Big engine = more relaxed driving style?
Discussion
I've just gone from a succession of "small" engined cars (MX5 1.8 and a Clio 172 2.0) to a 350Z (3.5 V6)... which I deliberately chose because after having cars with low torque, I fancied some torque for a change.
Its been a revelation to be honest, I kind of knew it would be, but I can't get over how flexible the engine is (it will pull well from 20 mph in 5th), and so far I've found its made me a more relaxed driver. I used to hammer the other cars everywhere, but I don't feel the need in the torquey Zed. Of course its nice when you do flog it (noise and power =
).
OK its thirsty, and yes its going to rape me on tax, but I'm totally smitten with the power delivery of a large engine.
Its been a revelation to be honest, I kind of knew it would be, but I can't get over how flexible the engine is (it will pull well from 20 mph in 5th), and so far I've found its made me a more relaxed driver. I used to hammer the other cars everywhere, but I don't feel the need in the torquey Zed. Of course its nice when you do flog it (noise and power =
).OK its thirsty, and yes its going to rape me on tax, but I'm totally smitten with the power delivery of a large engine.
One reason I wanted more torque was that I did hope the more effortless delivery would calm me down most of the time...
Contigo said:
Am I on Pistonheads? I rev the nuts off my V10 at least once a journey. It would be rude not to!
... but that said, it'd be rude not to do that as well when the opportunity arises - the sound of the Zed north of 5K is very nice indeed!GroundEffect said:
It's more dependant on the torque curve of the engine rather than the size of it. My 3.0Si Z4 had mountains of torque from virtually zero rpm which made it a more relaxed driving-style than my 3.2 Z4M which has peak torque at 5000rpm.
I know what you're saying... but saying that, I'm sure my 350Z peak torque is at 4800 rpm. There is a noticeable step up in acceleration at that point, however, it seems very tractable too. You can drive it like an auto sometimes (like say in 4th or 5th), whereas other cars have always needed some stirring.
Well, yes I suppose. I love cruising along in my 4.2 Audi A8. A delicate squeeze of the throttle is enough to propel the car past most traffic dual carriageway overtakes. I did redline it earlier in kickdown tonight when I was taking it back to work to drop off and collect my Impreza, and I still smile at the noise it makes as it does this. But yes, generally they are more relaxing, usually because they are a little more 'lazy' than highly strung N/A's or forced induction 4 cylinders.
Big engine also uses more fuel, hence drive slower, unless you have unlimited finances.
Do quite enjoy the relaxed pace of the big engine though, as others have said.
Smaller engine and fuel tank does not drain your wallet so much at filling stations hence drive faster.
Simple mathematics and common sense.
I have both types of car, and yes I do drive the big barge slower on motorways,
as filling the 75 litre fuel tank every few days is something I do not enjoy doing.
Do quite enjoy the relaxed pace of the big engine though, as others have said.
Smaller engine and fuel tank does not drain your wallet so much at filling stations hence drive faster.
Simple mathematics and common sense.
I have both types of car, and yes I do drive the big barge slower on motorways,
as filling the 75 litre fuel tank every few days is something I do not enjoy doing.
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