Why do some cars have a hinged accelerator pedal?

[alangla]

FoundOnRoadside said:

Higher-spec Octavias have them, too. Can't say I find there to be much difference.

Skoda were fitting them on the Estelles in the early 1980s - surprised it's only a "high spec" thing nowadays.

[onomatopoeia]

sebhaque said:

IME it makes it easier to heel-and-toe, sicne the pedal will be travelling in the same direction your foot's going as opposed to at a slight perpendicular angle from it. Probably just hearsay though with no truth behind it.

My Volkswagen Type 25 van has a bottom hinged accelerator pedal. Heel and toe is the last thing on my mind when driving it. It goes like an underpowered old van, which is what it is

[kambites]

Our Octavia has one and I can't really tell the difference unless driving in bare feet.

[GroundEffect]

My last two cars, both BMWs, have had floor-hinged. I prefer it.

[dmitry]

jaik said:

Previously, all of my cars had "normal" hanging pedals, then I got the E36 with a floor-hinged accelerator and the kit car where all three are floor-hinged. I found heel and toeing was pretty difficult in the BMW at first, but after changing my technique a little to more of a sideways roll than a twist it's fine. It really makes very little difference where the hinge is IMO.

Not for me. I have no problem with heel-toe in my MX5, which has top-hinged pedals, but still find it difficult in my E36, even though I drive it daily, i.e. more.

[Shaw Tarse]

Is it mainly German cars that have a "floor hinged" pedal?

[V6GTA]

Shaw Tarse said:

Is it mainly German cars that have a "floor hinged" pedal?

Yes, Audi, BMW and the MINI (BMW) from the cars I've driven. I personally don't like them.

Especially when I was driving a mini the other day and the carpet moved up over the accelerator which made for an interesting way of parking.

[chris1roll]

alangla said:

FoundOnRoadside said:

Higher-spec Octavias have them, too. Can't say I find there to be much difference.

Skoda were fitting them on the Estelles in the early 1980s - surprised it's only a "high spec" thing nowadays.

I don't believe it is - my poverty spec 58 reg Octavia is like it.

[ovlov60]

FoundOnRoadside said:

Higher-spec Octavias have them, too. Can't say I find there to be much difference.

Don't know about the Mk1 but all Mk2 have a floor hinged pedal. Not sure why you think only the higher spec ones would have floor mounted?!

[jaik]

dmitry said:

ot for me. I have no problem with heel-toe in my MX5, which has top-hinged pedals, but still find it difficult in my E36, even though I drive it daily, i.e. more.

I've changed to more of a sideways roll of the foot, whereas I used to twist my foot. Basically use the left half of your foot on the brake pedal, then roll the right side down to blip the throttle. Works for me, but your mileage may vary

[TallbutBuxomly]

It gives better throttle control.

[nagsheadwarrior]

Cant say it makes a lot of difference to me.

I know there will be plenty of exceptions but is it mainly a German phenomenon, the two I can think of that I've driven are my 924S and the late 80s/early 90s Merc vans like the 308s.

[jbi]

Lexus cars are fitted with hinged pedals as well..

At least my LS400/Celsior was

much preferred it... less strain on the ankle.

Don't see why all cars aren't set up this way tbh... it's vastly superior.

[entwisi]

My old 63 Ford Zephyr 4 had one, my current 2005 Honda accord has one, I find it more comfortable as it supports my heel in one spot and as others say,all acceleration( well, what little there is in a 70 bhp Zephyr) is just an ankle flex away

[Speedracer329]

I must have been made differently to you lot then, without fail if I drive a car with floor hinged pedals on long journeys I get cramp in my right foot!