What exactly is a Drivers' Car? What makes a car special enough to be known as a Drivers' Car?
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- In this video we take a look at what makes a car a Drivers' Car? I have a think about all the factors that could decided whether a car is a drivers' car or not.
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I would say engagement, feel and feedback. Imo speed is less of a factor, it's more about how a car goes round the twisty bits than how quickly it will lose you your licence.
For sure. I don't think speed has anything to do with it. People mentioned bikes, they are even more about corners than straight line speed. Anyone can step on an accelerator or smash open a throttle. To turn a car at speed into, through and out a corner is the real thing, along with braking. A Drivers' Car makes this all engaging and fun.
A driver's car engages the driver, and makes him or her part of the performance experience the car is capable of. It has to deliver a certain amount of theatre, both visually and audibly. It has to make you feel special when you're in it and driving it. It has to perform above and beyond normal transportation. Even though the details can vary to suit a person's individual taste, it has to deliver all those things to truly be considered a driver's car.
Sounds good to me Mark. I cannot argue with any of that. Often, for me, it is an overall feeling and I cannot really single out anything particular, just a great package. I feel blessed I can feel this in many cars and the really special cars, the real drivers cars are like an addiction.
What are the best cars you have been in that match your description?
That varies. Like you said in your video, it's not that easy to define. Different cars give different experiences, and each can be fun to drive. For me it isn't always about maximum performance. An open top roadster on a beautiful day can be a drivers car, on that day. A Miata convertible can be a lot of fun in the right conditions. A Porsche 911 out on the track is hard to beat. On the street? They seem a bit too sterile for me, which is the feeling I get from German cars in general for some reason. Italian cars have more passion, but unlike German cars which are tight and precise, Italian cars feel more casual and loose. They're fun, but you've got to keep an eye on them. Muscle cars on the street can be a blast, lots of power and sound, but that can become fatiguing on a long trip.
The reason why true enthusiasts tend to have multiple cars (if they are able to) is because it's very difficult to find one car that checks off all the boxes for every condition. I have an Emira on order, and so far it looks like it may be the car that comes the closest. It has looks inside and out, it has enough power to be fun, and sound (the V6 anyways), a legendary Lotus chassis, hydraulic steering, a 6 speed manual, it looks to be comfortable enough for daily driving or a road trip... I have to really try and find something I don't like that would make me dissatisfied enough to look for something else. I'm REALLY looking forward to getting it, which I haven't felt like this about a new car in a long time.
@@markd3250 Yeah, you sound like me.
I was looking forward to the Emira but the wait killed me and getting the manual F430 Spider kinda killed the excitement. However, in most ways the Emira actually beats that epic Ferrari and certainly smashes the Ferrari as a Drivers' Car as it happens.
I had a 1990 Miata (MX5 over here). One of the most fun drives ever. No wonder it sold so well.
I think autos and DCTs, etc, are like DCT and quickshifters on a bike. They have their use but for good ol fashioned fun and being at one with the bike in all situations, gears that require the use of two limbs is the ONLY way to go. Nuff said.
Fair comment. There is no argument that to fully experience putting in input into a vehicle you use the steering, all three pedals and a hand to change gears. It is just if that then is mandatory for a Drivers' Car.
Driver engagement, light weight, steering feel, brake feel, handling.
Just about covers it!
That all adds up to FUN 😀
Perhaps any 4 of those makes a Drivers' Car.
I think the problem is that modern cars are moving further away from what we nostalgically believe are true drivers cars. Cars that are honest and just want to be driven hard and fast. More power has led to more electronics to harness it. 🤔
Yep, no real argument there. Maybe we need two Drivers' Cars eras!
I think the starting point is a proper racing kart with gears and it becomes less of a driver's car as you start moving further away from that.
Great comment. Makes logical sense to me.
I had an Fiesta XR2 back in the day. Great fun car and I'd have called that a drivers car.
I agree. Ticked a lot of boxes and was accessible to many. Prices are quite firm now. Light, nimble and classic looks.
911 RS is a great shout. Perhaps there is not a drivers car since the noughties and most of them are a lot earlier built that that even.
Well, there are lots really in the Lambo, McLaren, Ferrari and Porsche lineup just not as raw.
Mazda MX5!! Great fun in a small package.
Absolutely, especially the earlier models. One of the most perfect (at that time) cars ever made really.
Great vid. Very interesting points yet no clearer. Your summary at the end seems right to me Ade. 👍
Thanks. Appreciate it.
Manual with great handling are top of my list = Lotus
Many people would agree with that. I think the Elise is the daddy (or Grandfather) for this but the Exige - Evora - Emira are also epic probably in that order as Drivers' Cars.
Absolutely agree 👍
LOL 😁 we all like to think we have a so-called drivers car and get so defensive when others do not agree.
True!
F1 cars have paddles now. Surely they are drivers cars?😎
I don't think they are Drivers' Cars! Mere mortals can't drive them. Light, powerful and great feel. Ah, yeah, okay, changed my mind. They tick enough boxes to be a fabulous drivers car. If they were detuned and made road legal, then wow.😁
Reminds me of the Coupe vs cabrio debate and the pros and cons of removing a roof. Two sides to everything.
Absolutely.
Is every Porsche and Lotus a drivers car? What about all Ferraris? New tech is compromising the cars.
Certainly not every Porsche but 911 and Caymans/718 surely are.
All Lotus are.
A lot of modern Ferraris have been compromised but such is the capability of the tech that one could actually argue the the FF/GTC4, Portofino, Roma and Purasangue are still Drivers' Cars - just not as obvious as a Lotus.
Loving that interior Ade. When is the Porsche video coming out?
Next week or the week after that. Filmed nearly all of it but weather has been shite!
Hehe. Me and my mates argued this one. Fun and thrilling is easy enough but it gets more confusing as actual dynamics come into play. 😄
Yeah, that is the problem. Easy to generalise but touch when specifics are involved as they are more likely to be subjective.
Enjoyed this. I thought it was simple but actually it is complicated and difficult to really get an agreed decision on.
Yep, exactly. Everybody has their own view and then even their own ideas of the cars that meet that view!
Agree about the fast German autobahn cars. Not enough personality though super well built cars. I'd rather have an RS2 than an RS6, for example.
Oh yes, perfect example where newer does not necessarily mean more engagement and how a car feels overall. Love to drive an RS2. It didn't make my list of 25 cars I wish to own but I did think about it and I do keep an eye on them.
That Lotus looks the absolute nuts m8.
I agree, of course. Looks amazing in the flesh. Such a great car. Ticks nearly every box.
A pointless debate. Nobody will agree on the details. As you say, generalisations are better.
Yep. The opinions are all interesting.
Only manual and a focus on power to weight is my thoughts.
Great shout. Though it will upset the DCTers 😁
A question that is deeper than you might initially think! What is a drivers car? One that creates an experience that causes you to smile, to reflect and possibly pat the steering wheel as you exit the car. Despite the exotica on your drive I’ve experienced this in a late night drive home on a wet evening in a 1.2 Fiat Panda! Yes a Panda. Getting the best out of it, surprising others around you by the way you conserve momentum for the roundabout and ultimately making your exit choice based on the level of understeer exhibited 😂. In all seriousness most cars can be a drivers car, it depends on the driver? Putting all that to one side, gear change is only important if it’s a ‘good’ gear change action - rubbery, vague manuals ruin the experience whereas crisp, punchy autos can allow concentration on steering, pace etc. For manuals I’d recommend Porsche, Honda (Type R cars) and Mazda (MX5) & dare I say it but the dash mounted gear stick in the aforementioned Panda is not to shabby😂. I’d also suggest that those without a clutch leg (the disabled) might still have a view on a drivers car so manual vs auto is one dimensional? . I think there will be a wide variation between a teenage lads view on a drivers car versus the 50yo man. One is not right or wrong just an insight in to the changes of the driver through time. Right enough nonsense for the day! As an aside love listening to the Emira exhaust, what a noise!
Well said.
"possibly pat the steering wheel as you exit the car." Ha, I do that and a lot more. I chat to it. Hell, I even say goodbye to my integrale when I go on a break and apologise when I take a different car out.
😁
For us, these sorts of cars go far beyond others expectations. My missus just does not get it.
Panda. Absolutely. I had an Uno Turbo ie, Renault 5 Turbo and Micra. All like tin cans and terrific fun in the right situations.
Yeah, I fear a lot of the next generation will just not 'get' a manual gearbox. Part of this is nostalgia of course. No denying that fast, slick DCTs are the way forward and indeed the only solution when the power gets silly.
Just got back from an Emira drive. It sounds unbelievable. I think it now has surely peaked now it has fully bedded in.
@@RevMonkey jealous 👍I had the classics sheds; XR2, Subaru Impreza WRX (Wagon variant), Nissan Pulsar GTiR, Honda Integra Type R, Civic Type R, BMW 135i, M2 Competition, 30th Anniversary MX5 and about to pick up an A110S soon. I dare not think of what I could’ve saved but hey ho, memories!
@@kevinmcg6747 A great car list. I remember the Pulsar, saw one last year at Brooklands. Integra Type R, in white, yes please. Rarely seen them come up but certainly one of my all time fave Japanese sports cars.
If your near Surrey I am happy to do an Alpine vs Emira video!
I'm over in the West Country but you know I do have to put the running in miles on it! Oh and yes the Integra was Championship White with the standard fit Red Recaro front seats!@@RevMonkey
@@RevMonkeyHa! Now that maybe just a thing with the Grale, she's got soul 😊
What makes a Drivers' Car in YOUR opinion?
I trust YOUR opinion Ade. 😆
Still not as engaging as a bike 😛
Satisfaction behind the wheel?! Reminds me of my ex. 😂🤣
Ha. No need to hear that story! 😁
You have to be able to enjoy the car on the road. I don't think any track car is a drivers car as it is just not attainable or accessible for many.
Very good point really if it is a purpose built track car. The higher end Caterhams are a handful for sure.
I like the one about a car that makes you sweat. 😜
Yep, hard work is ultimately rewarding.
Nice line up. Which of your 3 cars do you think is the best drivers car according to your own beliefs?
The Lotus
OOh. First time you have had those 3 in a line up Ade?
Ha. Yes, Dan. Was a bit of a pain but luckily the missus was out in Ben so had more room to play with.
Yep. Manual transmission is definitely a prerequisite. Flaps are not as engaging as having a 3rd pedal and being in full control, rev matching at your will not the computer's. I haven't always owned drivers' cars but always owned manual transmission cars in over 24 years of driving.
For sure. Have you watched my Drivers Car video? I try NOT to suggest a drivers' car can ONLY be a manual but it is tough to not go in that direction. Manuals will become relics of course but will become more special over time due to this.
Ah, ha. this was the drivers car video! 😁😆
There is a Lotus with this wrap for sale in Walton on Thames
Yeah, that is me! :D
Just dropped the price as I have seen some other stuff I like. Likely keeping the Porsche. The integrale is up for sale too.
I'd love to be able to keep them all!
@@RevMonkey Good luck with it and enjoy the fun of whatever you are driving 👍
to me a drivers car is simply engaging to drive .. low power, high power, manual, auto matters not ... speed has nothing to do with it . buy a superbike if you want speed
Exactly.
That feeling of engagement can be from a micro car up to a hypercar. Very personal thing. I guess the typical universally acknowledged Drivers' Cars just tick more boxes from more people.