Originally Posted by Jafro
Learn the advantages and disadvantages of each car, or better yet, the different driving techniques necessary to handle completely different kinds of cars.
That's pretty much where I'm at with this. Part of the fun lies in the challenge of learning a car's personality, regardless of it's performance numbers. RWD, FWD, AWD, Turbos, VTEC, Torque, Revs... there's fun to be had somewhere with everything. But people blind themselves with bias and hate, like their car becomes some sort of monotheistic religion for them.
Originally Posted by Jafro
Nor is it really safe in my opinion, at least not when almost every car on the road is an SUV. People buy Volkswagons, BMWs Mercedes, Saabs, Volvos and the like because they need a safe car that will protect their families in an accident. They have good reputations for that. That's why most older people aren't seen in a Civic, not because the car makes them any younger
Hmmm, excellent point. Although I'd argue that SUVs aren't any safer (and are often worse) in a single-vehicle crash. SUVs simply make it more likely you'll kill car drivers in exchange for your own safety.
The 2003 Ex actually has excellent crash ratings, which is one of the reasons we bought it. Oddly, although my Eclipse feels like a dang tank in comparison, it's a bloody deathtrap (if hit in the side). Weight <> Safety I suppose.
Originally Posted by Jafro
I don't ever see a family crammed in a civic hatch...)
The sedan ain't so bad. Pretty much like an old accord.
Originally Posted by Jafro
You never answered me when I asked if your Turbo Eclipse was Wrong-Wheel Drive (WWD)...
LOL, yes, it's a GS-T. But you can't blame the understeer entirely on the configuration, since the darn civic turns in just fine. I'm guessing the Eclipse's heavy motor and mounting position give it a nasty "polar moment of inertia" compared to the civic and it's teeny tiny engine. I've debated slapping some Teins and low-profile tires on it, but it seems like a poor foundation to build on. It's been years since I've driven a GSX, so I don't remember if it's significantly better (aside from exiting corners).