Think I've become a better driver recently.
Discussion
Have been out on some more interesting roads over the last few weeks and I am pretty sure I have became a better driver since I swapped my ST170 for the fester.
In the focus I used to rely on the chassis an awful lot when driving on a clear road and used to use the power to zip past people when I could. In the fiesta I have a decent chassis to play with but much less power, though torque isn't too bad.
I have found myself planning the approach to the next bend more carefully (needing less gear changes has helped my smoothness) and approach hazards more progressively without leaning on the brakes so hard. I am also certain that I have overtaken more often than I used to, I can only put this down to having to plan more thoroughly to make the best of every opportunity and not relying on a long 3rd and 4th gear to pull me out off trouble.
Has anyone else noticed this when downsizing?
In the focus I used to rely on the chassis an awful lot when driving on a clear road and used to use the power to zip past people when I could. In the fiesta I have a decent chassis to play with but much less power, though torque isn't too bad.
I have found myself planning the approach to the next bend more carefully (needing less gear changes has helped my smoothness) and approach hazards more progressively without leaning on the brakes so hard. I am also certain that I have overtaken more often than I used to, I can only put this down to having to plan more thoroughly to make the best of every opportunity and not relying on a long 3rd and 4th gear to pull me out off trouble.
Has anyone else noticed this when downsizing?
This was (although, quite irrelevantly) mentioned in the Driver types/names thread, so I'm glad I can now comment on a thread without going off topic!
While I can't say I've downsized from anything like you have, seeing as though I've only been driving since February, I completely agree with you. I drive (although not mine) a 1.2 Clio; decent handling, but, being a 1.2, it obviously isn't the fastest car in the world.
I did drive our 1.9 Laguna while on holiday a while ago. (Sorry for repeating what I said in t'other thread) I overtook a lorry when the road opened up into two lanes; all it required was the typical mirror, signal, manoeuvre, and the torque pulled me away and I was soon past the lorry. This would have not been possible in the Clio, as 1) It would have taken me a while, 2) It was uphill. However, driving a 1.2 does have the advantage in that I, like you said, now have to plan things well in advance. Driving with a smaller engine is continually teaching me to be smoother and to plan well in advance (and probably other things which I don't realise I'm learning). A larger engine would be nice, but having a smaller one isn't all bad.
Also, I went to Croft the other week for a driving experience. While the Clio is a far cry from a Cayman or a Formula Renault, I have been able to apply what I learnt to driving on the road (techniques, not speed).
Regards,
Peter
While I can't say I've downsized from anything like you have, seeing as though I've only been driving since February, I completely agree with you. I drive (although not mine) a 1.2 Clio; decent handling, but, being a 1.2, it obviously isn't the fastest car in the world.
I did drive our 1.9 Laguna while on holiday a while ago. (Sorry for repeating what I said in t'other thread) I overtook a lorry when the road opened up into two lanes; all it required was the typical mirror, signal, manoeuvre, and the torque pulled me away and I was soon past the lorry. This would have not been possible in the Clio, as 1) It would have taken me a while, 2) It was uphill. However, driving a 1.2 does have the advantage in that I, like you said, now have to plan things well in advance. Driving with a smaller engine is continually teaching me to be smoother and to plan well in advance (and probably other things which I don't realise I'm learning). A larger engine would be nice, but having a smaller one isn't all bad.
Also, I went to Croft the other week for a driving experience. While the Clio is a far cry from a Cayman or a Formula Renault, I have been able to apply what I learnt to driving on the road (techniques, not speed).
Regards,
Peter
IT works the other way too - driving something that takes a bit more, erm, enthusiasm, to get round a bend, gets you planning positions and braking points far earlier than in a FWD, easily-adjustable car. My Omega can corner like you wouldn't believe, so long as you give it written warning of your inputs 24hrs in advance...
IIRC, Chris, you're somewhere near me - if you ever fancy a random drive out, give me a PM, I'm always up for it.
IIRC, Chris, you're somewhere near me - if you ever fancy a random drive out, give me a PM, I'm always up for it.
PeteG said:
IT works the other way too - driving something that takes a bit more, erm, enthusiasm, to get round a bend, gets you planning positions and braking points far earlier than in a FWD, easily-adjustable car. My Omega can corner like you wouldn't believe, so long as you give it written warning of your inputs 24hrs in advance...
IIRC, Chris, you're somewhere near me - if you ever fancy a random drive out, give me a PM, I'm always up for it.
I drove a GSI carlton for a few months years ago and that was very similar. I'm quite often up for random drives, though usually decide in the middle of the night IIRC, Chris, you're somewhere near me - if you ever fancy a random drive out, give me a PM, I'm always up for it.
chris_w666 said:
PeteG said:
IT works the other way too - driving something that takes a bit more, erm, enthusiasm, to get round a bend, gets you planning positions and braking points far earlier than in a FWD, easily-adjustable car. My Omega can corner like you wouldn't believe, so long as you give it written warning of your inputs 24hrs in advance...
IIRC, Chris, you're somewhere near me - if you ever fancy a random drive out, give me a PM, I'm always up for it.
I drove a GSI carlton for a few months years ago and that was very similar. I'm quite often up for random drives, though usually decide in the middle of the night IIRC, Chris, you're somewhere near me - if you ever fancy a random drive out, give me a PM, I'm always up for it.
- works nights, often finishing in the early hours...*
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