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Size Isn't Everything !Dec 26 '00 Write an essay on this topic.I live in the Pacific Northwest, and our family fleet consists of 2 very popular vehicles in this region: a 1997 Toyota 4Runner, and the Missus' 1996 Subaru Legacy GT. While both cars have above-average abilities in our weather extremes, this comparison can apply to any weather region. Basically the pros and cons of sedan-type vehicles, as compared to the taller, heavier SUV types so much in today's headlines. When sitting in the "car" next to any large SUV at a stop light, I do feel a bit more vulnerable than I would in MY SUV. I don't even want to think about a confrontation between these two mis-matched vehicles, but there are other factors, too. In real-life practice, there are many times when the smaller, lower car is simply more predictable and easier to handle, certainly for most drivers, and of course easier on the wallet too for everyone. Cars may not fare as well in a square-off with a big, tall, SUV...but more SUV's find themselves ass-over-tea-kettle in driver influenced roll-overs. As a driver of SUV's (I'm on my third now) since 1989...I keep conscious of this design feature constantly. The incidence of fatalities in roll-overs is quite high....the roofs are not capable of holding the serious weight of the vehicle when upended. (this, to me is as serious a consideration as the size difference some SUV owners cite as a reason for ownership) I simply don't think enough people treat driving an SUV differently than a car, and get themselves into trouble because of the oversight. Cars and SUV's obey differing laws of physics...it's fact. My family and I were travelling on Interstate 5 a couple of years ago in the family Subaru, on a rare, sunny Seattle day. A driver in an adjoining lane came over without looking, forcing my hand on a serious, 60+ MPH swerve to avoid a collision. After regaining the composure of the vehicle, and performing a "cabin-check" of all occupants....the first comment I made was "I'm glad we weren't in MY car (the 4Runner) when that happened". I was. I knew that had I performed that same evasive manuever in the taller, less nimble SUV I spend so much time in...I would've put the vehicle onto it's side right there, or worse rolled it over! No, I'm not an opponent of these SUVs, but I think SUV ownership requires a higher level of responsibility than that of a more typical "car". Responsibility in the technique of SUV driving, the extra resources they utilize, and the additional risk they pose to the rest of the non-SUV-driving public. Simply put...NOT everyone needs to drive a Suburban or Land Cruiser....evaluate your needs and your level of commitment to higher fuel & maintenance costs, as well as your willingness to adapt your driving style to a different kind of vehicle. It's NOT a cliche, they are different. Also, you have fewer parking-space options in these larger SUVs...a consideration in large metro areas ! If you determine that your lifestyle, budget, and willingness to adapt your driving style are not SUV material...feel comfortable knowing that you have chosen your vehicle for all the right reasons. If you know that you need the extra space, ground clearance, & towing capacity of the larger SUV vehicles...have at it. You'll have more advantages than disadvantages to your selection if you base your decision on this criteria. Let the form follow the function...pick the right tool for the job.  |
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