braking distances will be doubled!
Good luck.
If you do start to enjoy your car's performance, BE AWARE many other road users will not expecting their space suddenly invaded by the sudden arrival of a fast car. They will not be making allowances for faster traffic and get very irritated if they feel threatened.
And reactions to you will vary, and more than likely will be unfriendly and aggressive.
It also come to mind that if you have a fast Jaguar, your braking distances will be doubled!
Good luck.
Enjoy , i've had a few jags - exellent. Just take your time to get use to the slush box, learn to use the J-gate ,you can almost drive them like a manual(if you want to). Loads of torque from the 4ltr , expect mid 20's to the gallon. Easy to work , cheap parts! (i think i'm talking myself into anther jag!!).
Best of luck
Best of luck
Gassing Station | Advanced Driving | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff