What are the best cars at tackling London's speed bumps?
Discussion
I was doing my daily commute out of London today, over the 50 to 60 speed bumps, so called "cushions" and raised platforms that have sprung up in the last six or seven years. I was driving a different car to my usual one and got to thinking how well it dealt with the bumps.
I appreciate that wheelbase, wheel size/tyre aspect ratio, damping etc all have something to do with it. Even two identical cars, one fitted with rubber band tyres on mega rims and one on 16’s with higher profile tyres are going to feel very different. However, I got to thinking which cars in each class are the best at taking speed bumps at the maximum permitted road speed the road in question (usually either 30mph or 20 mph).
As an aside, it really is criminal that Local Authorities are allowed to inflict such damage on our cars. For me, say 55 humps, twice a day, say 220 days of the year and keeping a car for three years results in the suspension (and occupants) taking 72,600 completely unnecessary bashes in its life before its first MOT. It is a credit to modern cars that they withstand this abuse.
Any thoughts on really great cars to tackle speed bumps?
I appreciate that wheelbase, wheel size/tyre aspect ratio, damping etc all have something to do with it. Even two identical cars, one fitted with rubber band tyres on mega rims and one on 16’s with higher profile tyres are going to feel very different. However, I got to thinking which cars in each class are the best at taking speed bumps at the maximum permitted road speed the road in question (usually either 30mph or 20 mph).
As an aside, it really is criminal that Local Authorities are allowed to inflict such damage on our cars. For me, say 55 humps, twice a day, say 220 days of the year and keeping a car for three years results in the suspension (and occupants) taking 72,600 completely unnecessary bashes in its life before its first MOT. It is a credit to modern cars that they withstand this abuse.
Any thoughts on really great cars to tackle speed bumps?
Range Rover?
would guess that a range rover with air suspension would be the ultimate anti speed bump vehicle?
years ago I used to have a merc 190 that seemed to cope all the better with speed bumps the faster you went! back in the day when speed bumps were a novelty.... whereas now they are on every decent short-cut.
currently have some Smart 4 2's and can confirm they are the worst car I've ever had the misfortune of traversing a 'speed bump' in, it feels more like a mountain ridge!
would guess that a range rover with air suspension would be the ultimate anti speed bump vehicle?
years ago I used to have a merc 190 that seemed to cope all the better with speed bumps the faster you went! back in the day when speed bumps were a novelty.... whereas now they are on every decent short-cut.
currently have some Smart 4 2's and can confirm they are the worst car I've ever had the misfortune of traversing a 'speed bump' in, it feels more like a mountain ridge!
Try driving through one in a Daihatsu Hijet!! I use one sometimes and on bigger speed humps it makes you feel like you gonna hang on top of it
And I do hate them, I think there should be speed cameras instead of them. Constant speed, profit for councils and no damage to suspension. Why they don't do it?
And I do hate them, I think there should be speed cameras instead of them. Constant speed, profit for councils and no damage to suspension. Why they don't do it?
I'd say Suburu Legacy Outback, lovely plush ride, swallows em up without bother, loads of ride height too so just go for it, not a barge to drive either like your average 4x4. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff