Why are cars fun to drive?


TO AWSUM

TO AWSUM

Ford GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jul 4, 2007
1,512
Niceville FL
Sorry, but inquiring minds must know. I often see guys comment that the FGT is more fun to drive than X, Y or Z. Or the R8 is more fun than X, Y or Z.

Sorry, but I don't get it. Whenever I drive any car I feel it's nerve racking dealing with the traffic. Maybe it's because I live in Florida and there is a stop light every 100 yards (i.e. clutch in clutch out, clutch in clutch out, etc., etc.). I get nervous driving because I can not take my eyes off the cars around me for even a second or they will be stopping suddenly with no warning or changing lanes cutting me off, etc., etc. that just isn't fun to me. It is so bad around here that when I have a chance to ride with someone else driving, I discover stores along the route that I never knew existed and then I'm told that the store has been there for years. You can not sightsee and drive on Florida roads around here therefore there is no relaxation only concentration. So, I'm curious, what is it like for you guys who say you have fun driving? Where are you having fun - on the track only? Not complaining, just curious.
 
Come out to the west - just stay away from the coastal region of Southern California.
 
Don't you ever get on an interstate? The drives we have during the Rallies are really great with usually excellent scenery. I've never really driven in Florida (cause StromCat and Manny are there somewhere), but it seems like the interstate system is pretty good. No drives down to the Keys? I would really like to do that one day. Try turning your radio up really loud. I get in my GT and seem to get lost in it while driving cause I feel it's so pleasant.
 
I grew up in Illinois (almost as flat as Florida) where the roads are long and straight, but now live in northern Alabama east of Huntsville. Just a few miles down the road from my house are secluded country roads that twist over and around the mountains. The roads are well maintained, not many houses for people to pull out of, and rarely will you see a LEO. My F-car buddy and I give them a cruise as often as we can, windows down, radio off. Nothing too aggressive since the penalty for going off the road is too steep (pun intended), but the cars and our psyches are certainly well exercised. It is interesting also how different the experience is going up a mountain vs. down, like having two roads in one – switchbacks especially. That is why, for me, cars are fun to drive.
 
TO AWSUM said:
I get nervous driving because I can not take my eyes off the cars around me for even a second or they will be stopping suddenly with no warning or changing lanes cutting me off, etc., etc. that just isn't fun to me.
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How long have you had your car? You may relax after you have had more experience with it.

I have fun whenever I drive mine. Whether it is in town, on the open road or on a racetrack - but it did take a while for me to relax. Hang in there, AWSUM.
 
I have always liked to drive. I find it fun, entertaining, relaxing. You have to keep an eye on everyone but it is no big deal. My kids hate to drive. Go figure? I guess it is different for each person.
 
TO AWSUM said:
Sorry, but I don't get it. Whenever I drive any car I feel it's nerve racking dealing with the traffic. Maybe it's because I live in Florida and there is a stop light every 100 yards (i.e. clutch in clutch out, clutch in clutch out, etc., etc.). I get nervous driving because I can not take my eyes off the cars around me for even a second or they will be stopping suddenly with no warning or changing lanes cutting me off, etc., etc. that just isn't fun to me. It is so bad around here that when I have a chance to ride with someone else driving, I discover stores along the route that I never knew existed and then I'm told that the store has been there for years. You can not sightsee and drive on Florida roads around here therefore there is no relaxation only concentration. So, I'm curious, what is it like for you guys who say you have fun driving? Where are you having fun - on the track only? Not complaining, just curious.
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I think it's a bit like golf - reminds me of the T shirt I saw once, "I hate golf, I hate golf, I hate golf, I hate golf, I hate golf, I hate golf, I hate golf, I hate golf, I hate golf, I hate golf, nice shot, I love golf".

A couple swift overtaking manoeuvres and you'll suddenly find you love car A over car B! :cheers
 
When I bought the GT, I had a hard time enjoying it when I took it anywhere, because, invariably, some idiot would almost back into it (parking lot), or turn into it (lane change), or drive right up my @$$ (just to see it closer). I was so "gun shy" about parking lots, I almost wouldn't drive the car.
However, after numerous appreciative conversations about the car, (from star struck onlookers), I was able to "learn" how to drive the car in various surroundings-carefully, and always on alert. After I got more comfortable with the car (and people's reception to it-this is after all not your run of the mill BMW M-car or the like), I really started to enjoy taking the car out, even if it was to the grocery store. A good (aggressive) run down the highway (always with radar detector on) helped alleviate the stress of around town driving as well.
The track is the best place to really enjoy what the GT can do. An isolated, long stretch of road is terrific, as long as the law isn't present, but nothing beats driving the car in its element without having to worry about a visit to the judge.
 
Yo Amor Mexico :biggrin

FastFreddie4.jpg
 
I totally get where you are coming from. I have quite a few cars and I have different levels of comfort with each of them. I honestly, have a couple that make me nervous each time I drive them. It depends on ease of controls, visibility, reliability etc. With the FGT I love driving it because its reliable as can be, it has better visibility than any other exotic that I've driven, The controls are smooth etc. My DeTomaso beats me to death. I come home hot and sweaty and a nervous wreck. I happen to love cars. Not just a little but REALLY love cars. TO me I'd rather be playing with my cars than just about anything else. Someday I won't have to work anymore and I'll just get to play with my cars. Been that way since three years old. To me driving is fun. The better the car the more fun it is. I do get frustrated when driving in the city and people box me in to look at the car. I miss turns, off ramps etc because I cant get over. Otherwise I love seeing people enjoy seeing the cars.
 
Thanks, all great comments. It appears I'm no different than the rest of you.

I've had mine on a road track a couple of times and enjoyed it. I also race a Cobra replica and wow does the FGT perform better - easier to shift, later braking, more positive steering, etc. It's great racing the FGT with the A/C and radio blasting away and finger effort steering rather than sweating profusely in the Cobra while forcing it to turn and shift into the next gear. I'm always afraid to let her rip on any city streets/highways because invariably every time I think about doing it and then talk myself out of pushing the peddle to the floor, I see a cop. When that happens, it makes the hair stand up on my neck thinking about the huge ticket and maybe jail time I just avoided. Every Saturday, there is a car club meeting at a local Burger King that I sometimes attend. Those are fun and have every kind of car/hot rod imaginable, but I get a sore throat after a while answering all the questions about the car. Must say, it makes me feel good though that people are so positively emotional and curious about the FGT.

I also enjoy taking mine shopping for small items and can usually find parallel parking or a spot I can guarantee I can open the car door when I return. It's fun talking to people about the car which happens every time I stop, even at stop lights. Still don't feel comfortable taking it out on the town for dancing, etc. as the parking in those places is always very tight. Still makes me nervous driving it in town.
 
Power and control... the more, the better.
 
its normal to worry about your car, but at some point you have to take some risks for the benefit of fun otherwise what would be the point of having a nice car and driving a nice car, when it becomes more hassle than pleasure? find your comfort level, know that it is just a car at the end of the day, and even if something does happen it can be repaired(usually:biggrin) and just enjoy it, thats what they are there for. I love driving mine, the therapy alone is worth the cost of repair on any damage I may cause it while driving.:cheers
 
I do the best I can to look out for her and leave the rest in the hands of the road gods. I bought this car for one reason, to perform. I am lucky that I have a lot of lonely roads out here so finding the place to let her loose is not my issue.

That said I have another "fun" car that is the one I am comfortable parking anywhere. The GT is my driving car. The other is my parking car. :lol :cheers
 
You can drive it as hard as you want. You can have as many cars as you want. They never talk back or complain. They never gain weight. Their diet is always the same - fuel. When you get tired of her you sell her, trade her etc. with no lawyer involvement.

You see, you car is the perfect mate. Now I understand why Camilo is single.
 
TO AWSUM said:
Sorry, but inquiring minds must know. I often see guys comment that the FGT is more fun to drive than X, Y or Z. Or the R8 is more fun than X, Y or Z.

Sorry, but I don't get it. Whenever I drive any car I feel it's nerve racking dealing with the traffic. Maybe it's because I live in Florida and there is a stop light every 100 yards (i.e. clutch in clutch out, clutch in clutch out, etc., etc.). I get nervous driving because I can not take my eyes off the cars around me for even a second or they will be stopping suddenly with no warning or changing lanes cutting me off, etc., etc. that just isn't fun to me. It is so bad around here that when I have a chance to ride with someone else driving, I discover stores along the route that I never knew existed and then I'm told that the store has been there for years. You can not sightsee and drive on Florida roads around here therefore there is no relaxation only concentration. So, I'm curious, what is it like for you guys who say you have fun driving? Where are you having fun - on the track only? Not complaining, just curious.
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I feel the very same way as you do even tho I only have a Viper but I can still relate. People hanging out of their cars taking pictures or looking over at your car not paying attention whats around them makes me very uptight. One time a had a couple in a sporty 4 door Subaru that were trying to get me to race while they were filming me already with a camcorder. I didn't race them but I did gas it hard a couple of times and pulled away just for some entertainment. One thing that I have learned is to never park in a shopping center even if your parked far away or be away from your car to long. Even if I go into a restaurant I try to park my car where I can see it at all times. For me the enjoyment of driving my car is on roads that are not heavily traveled away from town.
 
HHGT said:
You can drive it as hard as you want. You can have as many cars as you want. They never talk back or complain. They never gain weight. Their diet is always the same - fuel. When you get tired of her you sell her, trade her etc. with no lawyer involvement.

You see, you car is the perfect mate. Now I understand why Camilo is single.
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lol HHGT

my wife aka Mustang Sandy calls my GT the other woman :lol
 
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WALKING TALL 2 said:
For me the enjoyment of driving my car is on roads that are not heavily traveled away from town.
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in addition to Mexico > Area 51 is my other fav place to let it all hang out :secret:

there is just something about driving 90 miles down a 2 lane highway in 36 minutes flat that just makes my dick hard :beer2:

LARGE-silverstate.jpg
 
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It appears we will need to ban EP from the Forum! His Force is great young Skywalker.

Some of you guys sound like little old ladies.
 
Thank you Kingman! Well said.
 
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