Ruminations of a new S2k driver
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: East Lyme, CT
Ruminations of a new S2k driver
Well, Tuesday will be 8 full weeks of S2000 ownership. And I'd be preaching to the choir to tell everyone how great it is. So we'll move past that.
But one thing that strikes me the most, aside from the driving experience in itself, is the reactions I get from other drivers on the highway. I just don't know what it is... I don't drive any faster on the highway than I do when I'm in my A4. If anything, I drive a bit slower and more conservative because I'm still not fully used to the feel of the car, and I also realize I'm an easier cop target.
What I mean by other driver reactions is that several times now, it seems that people get into pissing contests if I pass them. They seem to make a concerted effort to either speed up, or pass me right back. Often times, I'm even on cruise control, but with the digital speedometer, it's pretty easy to reassure myself that I'm not fluctuating in speed.
And from my limited experience, it seems to be people who are driving non-sport vehicles... like the white Dodge Caravan on I-395 last night. I passed him going ~70ish, but he quickly sped up and tailed me. 20 seconds later, he pulled out and passed me going about 85+. The highway was largely empty... it just didn't make sense. But it's happened much more often in the S2000, and I don't think it's me. I don't even bother acknowledging them, so I find myself feeling
... slow and steady. (Relatively, at least)
I just don't have this issue in the A4. I pass people, I move over, and traffic flows.
Do the rest of you get this kind of reaction from the public? More noticeable than in an average sedan?
But one thing that strikes me the most, aside from the driving experience in itself, is the reactions I get from other drivers on the highway. I just don't know what it is... I don't drive any faster on the highway than I do when I'm in my A4. If anything, I drive a bit slower and more conservative because I'm still not fully used to the feel of the car, and I also realize I'm an easier cop target.
What I mean by other driver reactions is that several times now, it seems that people get into pissing contests if I pass them. They seem to make a concerted effort to either speed up, or pass me right back. Often times, I'm even on cruise control, but with the digital speedometer, it's pretty easy to reassure myself that I'm not fluctuating in speed.
And from my limited experience, it seems to be people who are driving non-sport vehicles... like the white Dodge Caravan on I-395 last night. I passed him going ~70ish, but he quickly sped up and tailed me. 20 seconds later, he pulled out and passed me going about 85+. The highway was largely empty... it just didn't make sense. But it's happened much more often in the S2000, and I don't think it's me. I don't even bother acknowledging them, so I find myself feeling
... slow and steady. (Relatively, at least)I just don't have this issue in the A4. I pass people, I move over, and traffic flows.
Do the rest of you get this kind of reaction from the public? More noticeable than in an average sedan?
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Stonington
Pffft. Try driving a yellow one. Silverstone was great, blended right into traffic...I don't believe it has been 2 months since I sold it. There were a few times where I pulled off of the highway to get rid of someone playing games, just no worth it.
You have to drive the S like a motorcycle, assume everyone is out to get you.
You have to drive the S like a motorcycle, assume everyone is out to get you.
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 65,411
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From: Smalltown
The Caravan was just looking to get a look at what his life could be like if he didn't need to drive a mini-van. 
We've not noticed what you've mentioned, but I'll keep an eye out once we get back on the road in about 4-6 weeks.
We've not noticed what you've mentioned, but I'll keep an eye out once we get back on the road in about 4-6 weeks.
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 78,840
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From: On yo puter screen
I have noticed an increased tendency to really tick people off without even trying. I've had untold people pull over to let me by especially at night due to the headlights i think.
:agree:
Personally, I think it's people that haven't seen an S before. They pull these stupid moves to get a better look.
:agree:
and to add to that the car looks fast so everyone becomes boy racer and wants to take you on.....
:agree:
Personally, I think it's people that haven't seen an S before. They pull these stupid moves to get a better look.
:agree:
and to add to that the car looks fast so everyone becomes boy racer and wants to take you on.....
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: West Springfield MA
I've had people pass me while I was in cruise at about 70, which is slow on I-91, and do the big fist pump. I had a guy in an M5 pull up beside me, again while I was in cruise and do the challenge thing until he just got bored.
On the other hand, I've had thumbs up from Audis and BMW's. I was at a stop sign one time and a teenage girl leans aout and says something like thagt's a nice car. Thanks, I reply, mom turns and says you're not too bad either. I've had women tell me it's a sexy car.
Bottom line, let the dillweeds go. Enjoy your own smiles, and they get a lot bigger in top down weather, and be happy with the looks and comments you get from people who appreciate a really cool car.
On the other hand, I've had thumbs up from Audis and BMW's. I was at a stop sign one time and a teenage girl leans aout and says something like thagt's a nice car. Thanks, I reply, mom turns and says you're not too bad either. I've had women tell me it's a sexy car.
Bottom line, let the dillweeds go. Enjoy your own smiles, and they get a lot bigger in top down weather, and be happy with the looks and comments you get from people who appreciate a really cool car.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Stonington
Aj,
Best s2000 story I have.
Last summer, driving down Rt95 around Clinton, beautiful summer day, top down. I'm moving at a pretty good clip, and overtake a Subaru WRX (think nothing of it). A few miles up the road I spot the scoob coming up behind me. I pull over, let the car pass, which then promptly slows down and cuts in front of me. I think WTF, pull into the outside lane an re-overtake them. I glare at the driver, and its two women in the car and the driver is holding up a piece of paper with a phone number on it and a big grin. Now I really think WTF (I'm engaged at this point) I pull in front of em, search frantically for something to write on, find a gas receipt, write "Married - thx tho :-)" (seemed less lame than "engaged"), and gave them a wave and let them go. Why didn't this kind of stuff happen when I was single? Made my day.
Best s2000 story I have.
Last summer, driving down Rt95 around Clinton, beautiful summer day, top down. I'm moving at a pretty good clip, and overtake a Subaru WRX (think nothing of it). A few miles up the road I spot the scoob coming up behind me. I pull over, let the car pass, which then promptly slows down and cuts in front of me. I think WTF, pull into the outside lane an re-overtake them. I glare at the driver, and its two women in the car and the driver is holding up a piece of paper with a phone number on it and a big grin. Now I really think WTF (I'm engaged at this point) I pull in front of em, search frantically for something to write on, find a gas receipt, write "Married - thx tho :-)" (seemed less lame than "engaged"), and gave them a wave and let them go. Why didn't this kind of stuff happen when I was single? Made my day.