Is driving fun anymore?

[Zathras]

This is so general it might be considered OT...but it's frustrating that we're in a time when we have cars with such high performance levels, but almost no opportunity on the streets to really enjoy them. At least where I live (central Texas) all the roads I regularly drive on have become so congested and so policed, that it's rare for me to get a chance to get the pedal all the way to the floor, or take a curve at anything above the speed limit. Most of the time I'm stuck in traffic on 35 or one of Austin's many other gridlocked streets, crawling along no faster than an economy car. I guess I could go out of my way to get up early (or go out late at night) and drive way out of town, but I'm not that motivated.When I retire maybe I'll move somewhere with less traffic.

My theory is that this is a big part of the reason that performance cars are dying out--if you can't take advantage of their capabilities, what's the point? Do you feel like you have a chance to really enjoy your car on the street?

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[samd1351]

I totally agree. And while going to the track is great, it gets pretty expensive pretty quick. Heartland Park in Topeka is pretty reasonable when it comes to cost for the drag strip, I "think" entry fees are around $30 or so. I haven't been to the strip in long time. I did hit their road course once this summer. It was $160 for 80 minutes on the track. That cost is probably cheap compared to other tracks, but for a guy (or gal) just looking to open up the throttle, that's a little steep to do on a regular basis. Auto Cross is a blast, and fairly cheap, I think my last event $40. But with only 5 or 6 runs, and you end up spending the better part of the day standing around the track, you kind of have to be dedicated to it.

Full disclosure though, I plan to spend significantly more time at all three types tracks next year. This year just didn't work out like I had hoped with all of the family commitments/disasters.

 

[Smokey613]

 

[Silver Bullitt]

Hell yes, I think it's a blast! I enjoy my car every time I drive it. While it may only occasionally see triple digits, it's still a blast getting it there or close in a hurry. On my 20 minute drive home, you'd better be doing 90 if you want to stay in the left lane. I can have a whole lot of fun just getting to 70 even though it only lasts for about five seconds. On and off ramps are also a blast at twice the recommended speed limit (which isn't necessarily the legal speed limit, only a recommended speed limit).

 

[302@12psi]

Between the traffic and road conditions there are certainly times where it isn't fun and Honda Civic would be just as useful.

 

[TheReaper]

This is so general it might be considered OT...but it's frustrating that we're in a time when we have cars with such high performance levels, but almost no opportunity on the streets to really enjoy them. At least where I live (central Texas) all the roads I regularly drive on have become so congested and so policed, that it's rare for me to get a chance to get the pedal all the way to the floor, or take a curve at anything above the speed limit. Most of the time I'm stuck in traffic on 35 or one of Austin's many other gridlocked streets, crawling along no faster than an economy car. I guess I could go out of my way to get up early (or go out late at night) and drive way out of town, but I'm not that motivated.When I retire maybe I'll move somewhere with less traffic.

My theory is that this is a big part of the reason that performance cars are dying out--if you can't take advantage of their capabilities, what's the point? Do you feel like you have a chance to really enjoy your car on the street?

I feel your pain. When you get the chance you have to go for it.

 

[Rock&Roll]

You just gotta find the cool roads to cruise on

 

[dn1984]

As much as I hate CA traffic, we still have plenty of nice open country roads, windy and straight, to have fun on. I can even open it up on the highway on my way to work if I want

 

[Rover]

Amen to Country roads and radar detectors I'm still having a great time driving... but then again, I don't drive to work.

 

[frank s]

This was one of the reasons I got rid of my manual after owning manuals for 30 years. [...] I stopped at a rest area the other day on interstate and I was only car there of about 40 cars. nothing but suvs

And yours was probably one of very few vehicles not painted in some shade of black, white, or gray.

WRT fun on the highways and by-ways, I'm retired and live in San Diego. Certain hours of certain days I can drive 25 minutes and be alone on some really good twisty roads. The remainder of times are enjoyable only to the extent that my mindfulness allows it.

I remember when the Los Angeles area consisted of numerous small towns and cities connected by two- and three-lane "highways". To go across the County was a time-consuming adventure, especially if you didn't know the special shortcuts. At some hours, the same trip today takes as much time but it's slow for different reasons. Have we made progress?

 

[slowrey]

This is so general it might be considered OT...but it's frustrating that we're in a time when we have cars with such high performance levels, but almost no opportunity on the streets to really enjoy them. At least where I live (central Texas) all the roads I regularly drive on have become so congested and so policed, that it's rare for me to get a chance to get the pedal all the way to the floor, or take a curve at anything above the speed limit. Most of the time I'm stuck in traffic on 35 or one of Austin's many other gridlocked streets, crawling along no faster than an economy car. I guess I could go out of my way to get up early (or go out late at night) and drive way out of town, but I'm not that motivated.When I retire maybe I'll move somewhere with less traffic.

My theory is that this is a big part of the reason that performance cars are dying out--if you can't take advantage of their capabilities, what's the point? Do you feel like you have a chance to really enjoy your car on the street?

You need to join the Hill country drives I'm in Austin too let me know

 

[MrBill2016GT]

I moved from LI NY 28 yrs ago to get away from many things, traffic was a big one. I live in NC and we chose to live a little further away from what is called a city here, yes I drive a little further to work.38 miles takes me 40-45 minutes most days but having these country roads in my back yard is why I bought the Mustang. Life is too short to live in heavily congested areas and drive boring cars. Time is waiting for no one and no one is getting out of here alive so make your choices accordingly!!

 

[tcman54]

I am like 5 minutes from I-95 here in northern Florida, smooth open highway signed at 70mph, very few cops ever.

I drive in off traffic hours because I am retired, to say people start driving at around 70mph and go up from there is an understatement.

Won't continue any further with this post in order not to incriminate myself, lol.

TC

 

[NoVaGT]

T.....the reason that performance cars are dying out--if you can't take advantage of their capabilities, what's the point? Do you feel like you have a chance to really enjoy your car on the street?

If you think performance cars are dying out, you're missing...........everything.

Regardless of the type of car, you can't enjoy it on the street much. Even something as mundane as an Accord has serious power, grip and handling, that would blow away most 1960s-70s "muscle" cars.

This is a Golden Age of automotive performance. Enjoy it while it lasts.

And yes, to enjoy your car get your butt up early and go find the nice roads, faaar away from everyone else. It's good for your soul.

 

[Fly2High]

All,
Please define for me what you mean by 'a pleasure to drive' or 'is it fun to drive'?

I live on Long Island and we have plenty of hours when the traffic is crazy but there are times when it is lighter.

To me there is more to a Mustang than just how fast it goes. When I pulled it off the dealer lot that first day I purchased it, I was immediately met by someone wanting to race. The car has 40 miles on it (I put 28 of those on a test drive). I did not race but we met again at the next stop light. He rolled down his window to chat about the car. I loved the complements he gave me on the car. I have a Ruby red PP2 and he loved the stance, wide tires and overall great looks of the car. I love the looks I get at the car and the complements about it. It is more than just a tool in which to go fast. I enjoy the theater and experience of owning one. My old TC used to get cut off daily and treated like a second class citizen. In the Mustang, people slow down and get behind me, they make way for the car, they drive up just to ride alongside.

I love that there is a Mustang and Shelby club where guys of similar likes can get together.

I love driving a manual, yes, even on Long Island. It is so much more engaging. Some days I try just to keep moving in traffic and others I play the fuel efficiency game. Other days I just try to have fluid and effortless shifts. This is all fun to me.

The car can really corner. I enjoy taking a corner at more than my personal limits and the thrill of knowing the car still has more to give.

I enjoy just washing and waxing it and keeping it clean. Working on a car is so much more fun when you love the car you drive.

As for why there are fewer cars, especially sporty car, I'l gamble these could come into play:
1. Most cars already accelerate such that 0-60 is over in less than 6 seconds, especially in the Mustang price point. Few can handle going faster.
2. With all the electronic assistance, many car are already at the limits most care to drive. Why buy a car whose handling exceeds your desires and capabilities.
3. Most are overweight or older or both and it is easier getting in and out of a big truck (Yes, SUVs are listed by DMV as light TRUCKS).
4. Few have discretionary spending for anything other than a daily driver.
5. Most tend to go to places to have fun and do activities and cargo space is needed to haul their stuff to get there. Most sports cars just do not accommodate carrying stuff.
6. Few find driving the destination and instead use their vehicle to get to their pastimes. For many here, driving is the pastime.




In the end, there is much more to me that is fun about the Mustang than just driving fast.

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