<de-lurk>
Well, now that all the pre-nuptials, nuptials and post-nuptials
are done and dusted, I can stick my head above the parapet
This thread has discussed the various offerings in our stable and it seems that several of our steeds have been mentioned specifically in despatches -
I'd disagree with PD that automatics/tiptronics are a waste of time and uninspiring - one of the challenges is to try and 'change gear' as smoothly as you can imho; matching road speed with the new gear through a timed and held 'blip' is probably more difficult to get spot-on in the 320 CDI Estate than in either the Caterham or the Senator. The Über Barge (tm) has also been round several tracks, including Bruntingthorpe's long circuit but probably the most challenging outing was round the Sprint Course at Curborough
As (I think) Gareth has already said,the majority of us are restricted on our upper speeds nowadays - most of us don't carry the necessary dispensation papers from The Home Office - but that doesn't preclude us from enjoying our driving. Anyone with a modicum of knowledge can drive quickly in a straight liine. With a bit more knowledge, they can normally slow down sufficiently before the hazard that always features at the end of the straight section. But where we 'ordinary folk'
can concentrate our efforts, is through building a solid foundation of all the other aspects of driving which don't involve trying to push the right foot out through the bulkhead.
The 3.0L, 24V Senator, bless her, has been likened to an aging lady who, once she's lifted her skirts, sure can run. The power, in a certain rev range (trade secret)
just seems to keep on delivering - but you can't rush anything. Try and change gear too quickly and she'll baulk. Fail to use throttle or brake without sympathy and she lets you know how displeased she is. Turn into a corner without first giving her a hint of what you'd like her to do and she'll act like a stubborn mule. That, to my mind is a driver's car. You have to work with her to get her to show you her best.
Similarly, driving the Caterham is like wearing a favourite frock to a special party. She knows what's going on 'under the bodice' and if you listen and 'feel' what she's telling you - the two-way conversation is mesmerising. Ignore what's she says and she'll spit you out like a cherry pip into the nearest clump of bushes. Caterhams may 'handle like a go-kart' in the right hands but if you behave like an unruly teenager when driving them, it can all end in tears. Drive them badly and you'll end up needing a permanent supply of ibuprofen or even a visit to the orthopaedic surgeon. They really make you work at searching out uneven or changes in road surface; you have to scan even harder to make sure you've spotted everything -
and you have to really make sure you've been seen by other road users.
Give me a car that needs driver input any day over one of the modern offerings packed full of gizmos. I want to be an active part in the process - not sitting in an arm chair with telly and remote control. I certainly don't want a car that corrects my steering, dictates my following distance or doesnt allow me the option of using power to re-create my safety cushion if someone else has committed highway robbery.
Best wishes
Susie