Do we really need 300kw/500nm+ for a daily driver?

[Solone]

Hi,

Most of us have our LS1/LS2/LS3 with outputs of over 300kw at motor and over 500nm torque. Pretty commonplace on here. Many of us also use these cars as daily drivers.

Do we really need such power/torque as a daily driver? Isnt it complete overkill? Like using a powerdrill to brush your teeth. Sure some of us race at proper dragstrips or attend track on occassion but for the majority of our commutes, its on the way to work, shops, gym etc.

Please descirbe your overkill ride for daily commute duties?

-Mine is a VT2 LS1 with extractors/exhaust/cats, intake and mafless tuned. I think overkill for daily duties. But I have a supercharged V8 for the weekend cruise :bounce:

[itsme4g63]

yes, if you can swing the gas

[1BEAST2NV]

just like old times....

why the hell not i say...

remember back in the day driving to/from work, gym, shops etc.. seeing a nice hotted up street car, those were the days :)

good times IMO

[ti0350]

Have my Astra as a daily driver since we traded our old SS in last year, and while the Astra is great on fuel and perfect for a daily I miss driving my V8 my next daily is going to be something with more grunt for sure.

[Red-Devil]

Having owned an SS, XR6T and WRX all modded for much higher then stock power levels, all used for daily driving predominately highway driving.. Just having that punch to overtake.. I cringe when I commute in the wife's new captiva.

[Teal]

My daily driver is a supercharged 400rwkw+ still gets me around 14-15l/100 around town, plus work pays for my fuel so overkill away :lol: :lol:

[white lie]

Low 11 second, full weight blown VY GTS here... I don't work in the city so it only gets driven every second week I'm home - but I do drive it everyday when I'm here.

I've been doing some training in the city the last couple of weeks and will chew thru 2 tanks of fuel a week with the peak hour crawl (I'm only 18kms from the city). There's no way I could afford to run it everyday on the average Perth wage so it is definitely overkill IMO. Not needed for the purpose of the daily commute but it's still cool to be able to rock up at the track, change a pair of tyres and reel off some good times!

If I was to buy a daily, it would still be a V8.

[QldKev]

VX LS1 with extractors/exhaust/cats, OTRCAI, mafless tuned and 4.11 diff. Love driving it as my daily. Fuel is always going to be expensive.

My wife has a corolla 6 speed manual, averages between mid 6's to very low 7L/100km (long term average). Boring to drive.

Give me a V8 any day.

QldKev

[bozodos]

i only have a bolt on L76 VZ but I use it as my daily drive, and enjoy it, every single day. I've always driven modified cars daily though, most of my commute is highway cruising, so it's great for fuel consumption compared to the Skyline I had previously!

I can see the benefit in having both a boring daily and wild weekend car, however it's quite a bit more expensive than having one moderate car (at least from what I have seen).

Driving style and attitude is more of an issue than power (unless you're making that much power that you're struggling to maintain traction or can't manoeuvre around car parks etc.

[1BEAST2NV]

yep just sold my V8 100 series cruiser and bought a VY SS Crewman, 5.7, LS2 heads, big cam, OTR, full exhaust, manual, love it as my everyday car :), soon to have 4.11's fitted to make it drive better and make 6th usable.

then the blown clubby 425rwkw for a afternoon/weekend car :D:D:D

[VRIIClubby]

of course it is!

I got the mrs a Redline Wagon for her daily commute of 8km's in 50kmh zones...

but we live awy from family so most weekends its a intercontinental ballistic missile criss crossing the state where she shines and never stops putting a smile on my face!

[aratic]

Need no. Want yes

[smash69]

Overkill? No such thing if in the car modding world. That would imply that we were sensible, and spent $$$ with our brains and not our hearts/ego's. Lol.
Cammed L98, 3500 stalled, 3.9's daily (Stato),
Blown iron 402 weekender (cv8),
Modded WRX (wife's daily).

My wife's old 98 sonata used to serve as a daily, and could get us where we were going at the relevant speed limit, but boring as batsh!t.

[Drizt]

need... subjectively... yes :)

[XUV]

400 hp that's docile and 10-11 litre per hundred kays on the highway , the stuff we use to dream of 20 years ago .

need it like a kid needs chocolate ..........

[Solone]

Im loving all this overkill. We dont take a chiwawa for a walk, we take a panther for a walk instead, more exciting.

I was in traffic in my mildly modded VT2 LS1 and next to a guy in a Hyundai Getz. In traffic he would turn his car off an on, whilst my car is chugging away in traffic. I was shaking my head, seriously a guy in a getz still trying to maximise his mileage. Im more likely to sit there doing a burnout than turn my car on and off. OVERKILL FTW!!

[silvervyss]

Seen a few 4 bangers on LPG.. Everyone I think has a "bad habit" of throwing money on something they don't really need.

[NickS]

As has already been stated ... there is a big difference between want and need.

Do we really need 300kW+ for a daily driver, of course not ... but is that really relevant ? I don't think anyone is buying and modding to these sorts of levels because it's "needed".

:D

[RAWKUS]

My daily Adventra is pretty crappy on fuel usage,
Tri Y Paceys, 100CPI Cats, 2.5 twin zorst, Mafless.
But I tow trailers, so completely justified.
Nice to be able to hose off the car sitting next to you with a tandem trailer behind you.....for safety reasons of course!
Blower and Cam is next on the list for it.
I was getting around in a Navara work hack and I couldn't hack the lack of power.
V8 addiction...it's a wonderful thing and it's got me Hook, Line and Sinker.

[macca_779]

1738

Nuff said


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

[QIKMIK]

I would have to say that the Senator was definitely a "want" after happily commuting, etc for four years in the mighty Fiesta. I wanted a nice daily so put it on gas to make it semi-affordable.

Mick

[HOLDAN]

402ci stroked L98
Largeish custom Crane Cam
Higgins ported heads
PCM OTR
TCE Custom 2800 rev stall
25% UDP
1 7/8 ceramic coated KPM headers and 3 " KPM zorst
Built 6L80E box
Tru trac
531RWHP
Drive it every day in traffic. Gives other enthusiasts plenty of time to admire the work. And love the cam lope when waiting at the lights.

[Smitty]

I have driven NOTHING less than a V8 manual Holden for the past 35 years....








end of story! :)

[pvk308]

Hmmm i have the vy which is my daily but will get a bit of treatment cam, single plane manifold, t350 and 3800 stall and 3.9 diff gears looking for 12s out of that one....... I have the vk with a 308 cuber that runs an 11 flat and gives most cars a run for there money it to could also be my daily but is more the weekend strip car and toy... something about driving a car on the street witha transbrake hehehe and i also have a vl le which atm is a rolling shell but im sure i could go a 355 or maybe twin turboed ls1 it has a powerglide and 4.11 diff gears at the moment and i would be looking at mid to lows 10s out of that one......... so no you can never have to many toys or high hp daily drivers

[Evman]

Do we really need such power/torque as a daily driver?

Yes.

I'm currently driving a 2010 auto Rodeo ute and I'm shocked at how gutless it is. I honestly think it's dangerous. It can't accelerate from 90km when going up a medium gradient, which is where most overtaking lanes are in the country (ie uphill). Getting stuck behind slow vehicles leads to anger and potentially dangerous situations when the driver attempts to overtake on increasingly risky sections of road.

For country driving at least, give me more power than less any day.

[NickS]

Yes.

I'm currently driving a 2010 auto Rodeo ute and I'm shocked at how gutless it is. I honestly think it's dangerous. It can't accelerate from 90km when going up a medium gradient, which is where most overtaking lanes are in the country (ie uphill). Getting stuck behind slow vehicles leads to anger and potentially dangerous situations when the driver attempts to overtake on increasingly risky sections of road.

For country driving at least, give me more power than less any day.

Makes perfect sense to me, but you don't "need" 300+kW and 500+nm to overtake safely. It doesn't hurt, but it's not a "need" ...

[C4B]

I think 300kw is ok, but cmon, it's 2012 - who would put up with 500nm these days???? :)

[Mcgmaloo]

410 rwkw blown e3 maloo with 3in exhaust and pacies. 11.2l/100km. Wouldn't give it up for the world. Instant power and cruises beautiful. Oh yeah and work pays for fuel. Not that it drinks alot.

[Tre-Cool]

in short.. Yes, Yes you do.

[bladerunner]

its like an addictive drug, i was born with it flowing thru my veins. iv'e loved cars since i was old enough to know what they were. cars these days are too easy to get extra HP out of them so why not take advantage of it?

[vy2ttr]

kids love wife picking them up from school in our vy. They love the way it "sneezes", lol.

It is so easy to drive in traffic and until you put foot down you would not even know its modded. Only real give away is the magnafuel pump is a little loud.

And when you want or "need", you have 530 rwkws at your disposal...

[Evman]

Makes perfect sense to me, but you don't "need" 300+kW and 500+nm to overtake safely. It doesn't hurt, but it's not a "need" ...

If we're getting down to details we don't "need" anything more than a horse and kart

[A^K^T]

I get by with 132Kw & 138Nm without too many problems .

[Evman]

With a car weighing 500kg less I'd probably be happy with less power actually...

[Xjas]

310rwkws, manual VE, the wife uses it as a daily driver now we have 2 infants, we have 05 Corolla but we feel the VE is safer for the kids so the Corrolla will soon find a new home.

[NOS540HQ2DOOR]

310 rwkw daily driven Head and Cam VY SS and 1000hp blown 572 HQ 2door Monaro as a weekend toy.

[A^K^T]

I get by with 132Kw & 138Nm without too many problems .

:doh: forgot to mention , that's on a 230kg bike.

[1BEAST2NV]

nothing wrong with having a fast daily :)

nothing worse than pulling out in traffic thinking "go u piece of shit" redlining it and smashin gears just to get upto traffic speed, or having to sit at a T-Junction for ages cos U KNOW your car aint quick enough to get in that gap that coming up... lol

[bad88u]

Drove my 383 8tb for a few weeks to work and everywhere else just after I got it built. 380 rwkw $1500 in fuel.. Back in shed it went. :(

[IJ.]

No of course not but life is too short to drive slow shitboxes if quick cars are your passion ;)

[Xjas]

nothing worse than pulling out in traffic thinking "go u piece of shit" redlining it and smashin gears just to get upto traffic speed, or having to sit at a T-Junction for ages cos U KNOW your car aint quick enough to get in that gap that coming up... lol

You're describing my work truck right there, the missus get to drive our VE SS around all day and I'm stuck with a 155hp 3.5 tonne Transit van dammit.

[VYSHSV8]

Well hopefully my new daily arrives in feb next yr 685hp and around 2400nm torque

So hp an torque away more the better



Sent from the middle of Farkin no-where

[VYSHSV8]

Fuel economy mines around 1.3km to the ltr


Sent from the middle of Farkin no-where

[Solone]

kids love wife picking them up from school in our vy. They love the way it "sneezes", lol.

It is so easy to drive in traffic and until you put foot down you would not even know its modded. Only real give away is the magnafuel pump is a little loud.

And when you want or "need", you have 530 rwkws at your disposal...

Love it!! Now that's overkill for a daily

[2010blackve]

Is it necessary "No", is it fun "Yes" :)

[Big_Valven]

We don't really need 300KW+ when we could have 100RWKW or so from a V6. They get around in traffic pretty quick, after all.
But really, since when did a Yaris struggle to keep up around suburbia? The speed limits are only 60 anyway (50 if you are most Adelaide drivers)
A Yaris is pretty practical but I've even seen those little smart cars get around in a hurry when they need to.
Let's face it though, most of the time we're getting around on our own, why not a scooter?
But when traffic is banked up so badly, you're not getting anywhere anyway, so you could sail right past a 300KW HSV idling on the road on a pushbike.
But bikes in traffic can be a bit unsafe, not to mention looking a bit like a tard in all that lycra, so might as well walk.

I don't mean to troll, but this is a silly question on this website, really.

[1BEAST2NV]

i bought a car so i could get around in comfort, nice and warm in winter, nice and cool in summer :)

IMO pushbike riders should stick to the footpath, there a accident waiting to happen .. not to mention cant single file for shiit ..:hide:

[Mcgmaloo]

And when you get from your highly modded car into a work vehicle or 4wd thinking you can make that gap.......doh. You really gotta be a bit more patient. But who can be assed being patient?

[RAWKUS]

And when you get from your highly modded car into a work vehicle or 4wd thinking you can make that gap.......doh. You really gotta be a bit more patient. But who can be assed being patient?

I tried that, didn't work. I had my old Navara on the road for all of 2 months before I decommisioned it and went back to my LS1. My labourer is driving it now.
I originally had the attitude of it's a toolbox on wheels, cheap to run (LPG), don't care if it gets marked etc etc, but when you realise you work hard for money you like to enjoy what you are working for, especially driving it every day. Yes the Adventra costs me more to run and I need to be careful looking after it when using it for work so it doesn't look like a POS for the weekends. My customers know when I arrive with the V8 burble, so they know to put the kettle on. I will be doing some signwriting soon, so if the exhaust note attacts attention, then there is more exposure for my business right there....as long as I am behaving on the street, that is. I know myself a great sounding car gets my head to turn.

[CLUBRED]

Maybe HSV should start package deals, GTS + HSVi Cruze for $100k.

[GR346]

My Jeep is better on fuel, attracts less attention and I can park it anywhere and not worry about it but I always end up driving the Clubby to work cause its so much more enjoyable to be in.
I figure that life is short and Im going to enjoy as much as I can while I can :)

[XUV]

ay compró un Jeep ??

[GR346]

Claro que sí

[VTSSDUDE]

If you can do it, and afford it. I think even a 1000hp daily wouldn't be an overkill. :dance:
In my opinion, and from experience, when you drive a car every day they get knocked around too much as in if you just drive your car on a weekend or something they stay nice. As I said in first sentence, if you can do it, then go for it.

[DuncanCV8]

310 rwkw daily driven Head and Cam VY SS and 1000hp blown 572 HQ 2door Monaro as a weekend toy.

want . . . your . . . Monaro . . . Build thread?

used my VY CV8 as a daily for nearly 5 years, was awesome fun having a loud, low 12 second car as a still reasonable daily driver, but needed a tow car. Always thought i'd miss having the power but i've replaced it with an STX 550 Navara, 170kw and 550nm (flywheel) from a turbo diesel, i'm content for now with a brand new car with all the trimmings, and the lack of power is made up with a Torana sitting at home that's knocking on the door of 9's aspirated.

[Pickles]

I love the power & torque of a big V8.....on the open road, there's NOTHING like it....."there's no substitute for cubic inches", or as they say these days, "there's no replacement for displacement"?
However, around the city, I don't really enjoy driving that much any more.....so many drivers who couldn't give a stuff, dawdlers, right laners, 40kph limits, speed cameras, EVER increasing traffic congestion, and I really believe driving standards, & driver attitudes (to other drivers especially) is going DOWN.
Hense, I don't really enjoy driving in the city any more....and I'm quite happy to let wifey drive me around in our Astra SRI...I simply can't be bothered.
However, on the open road, with some decent driving conditions.....hell yeah...give me a big engine any day.
Cheers, Pickles.

[whitels1ss]

I love the power & torque of a big V8.....on the open road, there's NOTHING like it....."there's no substitute for cubic inches", or as they say these days, "there's no replacement for displacement"?
However, around the city, I don't really enjoy driving that much any more.....so many drivers who couldn't give a stuff, dawdlers, right laners, 40kph limits, speed cameras, EVER increasing traffic congestion, and I really believe driving standards, & driver attitudes (to other drivers especially) is going DOWN.
Hense, I don't really enjoy driving in the city any more....and I'm quite happy to let wifey drive me around in our Astra SRI...I simply can't be bothered.
However, on the open road, with some decent driving conditions.....hell yeah...give me a big engine any day.
Cheers, Pickles.
Yeah I agree with you, I also find that I get more annoyed by slower bad drivers if I am driving something more powerful around the city.
There is an old saying which goes along the lines of "the more powerful car the more patience you need".
As you also said....Driving on a bit of open road..... There is nothing better:goodjob:

[Swordie]

Around town (eg stop start traffic) modern 4cyl cars have enough power like Civic and Mazda 3. Cruising inter-state and country roads my Ecotec is at home.

Around town I prefer safety, good stereo and comfort.

[NickS]

Around town (eg stop start traffic) modern 4cyl cars have enough power like Civic and Mazda 3. Cruising inter-state and country roads my Ecotec is at home.

Inter-state and country roads is where 300kW+ and 500nm+ is a MUST ... I can drive a V6 Commy hire car around the city and it's plenty, more than enough. However when I have a V6 hire car on 80 / 90 / 100 km/h roads that's where you really notice the serious lack of grunt. You put your foot down in an ecotec at 100km/h and nothing happens, overtaking is downright scary ... 6ltrs plus and overtaking is a piece of cake!

Daily driving around town ... don't "need" big engines. Open road driving ... I'd refuse to drive without a very healthy V8!

:yup:

[VRIIClubby]

You put your foot down in an ecotec at 100km/h and nothing happens, overtaking is downright scary ... 6ltrs plus and overtaking is a piece of cake!

Daily driving around town ... don't "need" big engines. Open road driving ... I'd refuse to drive without a very healthy V8!

:yup:

couldnt agree more, just back from the 7 hour trip to sydney for the weekend and the trip is so much easier now with the ss, you pass people so quickly it's insane! and thats not even modded

[aussiemuscle308]

Do we really need 300kw/500nm+ for a daily driver?
yes, i do need a V8. i live rural, so i get stuck behind a lot of slow farmers, who never seem to be in a hurry to go anywhere. they're worse than L platers, because Learners go slow enough to overtake easily.

besides. i've worked hard to buy this darn thing. i've earned the privilege of driving it!

[calais190]

I was just having a chat with a mate about this recently. On suburban/city roads and freeways, anything over 300kws will probably never be completely used when driving a vehicle within all the road laws.

For me, I think a bolt on only 6L was plenty of power. I now have a cam in that 6L with well over 300kw. Will I use all the power locally? Hell no. Do I need it? Nope.

Its nothing more than a good talking point in my opinion.

But is it fun? Fark yes!

[VL_Calais]

living in canberra 330rwkws is great. most of the roads are 80km/h and 2 lanes but when i drive up to sydney its not fun with all the traffic. if i lived in sydney the senator would be a weekend car. theres never really too much traffic in canberra and all the open roads around the place.

[Swordie]

Inter-state and country roads is where 300kW+ and 500nm+ is a MUST ... I can drive a V6 Commy hire car around the city and it's plenty, more than enough. However when I have a V6 hire car on 80 / 90 / 100 km/h roads that's where you really notice the serious lack of grunt. You put your foot down in an ecotec at 100km/h and nothing happens, overtaking is downright scary ... 6ltrs plus and overtaking is a piece of cake!

Daily driving around town ... don't "need" big engines. Open road driving ... I'd refuse to drive without a very healthy V8!

:yup:

Ecotec has enough grunt for passing, not scary at all for me. I'd consider modern Australian sixes such as Ford’s six and turbo four have enough. On country roads I’m conservative, generally waiting for passing lane or enough time to pass while keeping reasonable pace.

Years ago friend and I did Melb to Surfers and back. We drove JD Camira 1.6 5-spd manual. That had enough. That was a different time, 150Kw would of been considered allot and lighter cars. Go to the 60’s the Mini was quickly little car.

If I did mostly country driving I’d more inclined to have a V8. Plenty of grunt on tap for when you need it. Something like a SS or Caprice would be a great car for travelling country roads

If you come from a car with allot of power a six probably feels under powered compared to what you are used to. 300+ Kw cars are in the minority. All depends what you are used to how powerful a car feels.

[XUV]

it's all about the torques or else you'd think 190kw 3.0L SIDI was on par with a 165/185KW 5.0

Imagine playing trumps ....... Holden VE Omega call 190kw's trumps VS SS ....... :doh:

[Pickles]

Ecotec has enough grunt for passing, not scary at all for me. I'd consider modern Australian sixes such as Ford’s six and turbo four have enough. On country roads I’m conservative, generally waiting for passing lane or enough time to pass while keeping reasonable pace.

Years ago friend and I did Melb to Surfers and back. We drove JD Camira 1.6 5-spd manual. That had enough. That was a different time, 150Kw would of been considered allot and lighter cars. Go to the 60’s the Mini was quickly little car.

If I did mostly country driving I’d more inclined to have a V8. Plenty of grunt on tap for when you need it. Something like a SS or Caprice would be a great car for travelling country roads

If you come from a car with allot of power a six probably feels under powered compared to what you are used to. 300+ Kw cars are in the minority. All depends what you are used to how powerful a car feels.
+1, I can relate to that.
Years ago...MANY years ago, a mate & I went to Qld in his, what was then, a fairly good car...an EH 179 S/W.....it was plenty fast enough....we sat on around 70/75 MPH most of the way.....no big deal, plenty of people did, it was a pretty normal cruising speed......can't do it now though, in cars that are 4 times more powerful, and a lot safer......not that I'd want to drive to Qld in an EH now!
Cheers, Pickles.

[gmeup]

Ecotec has enough grunt for passing, not scary at all for me. I'd consider modern Australian sixes such as Ford’s six and turbo four have enough. On country roads I’m conservative, generally waiting for passing lane or enough time to pass while keeping reasonable pace.

Years ago friend and I did Melb to Surfers and back. We drove JD Camira 1.6 5-spd manual. That had enough. That was a different time, 150Kw would of been considered allot and lighter cars. Go to the 60’s the Mini was quickly little car.

If I did mostly country driving I’d more inclined to have a V8. Plenty of grunt on tap for when you need it. Something like a SS or Caprice would be a great car for travelling country roads

If you come from a car with allot of power a six probably feels under powered compared to what you are used to. 300+ Kw cars are in the minority. All depends what you are used to how powerful a car feels.


Currently i drive and E63 AMG as my daily driver and VE SSV camed both cars have over 300rwk. I recently went to New Zeland and hired a 2012 sv6 which has 210 kw and 350nm. On the country roads i did 2000kms in 7 days and did a lot of overtaking. The Sv6 had enough power for normal curising sure, but when it came to overtaking it was a slug and slow off the mark, it was very fustrating to overtake and i had to time it to be make sure i didnt kill myself ...lol V8 for over taking all the way :)

[Radikl]

Currently i drive and E63 AMG as my daily driver and VE SSV camed both cars have over 300rwk. I recently went to New Zeland and hired a 2012 sv6 which has 210 kw and 350nm. On the country roads i did 2000kms in 7 days and did a lot of overtaking. The Sv6 had enough power for normal curising sure, but when it came to overtaking it was a slug and slow off the mark, it was very fustrating to overtake and i had to time it to be make sure i didnt kill myself ...lol V8 for over taking all the way :)

Im with you on the power needed to overtake, the problem you get, is your sitting behind someone doing 90km/h in a 100km/h zone you hit the loud pedal to overtake....what speed do you usually hit when you pull back in?.....This is the worry for me :) and we all know murphys law, when we overtake the boys in blue pop out of no where!!

Sometimes, too much power is not good especially when you can start walking 25km/h and over, well especially here in the Nanny state!!

[vy2ttr]

Im with you on the power needed to overtake, the problem you get, is your sitting behind someone doing 90km/h in a 100km/h zone you hit the loud pedal to overtake....what speed do you usually hit when you pull back in?.....This is the worry for me :) and we all know murphys law, when we overtake the boys in blue pop out of no where!!

Sometimes, too much power is not good especially when you can start walking 25km/h and over, well especially here in the Nanny state!!

I couldnt agree more. A while ago I was behind 4 trucks on hume highway, the rear one started dropping rocks and rubbish all over road and into front off ss.
When I got a chance to pass i had shits and opened her up in fourth, by time i passed all four of them I was at top of fourth. All I needed was boys in blue to pop up and it woulda been goodbye vy...

[phat_6ltr]

I couldnt agree more. A while ago I was behind 4 trucks on hume highway, the rear one started dropping rocks and rubbish all over road and into front off ss.
When I got a chance to pass i had shits and opened her up in fourth, by time i passed all four of them I was at top of fourth. All I needed was boys in blue to pop up and it woulda been goodbye vy...

If they could ever catch u ;)

[HSVREDSLED]

I drove a couple of lads back from the upper Hunter one day in the ole Clubby. Travelling in lane one of two dual lane (overtaking road), one lane the other way. We were doing the speed limit and cruised up behind a truck in lane one, and a 4WD travelling behind in lane one. I moved to lane two (at the speed limit) to overtake both 4WD and Truck. When I approached 4WD 'she' decided this was the time to pull out to overtake truck. I was forced into oncoming traffic. Right floot planted, redsled kicked back to 2nd, hell broke loose, and I narrowly avoided a head on killing myself and (at least) three others. If I was in a 4 or 6 banger, I (and others) would be a statistic. Enough reason for me, and my family. 300kw and 500nm saved my life.

[Pickles]

I drove a couple of lads back from the upper Hunter one day in the ole Clubby. Travelling in lane one of two dual lane (overtaking road), one lane the other way. We were doing the speed limit and cruised up behind a truck in lane one, and a 4WD travelling behind in lane one. I moved to lane two (at the speed limit) to overtake both 4WD and Truck. When I approached 4WD 'she' decided this was the time to pull out to overtake truck. I was forced into oncoming traffic. Right floot planted, redsled kicked back to 2nd, hell broke loose, and I narrowly avoided a head on killing myself and (at least) three others. If I was in a 4 or 6 banger, I (and others) would be a statistic. Enough reason for me, and my family. 300kw and 500nm saved my life.
Agree....Like I said, on Country roads....yep, gotta have the BIG engine,.....but.....around the city.....I don't need it.
I'm going up into the Mallee next week, & on to Berri, then down to Adelaide.....I'm really gonna enjoy those country roads...puts a smile on my face (& wifey's) just thinking about it.
Cheers, Pickles.

[bozodos]

Heading through here are you? Just watch out between mildura and renmark as they tend to patrol that road a bit!

[planetdavo]

Do we "need" this sort of grunt?
Absolutely not.
People just want it. As they are entitled to...as long as they behave.
A common theme to justifying the "need" for it is the "safety" aspect of spending less time on the wrong side of the road overtaking. The reality is more like it enables impatient or particularly confident drivers to take on options that inherently have more risk attached. Whilst true that you might spend less time on the wrong side of the road, one could (correctly) argue that the thought process behind making that riskier decision to begin with is flawed. Seriously, what's the rush?
Perhaps a chill pill in this rushed world is a much better option than "needing" powerful cars to take advantage of small gaps in traffic hey...

[bad88u]

You only live once. And when the cash flow is there why the hell not.. I've been driving V8s since my Ps. 7 v8 cars since 1998... Plenty more to come...

[Radikl]

Heading through here are you? Just watch out between mildura and renmark as they tend to patrol that road a bit!

I do the Melbourne - Mildura run about once a month.....I say this with caution........it is a quiet and lonely road until up around Ouyen, then you see the occasion boys in blue highway patrol.....i followed me for around 10kms and turned off.......looking for me to go over the limit :)

But they all hide in good spots regardless where you are....

[bozodos]

Yeah it's not *too* bad between here and ouyen, if you're not in a truck!

Davo: last time I drove to Broken Hill, there was at least 10 or so road trains sitting on 90 on a 110km/h road. I was VERY glad to have the power there to be able to zip past them quickly without having to sit on the wrong side of a bumpy, wildlife filled road for any longer than necessary!

[planetdavo]

I agree that a powerful car can mean a bit less time on the wrong side of the road bozodos...my point is that this ain't remotely close to the reason people bought those cars...;)
Personally I'd prefer a road full of educated drivers rather than a road full of (over?) confident drivers aiming for small breaks in the traffic to get to their destination more quickly. People coming the other way tend to sh!t themselves when they see a car on their side of the road approaching them rather quickly and rather closely.
If the two vehicles aren't so close then vast power reserves aren't required to begin with.

[planetdavo]

Edit- Double post. Wierd.

[bozodos]

Yeah just saying that in the country at least it can be handy to have a decent whack of power!

[Woodchukka]

Personally I'd prefer a road full of educated drivers rather than a road full of (over?) confident drivers aiming for small breaks in the traffic to get to their destination more quickly. People coming the other way tend to sh!t themselves when they see a car on their side of the road approaching them rather quickly and rather closely.
If the two vehicles aren't so close then vast power reserves aren't required to begin with.

I have to agree. Don't have to have been driving long to have experienced that. As for power... Need probably not. Want oh yeah.

[Solone]

I have a 300kw/500nm+ car for everyday duties. But I work less than 5km from my house and don't do a great deal of km. so may as well enjoy those km. but if I did more km then there is a point when the v8 would not be for me. I'm seeing not much better than 20l/100km as most my commutes are slow (26km/h average on trip computer) plus I warm car up in morning almost as long as I drive it to work.

Does anyone do 30000km+ a year with their high powered v8s? There has to be a breaking point when the cost of fuel comes into play.

[boggers007]

I have a 300kw/500nm+ car for everyday duties. But I work less than 5km from my house and don't do a great deal of km. so may as well enjoy those km. but if I did more km then there is a point when the v8 would not be for me. I'm seeing not much better than 20l/100km as most my commutes are slow (26km/h average on trip computer) plus I warm car up in morning almost as long as I drive it to work.

Does anyone do 30000km+ a year with their high powered v8s? There has to be a breaking point when the cost of fuel comes into play.

I did 32000k's last year when I had my VE Ute and well the bank account didn't have too much of a happy face with me for it but I have never owned such an effortless car to drive, Now I have a lancer due to buying a house I am averaging currently 600k's a week and whilst I pay literally half in fuel compared to what I used to its just not as fun and effortless to drive. Plus going from an Auto ute to manual Lancer the traffic shits me with the manual changes now lol

[lease1]

I have my cammed auto ve ute on liquid injected LPG doing 600km to 70 litres in mixed freeway/traffic doing 5000km a month. Cheaper to run than a 4 cylinder.

[bozodos]

I've done 20000km in a year of owning my VZ, avg speed 50-60km/h, most economical car I've owned and spending half what I used to on fuel.

[v8fazz]

Same theory as a condom and a gun.

I'd rather have it and not need it instead of needing it and not have it..

[VYBerlinaV8]

As for power... Need probably not. Want oh yeah.

Well summed up.

[Pickles]

Heading through here are you? Just watch out between mildura and renmark as they tend to patrol that road a bit!
Mate, there are GREAT driving roads up your way, but we're not going up via Mildura....we're staying a night at Wycheproof (good motel & a couple of great Pubs), then we're going via Birchip, Beulah, Hopetoun, Walpeup, Pinnaroo, Loxton, Berri. All minor roads, but great country & awesome driving conditions.....and, on these roads, the V8 will be very nice!
Cheers, Pickles.

[bozodos]

Haven't really been down that way for a while, but agree there is some decent driving through there - it gets better once you get over the border though IMO!

[NickS]

Does anyone do 30000km+ a year with their high powered v8s? There has to be a breaking point when the cost of fuel comes into play.

We have 2 V8's ... mine does about 9,000km pa and the family car does about 20,000km pa. Fuel is probably around $550 pm.

At this stage I'm happy to pay it. I have to change tyres every 9,000 - 10,000 kms too (HSV lasts a lot longer) ... and that's not driving it overly hard! Still, I'd rather do that than drive a Prius!

[LJCHSV]

Driving a very high powered car is one of the very last few freedoms thats we have left in this country....So whilst its still a freedom, i'll be driving & PASSIONATELY ENJOYING the most powerfull road car i can afford. Enough said!

[V8LOAD]

Bikes in traffic can be a bit unsafe, not to mention looking a bit like a tard in all that lycra, so might as well walk.


Speak for the pushy riders and the ricers. When on my 1980 Shovelhead, you can hear me coming over your HSV, AND i get about 45mpg in the city.

and when I am not on the Harley, I love my VY SS wagon. I commute halfway to work, park at train station and ride the rest of the way as fuel thirst doubles in city traffic, and it is on my own dollar.

I had a 1978 400cu in Lincoln Continental in the UK and it did something like 24L/100km, so when my wagon give me 12L/100km I smile about how technology has been my friend, and throb along happily in the 2003 wagon.

[Radikl]

Driving a very high powered car is one of the very last few freedoms thats we have left in this country....So whilst its still a freedom, i'll be driving & PASSIONATELY ENJOYING the most powerfull road car i can afford. Enough said!

Well said..........i think the days are numbered though.......look at what the pollies are trying to do here in Vic....lowered speed limits, micro managing us on every front....

[Mcgmaloo]

Driving a very high powered car is one of the very last few freedoms thats we have left in this country....So whilst its still a freedom, i'll be driving & PASSIONATELY ENJOYING the most powerfull road car i can afford. Enough said!

Well said. That was a deciding factor when I bought my maloo. Enjoy it. Mod it. Love it. Before we have to stop in at the servo to plug our cars in to get home.

[Swordie]

Seems trend is cars get more powerful overtime. 300kw might be power of six in 10 years time.

[planetdavo]

Seems trend is cars get more powerful overtime. 300kw might be power of six in 10 years time.

True.
Some people just get too hung up on dyno outputs. Power to weight ratio is the true marker of "performance". Either way, why would 300kW or whatever suddenly be a reliable marker of (for example) a safe overtaking car? Why can't 150kw be more than enough, or why stop at 300? Make 400kW the "required" amount, or more even.
What is required the most in a daily driver car is a driver with a brain capable of making safe decisions...not decisions driven by ego, aggression, poor judgement or kilowatt output.

[IJ.]

Most people don't realise just how good Modern cars have gotten, Drive something with King Pin front end 4 wheel drum brakes and no synchro in the 3 speed column shift and maybe on a good day 70Kw and even the lowliest of Modern cars will seem like a race car by comparison... ahhh the good old days ;)

The Speed limits haven't changed a whole lot since then and were NEVER based on any actual research, it isn't speed that kills it's piss poor driver training, getting a license has always been a joke..

[boostmypulse]

yes my berlina is a must. have a bad day at work, Jump in it, turn the key and its all worth it.

[Woodchukka]

The Speed limits haven't changed a whole lot since then and were NEVER based on any actual research, it isn't speed that kills it's piss poor driver training, getting a license has always been a joke..

I agree the L's program for car is piss weak. I am all for a driver training program for cars like they do for motorbikes. To get your L's and P's on a motorbike you have to complete (depending on location of testing centre) a rider training course. Most of the people there (all but one) could ride however the other well needed more help :shock:. However to get in a car you do a test on a computer and away you go? I taught my wife to drive in my VL turbo (got her licence later in life) and had her learn to drive in the middle of nowhere first then once confidence was built introduced her to more complicated situations and ensured she drove in the wet, dry, gravel whatever the conditions and she drove it on her P's as well and she is yet to have an accident to date. You can teach someone to drive in a powerful car easy. It is not the power but the decisions we make and I have made some bad ones I'll admit that.

[IJ.]

My driving test consisted of 1 parallel park, out of the Police station car park, right, left, left, left, right back into the car park passed!

“Here’s your licence son” I then proceeded to get into my 5 litre 4 speed V8 Monaro and was let lose....

Only thing in my favour at that time was I’d spent years sliding around on grass and dirt so had the car handling skills needed to NOT die in the first 5 minutes, been “learning” to drive ever since.

[planetdavo]

...been “learning” to drive ever since.

The above quote should be a life lesson for everything in our lives, every day.
We NEVER stop learning. Anyone that thinks they know everything they need to know in life already has a problem.

[Woodchukka]

My dad live in a small town and the cop said your Joe's (not real name LOL) son aren't you. "yes" was my dad's reply. You drive on the farm? "Yes" was my dad's reply. No worries sign here.... For the record my father never had an accident and I can't recall a fine or ever being pulled over by the cops when I was in the car with him.

[tunga]

I drove a couple of lads back from the upper Hunter one day in the ole Clubby. Travelling in lane one of two dual lane (overtaking road), one lane the other way. We were doing the speed limit and cruised up behind a truck in lane one, and a 4WD travelling behind in lane one. I moved to lane two (at the speed limit) to overtake both 4WD and Truck. When I approached 4WD 'she' decided this was the time to pull out to overtake truck. I was forced into oncoming traffic. Right floot planted, redsled kicked back to 2nd, hell broke loose, and I narrowly avoided a head on killing myself and (at least) three others. If I was in a 4 or 6 banger, I (and others) would be a statistic. Enough reason for me, and my family. 300kw and 500nm saved my life.


Remember a couple of years back

[macca_779]

Remember a couple of years back

Trying to analyse that in my head and as much as I too enjoy a powerful daily. You can always brake and slip back in to get out of a sticky situation.


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

[Solone]

True.
Some people just get too hung up on dyno outputs. Power to weight ratio is the true marker of "performance". Either way, why would 300kW or whatever suddenly be a reliable marker of (for example) a safe overtaking car? Why can't 150kw be more than enough, or why stop at 300? Make 400kW the "required" amount, or more even.
What is required the most in a daily driver car is a driver with a brain capable of making safe decisions...not decisions driven by ego, aggression, poor judgement or kilowatt output.


Used the benchmark of 300kw/500nm as most LS1/LS2/LS3 cars make this power either stock or with minimal mods. Most of us on here have AT LEAST this power so I thought it would be a good base point. Thats where my car is at also.

Its a fair kick in the pants when you open up a 300kw/500nm car.

[Torborg]

I hope we're talking 300rwkw, and no, it's still not enough.

[white lie]

300 at the fly is far from overkill considering how streetable it is. 300 at the wheels is getting close but still very easy to drive if the setup is right.

[XUV]

the ones with 300 at the wheels are over compensating :p

[planetdavo]

Used the benchmark of 300kw/500nm as most LS1/LS2/LS3 cars make this power either stock or with minimal mods. Most of us on here have AT LEAST this power so I thought it would be a good base point. Thats where my car is at also.

Its a fair kick in the pants when you open up a 300kw/500nm car.

It's been a good social experiment this thread. Main thing I've noted is the percentage that believe they have the exceptional skills required to control a high powered car in any situation.
I hope for everyone's sake that, having talked the talk, they are actually capable of walking the walk, if suddenly confronted by a dangerous situation. A high powered car could quite easily mean you just arrive at the accident even faster, rather than getting yourself out of trouble. They are the ones that particularly are a genuine concern on the roads...

[C4B]

It's been a good social experiment this thread. Main thing I've noted is the percentage that believe they have the exceptional skills required to control a high powered car in any situation.
I hope for everyone's sake that, having talked the talk, they are actually capable of walking the walk, if suddenly confronted by a dangerous situation. A high powered car could quite easily mean you just arrive at the accident even faster, rather than getting yourself out of trouble. They are the ones that particularly are a genuine concern on the roads...

Exceptional Skill required to control a 300kw car........ :lmao:

Always good for a laugh.

[macca_779]

Exceptional Skill required to control a 300kw car........ :lmao:

Always good for a laugh.

I know right. Wisdom from Davo yet again. He should work for the VIC state government roads department. Would fit right in.

[IJ.]

It's been a good social experiment this thread. Main thing I've noted is the percentage that believe they have the exceptional skills required to control a high powered car in any situation.
I hope for everyone's sake that, having talked the talk, they are actually capable of walking the walk, if suddenly confronted by a dangerous situation. A high powered car could quite easily mean you just arrive at the accident even faster, rather than getting yourself out of trouble. They are the ones that particularly are a genuine concern on the roads...

Lack of skill is as much a concern if you drive a Hyundai Excell......

Very few modern cars won't do a genuine 160 Kmh and at that speed if you hit anything half solid you're dead no matter what you're driving short of a caged race car.

[Evman]

Stupidity is stupidity in any car regardless of power. As is inexperience. As is lack of concentration. As is poor judgement. As is distraction. As is anything that can and has caused accidents.

But hey, if you turn traction control off then you're a hell bent bogan hoon bent on exterminating the human race one traffic light drag race at a time.

[Swordie]

I know right. Wisdom from Davo yet again. He should work for the VIC state government roads department. Would fit right in.

Davo has made some very good points.

[VTSSDUDE]

If a person needs to rely on traction control rather then rely on the control of their right foot, then that is a problem.

[gmeup]

I agree that a powerful car can mean a bit less time on the wrong side of the road bozodos...my point is that this ain't remotely close to the reason people bought those cars...;)
Personally I'd prefer a road full of educated drivers rather than a road full of (over?) confident drivers aiming for small breaks in the traffic to get to their destination more quickly. People coming the other way tend to sh!t themselves when they see a car on their side of the road approaching them rather quickly and rather closely.
If the two vehicles aren't so close then vast power reserves aren't required to begin with.

Aussie drivers are pretty good drivers the problem we have is we have too many cars and too much congestion for our roads which were not designed to cope. Especially Sydney which has road designed for horse and carriage..lol people get frustrated due to the huge amount of traffic which tends to make them more aggressive on the road.

[VYSHSV8]

If a person needs to rely on traction control rather then rely on the control of their right foot, then that is a problem.

That is so correct :)

My eldest gets his license early next year and over the Chrissy break I am gonna spend some time teaching him my way aka controlled slides etc etc and get him to jump in the 4by and we will go play on some decent gravel, where I learnt a lot of driving.. If you can control brake outmaneuver on wa gravel roads you can handle the bitumen....
Yes his first car is my VY 11sec girl

And he will be a great driver, car control is right foot dependent on all roads, so he will do great.. Just watch out all you nancy proofta Prius drivers he already hates you haha


Sent from the middle of Farkin no-where

[Jonesy40]

If a person needs to rely on traction control rather then rely on the control of their right foot, then that is a problem.

i agree if you have driven a VE ute on gravel at any sort of speed you realize that it can be more of a hindrance than a help.

[macca_779]

That is so correct :)

My eldest gets his license early next year and over the Chrissy break I am gonna spend some time teaching him my way aka controlled slides etc etc and get him to jump in the 4by and we will go play on some decent gravel, where I learnt a lot of driving.. If you can control brake outmaneuver on wa gravel roads you can handle the bitumen....
Yes his first car is my VY 11sec girl

And he will be a great driver, car control is right foot dependent on all roads, so he will do great.. Just watch out all you nancy proofta Prius drivers he already hates you haha


Sent from the middle of Farkin no-where

Good job mate. I'll be doing the same when my son is old enough to reach the pedals.

It was mentioned above that Aussie drivers are good drivers. I'd like to know why you'd think that? IMO Aussie drivers are not good drivers at all. Sure we're better than somewhere like Malaysia, but we are miles behind other 1st world countries like Finland, the UK and Germany as examples.

Our testing and instruction is simply inadequate. At no point in a young drivers progression to obtain a licence is even moderate car control taught or assessed.

Motorcycle testing is much better and IMO adequate in Australia. You are taught situational awareness, evasive techniques and you must actually employ a basic emergency stop in order to get your licence. For cars, there is nothing like this, bar a hazard perception test on a computer :rollseyes:.

Even a commentary drive is not tested for when getting a licence here. Its a good technique to asses whether or not a driver is seeing potential hazards and incorporates the system of vehicle control steps Course, Mirror/Signal, Speed, Mirror/Gears, Evasive, Acceleration. Which occur automatically to an established driver.

I'm an ADF Driver Testing Officer and even our testing does not require a basic emergency stop. Its actually on the assessment but its only used if it actually happens on a drive, so its not a requirement to be assessed on, but I can still teach it if I choose. I personally don't agree with it not being a required part of the assessment, but I don't make the rules.

If I had it my way, every driver in the country would have to demonstrate emergency braking without ABS, skid control techniques and on road hazard perception demonstration at a minimum.

[VYSHSV8]

Well said mate also to add to it

Be farkin aware of road trains

I think people see a truck coming down the road and they say oh it's a truck he is going slow so I will pull out in front of it and if try hit me they are liable...
A lot of us truck runs personel cameras in the trucks with GPS logging and speed so it's slowly turning our way.

People think hoons get a bad name just remember every accident involving a truck is said to be the trucks fault nothing to do with the farkin dickheada on the road although there are useless drivers our there aka truck drivers that one day are in control of a camel train and the next day a road train aka a linfox special


Sent from the middle of Farkin no-where

[jai]

I love watching outback truckers!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NickS]

Exceptional Skill required to control a 300kw car........ :lmao:

Always good for a laugh.

For some strange reason it reminds of those toothbrush ads where they say they have extra grips for "superior control" ... who's ever lost control of a toothbrush FFS!

My car will happily smoke the tyres in pretty much any gear / anytime, but it's a piece of cake to drive if you're not being a tool. I've never even been close to "losing control" ... I must have exceptional skills! As others have pointed out, you don't need 300kW to drive fast ... but you can bet your last dollar that the car that is sold with 300kW is going to handle a bit of speed a hell of a lot better than the shit box being flogged and going the same speed.

[planetdavo]

Exceptional Skill required to control a 300kw car........ :lmao:

Always good for a laugh.

More people have exceptionally well developed ego’s rather than exceptional skills out there. The main problem with exceptionally well developed ego’s is that the drivers THINK they are the world’s greatest drivers, more than capable of driving their car out of ANY situation. These sorts often believe a grandma could safely drive a powerful car. 300kW/500Nm considered a “powerful” car? Pffft they say.
A 300kW/500Nm car weighing over 1600kg’s and capable of accelerating to 100km/h in well under 6 seconds is a high powered car. Drive them hard and lose it, and you WILL need exceptional skills recovering that amount of mass from causing destruction. An exceptionally well developed ego will often just get you into a much bigger accident once you eventually hit something. Just because someone can afford a high powered car and can join an internet forum doesn't automatically make them the world's best driver never to win an F1 world championship...:confused:
I’m sorry to hear you find it a “laugh” saying what I said. I would have thought it to be in the forum’s interests to promote responsible driver attitudes and intelligent discussion, considering the “enthusiast” movement is generally just considered to be a hoon sub-category by much of the population.
People manage to kill themselves with 200ish kW V6 Commodore’s pretty easily you know, so the V8 versions only magnify the potential risks, especially the models before VE- with it's extra abilities and safety nets. Driving between traffic lights or having a little fang at 20km/h isn’t the time these “exceptional skills” I talked about are required. Maybe that’s what you thought I meant. Well I hope so anyway. It’s in one of those sh!t your pants moments you need this level of skill, and sadly, many people have found out they never possessed those exceptional skills over the years, as evidenced by their untimely funerals and hence plenty of time to ponder their mistakes whilst buried 6 feet under...

[macca_779]

So are you claiming to be an extraordinary driver davo? Sure sounds like it with you expert opinions


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

[planetdavo]

So are you claiming to be an extraordinary driver davo? Sure sounds like it with you expert opinions




I in no way will ever claim to be an "exceptional" driver.
I'd much rather be slow and alive, than dead trying to impress the peanut gallery.
:)

[VYBerlinaV8]

Aussie drivers are pretty good drivers

I don't think we are. The amount of stupidity I see day in day out is amazing. There are plenty of places overseas where the average person is better at controlling a car than the average Aussie. Liicenses are far too easy to get here.

[Red-Devil]

Lots of places overseas also make driving part of the school curriculum in later years.. Whether it makes any difference to statistics I couldn't say.

[planetdavo]

I don't think we are. The amount of stupidity I see day in day out is amazing. There are plenty of places overseas where the average person is better at controlling a car than the average Aussie. Liicenses are far too easy to get here.

Here here!
Licences are far too easy to get in Australia. Politicians in this country spent far too much time looking at how to win voters over, of which people of driving age are almost totally their target market. It's much easier for a politician to place oppressive penalties on drivers after they've got a licence, than it is to stand up to the crap driving young voters by making it hard to get a licence to begin with.
Unfortunately, this mentality can lead to inexperienced, ego driven or immature minded drivers getting their licences rather too easily. All they have to do is avoid losing it for a short number of years if they want a high powered car. Hello Australia's favourite "hoon" car...:slap:
Just because you can pass an Australian drivers licence test doesn't automatically mean you are remotely a great driver capable of controlling a high powered car in a panic situation.

[VYSHSV8]

I love watching outback truckers!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Never watched it but no doubt it will be all hyped up crap for the yank market
Yes I drive triple road trains for a living they are around 53mtr long


Sent from the middle of Farkin no-where

[Woodchukka]

If a person needs to rely on traction control rather then rely on the control of their right foot, then that is a problem.

You can add to that stability control, hill start assist, the radar that keeps you a safe distance from other cars, and the cars that will brake for you if the car in front does. How can you expect people to become vigilant if you keep enabling inattention? What will you tell the cop when that shit fails. "It was the cars fault!"???

[jc_sv8]

This is the new drivers test...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SjX7A_FR6g

[VTSSDUDE]

You can add to that stability control, hill start assist, the radar that keeps you a safe distance from other cars, and the cars that will brake for you if the car in front does. How can you expect people to become vigilant if you keep enabling inattention? What will you tell the cop when that shit fails. "It was the cars fault!"???

Yep I totally agree. I thought I was reading things when I learnt that the Subaru Foresters came out with hill start assist. As for that brake proximity sensor crap. What's this world coming too?
Idiocracy here we come.

[C4B]

For some strange reason it reminds of those toothbrush ads where they say they have extra grips for "superior control" ... who's ever lost control of a toothbrush FFS!

My car will happily smoke the tyres in pretty much any gear / anytime, but it's a piece of cake to drive if you're not being a tool. I've never even been close to "losing control" ... I must have exceptional skills! As others have pointed out, you don't need 300kW to drive fast ... but you can bet your last dollar that the car that is sold with 300kW is going to handle a bit of speed a hell of a lot better than the shit box being flogged and going the same speed.

Same here. I've never even come close to having an accident. Some people think you need exceptional skills to be able to drive a powerful car (generally this perspective comes from people who have never driven a powerful car). The reality is, all you need it the ability to know where your skill levels run out and not to drive beyond those levels.

I could have double the power I've currently got, and still have no issues. My ability doesn't change, nor does ensuring I drive within that ability.

[IJ.]

Look at it this way, if everyone in the country behaved themselves on the road and didn't get fined most state governments would be bankrupt within a month, fines are just indirect taxation so it's not in their interest to educate drivers better or actually address any of the real issues..

[duke5700]

I've been asked with some of my cars and the insane power levels, How do you drive that thing on the street? My reply each time, the same as always. You just don't push the loud peddle as hard.

You can never predict other people and as such you need to drive within the confines of what is considered normal. That way, you can react to them and they have time to react to you.





Same here. I've never even come close to having an accident. Some people think you need exceptional skills to be able to drive a powerful car (generally this perspective comes from people who have never driven a powerful car). The reality is, all you need it the ability to know where your skill levels run out and not to drive beyond those levels.

I could have double the power I've currently got, and still have no issues. My ability doesn't change, nor does ensuring I drive within that ability.

[Xjas]

Same here. I've never even come close to having an accident. Some people think you need exceptional skills to be able to drive a powerful car (generally this perspective comes from people who have never driven a powerful car). The reality is, all you need it the ability to know where your skill levels run out and not to drive beyond those levels.

I could have double the power I've currently got, and still have no issues. My ability doesn't change, nor does ensuring I drive within that ability.

While high powered V8s, especially those with traction control only require some basic common sense to be driven safely on a day to day basis its a different game when you start talking 300rwkw+ from the small capacity turbo brigade, a wet road and a large turbo on a 2.5 litre Skyline are a recipe for disaster in all but the most capable hands IMHO.

[duke5700]

They aint that bad, like I said all in the right foot. Can easily motor around off boost.


While high powered V8s, especially those with traction control only require some basic common sense to be driven safely on a day to day basis its a different game when you start talking 300rwkw+ from the small capacity turbo brigade, a wet road and a large turbo on a 2.5 litre Skyline are a recipe for disaster in all but the most capable hands IMHO.

[RRR888]

IMO, how much power your car makes is not the issue at all. It's all about the responsibility of the guy behind the wheel.

I do agree that driver training in this country is not good enough. But, teaching a new driver defensive driving skills is one thing, teaching them not to gamble and do something stupid in the heat of the moment is another.

It takes a young fella about .001 of second to switch off traction control and try to impress his mates. You can give them all the driver training in the world, it's not gonna stop them taking a risk.

If you want to spend 1000's of dollars modifying your car, good luck to you. Don't drive like a wacker and it's no one elses concern how much power your car makes.

[XUV]

IMO, how much power your car makes is not the issue at all. It's all about the responsibility of the guy behind the wheel.

yep ,
just like 4wd's can get stuck or drowned and all the x5 gizmos didn't prevent this happening at the Rye boat ramp, lol

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/697681712.jpg?key=960720&Expires=1354759281&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=HuYy~0SXNfBjB9xKAnNR8pLqYYRTVLT05Iq7kxB2 Z6SB6dICJg4G~hPpf4rLSMuJBhJ5A-9CtGJxWmW3Uf28Bdq67rWQv5rohpDvMxsLc299CCetDYZkz~HJ oVSGEpoMlCyf64CMTVWPzOvCG2vKCF3CzUuf-O3X6TPk9thqInw_

[OMR346]

Mine has roughly around 500hp at the motor. i drive it to and from work every day, and every where else i go. I wouldnt have it any other way :)

[VX-SS-383]

Same here daily driven 320rwkw,i cant own anything but a v8.
Tried leaving it stock but just cant do it. :)

[SimonNQ]

Another question is, and this eludes to the turbo point above, what if someone else is driving your car? You might be used to the power of your car and therefore pretty comfortable driving it on a daily basis, but, would you let your Mother drive it? Would the car be just as 'safe' or easy to drive for anyone that drives it?

I have only done pretty small mods to my SSV, however my Mother can still drive it without a problem, V8 power is pretty predictable and most people would be able to handle the more linear power delivery. My previous car was a Turbo Mazda 6 MPS. My mother nearly ran up the butt of the car in front simply because she gave it a bit to take off and she hit the turbo. Car goes from under responding to WHOA pretty quickly ! lol

Personally I think that high powered V8's are FAR easier to drive and live with every day than a similar powered turbo car.

[VL_Calais]

some of my cars and the insane power levels

youve never had insane power levels......

[duke5700]

You've never been sane :p

What are you even doing out of bed?


youve never had insane power levels......

[VL_Calais]

i was up before 8.30 although not feeling the best

[Solone]

We dont need high powered cars but they are fun. Dangerous when immature drivers drive them though. See it go fast (to their mates) weeeeeeeeee.....as they come over the crest of a hill with a sudden bend and house on the corner (or stationary car)....THUD!!

A mate of mine has a 400rwkw V8 supercharged and drives it around hardly ever hitting boost. Therefore not dangerous as he drives 60km/h in a 60km zone. But put same car in hands of a young driver and boy there is carnage.

[Toddler78]

So 10 pages on

Need = No

Want = Yes :driving:

done.

:dancenana:

[FrangaFry]

My wife drives a Nissan Navara STX (2.5ltr with a hair dryer hanging off it), I have a VYss with 300+rwkw, I had to drive her car to work the other week in the rain ..... OMFG, talk about a skating rink, when that little turbo spooled up, traction was non existant..... Give me my wagon with traction any day. I will be honest though, I have had one 'sh!t my pants' incident in the wagon, took traction off and gave it a boot full at about 60kmh, after managing to correct the 'huge' sideways 'step out' at 90km with a car next to me ..... I put that traction button back on and it has not come off since ..... Lesson learnt.... For 10 secs I was a huge wanker and will not make that mistake again .... regardless of the wanker factor, I do think my 300+rwkw is much safer than the wife's little turbo (especially in the rain)

Do I need 300+rwkw, no

Do I want it ....... Hell yeah

[planetdavo]

So 10 pages on

Need = No

Want = Yes :driving:

done.

:dancenana:

Only needed one post to answer that!
End of the day, any car can be a loose cannon. Doesn't matter if it's got 70kW or 400kW, or if the driver is doing 20km/h or 100km/h. It's the driver's decision making abilities being exceeded that causes the damage, not the power figure.

[C4B]

My wife drives a Nissan Navara STX (2.5ltr with a hair dryer hanging off it), I have a VYss with 300+rwkw, I had to drive her car to work the other week in the rain ..... OMFG, talk about a skating rink, when that little turbo spooled up, traction was non existant.....

That's the same engine my old Pathfinder had in it. Once it came on boost (especially in 1st) the power was quite brutal.

I dunno about the Navaras but my Pathy had a rotary switch for the range selection (2h etc.) if you put it in the 2nd spot which from memory I think was "auto" it would run with almost all the torque split to the rears but once it sensed any loss of traction it would transfer power to the fronts as well (happened almost instantaneously). Really great setup and even in the wet you could take off like a shower of shit with no wheel spin. I was told it worked basically the same as the Nissan GTR (from a centre diff perspective) but I never really confirmed it either way.

[XUV]

So 10 pages on

Need = No

Want = Yes :driving:

done.

:dancenana:

and so we can be 3 or 4 cars away from this wanker http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?162037-Road-rage-seen-on-TT at the push of the accelerator .....

[markone2]

Currently i drive and E63 AMG as my daily driver and VE SSV camed both cars have over 300rwk. I recently went to New Zeland and hired a 2012 sv6 which has 210 kw and 350nm. On the country roads i did 2000kms in 7 days and did a lot of overtaking. The Sv6 had enough power for normal curising sure, but when it came to overtaking it was a slug and slow off the mark, it was very fustrating to overtake and i had to time it to be make sure i didnt kill myself ...lol V8 for over taking all the way :)

Oddly enough I’m parked in CH CH NZ right this moment with a hired 2013 SV6 Sports wagon, 4100 Ks on the clock and will turn tyres at traffic lights….so long as you deactivate one little push button at top of center console:teach: ….Sure it is a different drive from one proven stock but tuned 12.9 second LS3 Senator I left parked at Brisbane International parking terminal , but as a hire car on daily duties I would definitely consider it a fine upgrade from ( She who must be obeyed at all times ) 08 VE Calais Sedan .
And unlike the XR6 the limiter does not kicks in at 190KPH

Just to watch out for police patrols in the suburbs atm , I had only been in the country 20 minutes after leaving the airport at Midnight Thursday before I was pulled over for a breath test and a little reminder that 80K zones in CH CH are actually now 50K zones…let off with warning by 2 very pleasant gents in blue after my breath test returned a zero reading.

[redvxr8clubby]

So the 08 VE Calais you a referring to a V6? I am curious about anyone you has driven both pre SIDI V6 and the SIDI V6, is there are noticeable difference between the two. I have an MY10 SIDI SV6 and find the power is mostly very good and more than you really need, but there are occasions where you do notice it can be lacking. I figure the SIDI cars apart from being 210 Kw versus 195 Kw, do have an advantage with the auto being 6 speed and previous SV6/ Calais 5 speed.

[KeenGolfer]

I've spent quite a bit of time in the pre-SIDI and SIDI versions and the SIDI feels stronger and more responsive. As a daily driver the SV6 SIDI is a brilliant choice, they are not slow.

[GR346]

I pretty much agree with most in saying need - no but want (have) yes

It still puts a grin on my face starting the R8 up to head out for a cruise :D

[Evman]

Coupled to a good auto you should be ok with "low" power because the auto should get you into the powerband of the motor when you need it. The big advantage of big power is in a manual because you don't even need to change gears and it'll accelerate well anyway. I've never driven a big power auto car, but I've heard they're a lot of fun seeing as there's no real break in the power between gears, they just keep going.

[OUTAtheBloo]

It's pretty tough to put a vz l76 back in the shed, only to drive a turbo diesel patrol again. V8's sure help to cement my love for them.

So yep, its a need!

[kal.t]

I have to say I need my head and cam and FAST intake and 3.9s and histall and DF exhaust cause my wife's Adventra SX6 feels like a boat, but is easier to park where ever you want, and the kids and dogs fit a lot better. I drive my VX Clubby R8 daily every second week and thrash it at the Motorplex whenever I can.

[offshore]

I have to say I need my head and cam and FAST intake and 3.9s and histall and DF exhaust cause my wife's Adventra SX6 feels like a boat, but is easier to park where ever you want, and the kids and dogs fit a lot better. I drive my VX Clubby R8 daily every second week and thrash it at the Motorplex whenever I can.

Haha i find some dogs love acceleration in a car but some dont cats hate it.

[Davothegreat]

I need it as entertainment for my 2 year old son. I floor it... my son goes "weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" followed by "What noise does Daddy's car make? VVVRRRRRRMMMMMMM... ".

[kal.t]

Haha i find some dogs love acceleration in a car but some dont cats hate it.

I'm going to borrow a cat to test this theory

[johnfhall]

I'm going to borrow a cat to test this theory

Well it won't be mine. They gets terrified going to the vet, slowly! :cool:

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz167/johnfhall/JimandPercy_zps344ebc35.jpg

[mjrandom]

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii85/mjrandom/DSC_0234a.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/mjrandom/media/DSC_0234a.jpg.html)

[GTS LSA]

sorry too good an opportunity to pass up.... "only good cat........ & all that"

http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b519/BD888430/free-cat-picture-dead-cats-roadkill-animals_zps63505347.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/BD888430/media/free-cat-picture-dead-cats-roadkill-animals_zps63505347.jpg.html)

[offshore]

I'm going to borrow a cat to test this theory


When you do make sure the cat is not in a cage and make sure you video it haha. Because ive had that once before taking a cat to a vet it got out of the cage and basically im driving down the road with a cat going ballistic scratches on my arm and fur flying lol.

[BLACK 346]

sorry too good an opportunity to pass up.... "only good cat........ & all that"

http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b519/BD888430/free-cat-picture-dead-cats-roadkill-animals_zps63505347.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/BD888430/media/free-cat-picture-dead-cats-roadkill-animals_zps63505347.jpg.html)

I love cats, but I can't eat a whole one.

[kal.t]

When you do make sure the cat is not in a cage and make sure you video it haha. Because ive had that once before taking a cat to a vet it got out of the cage and basically im driving down the road with a cat going ballistic scratches on my arm and fur flying lol.

NOOOOO, not the leather

[johnfhall]

Just did a 250km round trip in my GEN-F GTS. Kept to the speed limits, because of the huge volume of traffic (Hampton (V) to Portarlington and return). While I didn't use the power, ever hotted up rev-head wanted to drag me... Ignored 'em. Saw a cop pull over a P-plater, then 20 k up the road he flew past me at 130kph or so. I still didn't care, except he obviously need to use all of his, I dunno,' 250kw... (Ford).

[BLACK 346]

Just did a 250km round trip in my GEN-F GTS. Kept to the speed limits, because of the huge volume of traffic (Hampton (V) to Portarlington and return). While I didn't use the power, ever hotted up rev-head wanted to drag me... Ignored 'em. Saw a cop pull over a P-plater, then 20 k up the road he flew past me at 130kph or so. I still didn't care, except he obviously need to use all of his, I dunno,' 250kw... (Ford).

Reminds me of when we owned our Rex, every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to show you who is boss. Just ignore them and enjoy your beast. The more I see the VF the more I like it, especially the GTS.

[GTS LSA]

^ used to have the same problem in my EVO,s, funnily never had it in the GTO, just a lot of scared looks :)
Haven't had drama yet in GTS, though everyone in front of me seems to slow down.... Maybe it's the blue car with the DRL's going, got em confused

[johnfhall]

Reminds me of when we owned our Rex, every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to show you who is boss. Just ignore them and enjoy your beast. The more I see the VF the more I like it, especially the GTS.

Nice car too the Rex. My Marlene was thinking of one, but she got a Peugeot 208GTi instead. It goes nicely, not quite WRX fast, but moves along... Love the GTS! Done 1600km in nearly 3 weeks.

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz167/johnfhall/GTS-mini_zps749018df.jpg

[BLACK 346]

^ used to have the same problem in my EVO,s, funnily never had it in the GTO, just a lot of scared looks :)
Haven't had drama yet in GTS, though everyone in front of me seems to slow down.... Maybe it's the blue car with the DRL's going, got em confused

It might be because that blue is just stunning lol. I am not even a blue fan, but the VF just seems to wear that colour so well.

[johnfhall]

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii85/mjrandom/DSC_0234a.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/mjrandom/media/DSC_0234a.jpg.html)

Beautiful!

[jaykay]

What is with the cat photos ??

[GTS LSA]

Got me? That's why I posted the dead one :)

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

over kill ?? NO SUCH THING in my book is it practical ? NO

[tails83]

Simple answer is yes, p platers can't afford them. Generally older more sensible people are the ones driving them, plus p platers arnt legally allowed to drive them.

[XUV]

^ used to have the same problem in my EVO,s, funnily never had it in the GTO, just a lot of scared looks :)
Haven't had drama yet in GTS, though everyone in front of me seems to slow down.... Maybe it's the blue car with the DRL's going, got em confused

GIve it time,
as there's always a guy in a spooled up ford taxi , willing to cross 2 lanes and overtake you in an intersection, wanting a drag.

But I'm pretty sure that guy was an albury plain wrap highway cop .

[Wonky]

Strange............ I'm beginning to wonder if I drive around in a dream (no comments please :p) because I reckon I could count on one hand the number of times people have wanted to give me a run in the six and a half years I've had my two obviously modified VEs. :burnout: It's not even as though they can see my old bald head through the tinted windows. :D

I suspect maybe it's to do with how others perceive your driving because 99% of the time I drive like a grandpa. :D

[Drizt]

Nice car too the Rex. My Marlene was thinking of one, but she got a Peugeot 208GTi instead. It goes nicely, not quite WRX fast, but moves along... Love the GTS! Done 1600km in nearly 3 weeks.

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz167/johnfhall/GTS-mini_zps749018df.jpg

That photo makes the car look like a model. How is that done?

[Drizt]

Strange............ I'm beginning to wonder if I drive around in a dream (no comments please :p) because I reckon I could count on one hand the number of times people have wanted to give me a run in the six and a half years I've had my two obviously modified VEs. :burnout: It's not even as though they can see my old bald head through the tinted windows. :D

I suspect maybe it's to do with how others perceive your driving because 99% of the time I drive like a grandpa. :D

No body had tried to drag me either.

I guess my Car looks like a grandpa car (calais V). I don't really drive like a grandpa though.

[XUV]

That photo makes the car look like a model. How is that done?
it's called tilt shifting, google it and you'll be tilt shifting in no time ;)