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Great story and RIGHT ON! (Reply to this comment)
by bettega
3 Fiat cinquecento's passing at the same time? Nothing has changed HA HA HA!
I agree wholeheartedly. I don't have any road rage or anything like that but to me it seems americans generally drive as if they swallowed a few valium and a six-pack before driving with a whole bottle of vodka as a chaser. There is no situational awareness on the part of other drivers; it's very frustrating. I thank the heavens for small, light and powerful cars because you really do need a lot of power to out-do most american traffic. On the other hand, you can do quite well for yourself in Europe with only about 80hp and even cruise at 170km/hr... honest!
No wonder why you like cars like the Cobalt SS.
I think you would like to read my other car reviews. You don't even have to rate them if you don't want to, but you might enjoy reading them quite a bit as they are written from a more "european" driving style. I like reviews that are more detailed as far as performance/handling and quirks of the car. As my profile says, I don't like it as much when people just say "great car, stylish looks, smooth ride" and then go on and on about the power everything that distracts you from the driving!
You've gone to San Marino? I am also from RSM (that's my 3rd citizenship) and I got married there this summer! Nice roads, but a little crowded. I like the A-14 highway but best of all are the mountain roads in Tuscany. All the boys from San Marino and Rimini race to Tuscany on this road through a pass known as "La Futa". It would make your hair stand on end from pleasure for you to make that journey... heh heh
You should write more, I like your pieces!
Best regards
Bettega
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Dec 14 '06
10:31 am PST
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Re: A friend of mine tells this story.... (Reply to this comment)
by frebo3
Sometimes the most aggressive drivers are in the smallest cars! More than once in the 1960s I would come around a blind corner on a narrow 2 lane road in the Dolomites only to discover a Fiat 500, passing a Fiat 500, passing a Fiat 500 - three abreast at top speed - headed straight for me!
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Sep 26 '03
11:47 am PDT
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A friend of mine tells this story.... (Reply to this comment)
by whalewatcher
He was driving his Porsche on a winding country road (in Germany). Daring, he decided to pass the vehicle in front inspite of the fact that the next curve was almost upon him. He floored it, and just made it with a sigh of relief. He was rather proud of himself, until he looked in the rear view mirror and saw that the VW behind him had made it as well!! :-))
Thought you might enjoy this one!
Claudia
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Aug 22 '03
9:46 am PDT
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hey there... (Reply to this comment)
by sleeper54
..
Nothing particularly witty or clever to add that has not already been said...
Very..nicely..done !!
...tom...
"I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol." —Steven Wright
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Aug 20 '03
8:35 pm PDT
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I really enjoyed... (Reply to this comment)
by grey002
...reading about the roads & driving through your eyes. Very informative & interesting.
-sandra
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Aug 09 '03
7:10 am PDT
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That's it! (Reply to this comment)
by drdevience
I just need to move to Europe.
You are on the mark when you say our speed limits are far too slow, and the drivers here are inconsiderate jerks.. especially on the issue of the passing lane.
I need me a 007 car. BAM! take that you dolt! HA!
Movin out of the way now, ain't ya buddy?
Doc
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Aug 08 '03
9:23 am PDT
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Re: Hi Fred (Reply to this comment)
by frebo3
Hi to All!
Thanks for the encouragement. I certainly agree with Kate that there are some variations in local styles and rules – particularly on city streets in metropolitan areas in different countries – so I’ve done a rewrite and toned down some of the generalizations. But on the non-urban “roads and restricted access high speed highways” that I’m really focused on, I do observe consistently high speeds - and near uniform adherence to the “stay right – pass left” rule to which Americans seem oblivious – probably the major point of this somewhat undisciplined rant of an essay!.
I drive or ride about 1,000 miles a year in Western Europe, about 20,000 a year all over the US – and IMO, the differences between the “typical” interstate driving experience in Texas (80+ mph on I-35 in a pickup – in a cluster!) and say, Connecticut (gridlock on I-95 in a Volvo) are far greater than the differences between driving on Autobahn, Autoroute, or Autostrada in any vehicle, in any country.
Thanks again for the comments,
Fred/frebo3
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Aug 08 '03
8:44 am PDT
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Hi (Reply to this comment)
by proxam
Nice review.
I've driven extensively in both Europe and the States and I have to agree with you. Driving in the USA is so easy but then there is, generally, a little more space.
But, it's very frustrating driving along deserted freeways which are poker-straight, in a big beast of a car, and having to stick to those very low speed limits.
Drew
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Aug 08 '03
4:19 am PDT
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Hi Fred (Reply to this comment)
by lyagushka
Another extremely well written piece from you! I would agree with your generalization that western Europeans are better drivers on average than Americans. They often do drive very fast, particularly in Germany and Italy. But at least they aren't driving enormous SUVs and talking on their cell phones very often. By American standards, they are agressive drivers, but they pay a lot more attention to the road and other vehicles.
I disagree however with your assessment of the uniformity of driving rules and regulations and with the idea that there is one European driving style. Having lived here for a little over a year and a half, I've seen several distinct styles as well as different rules of the road from country to country. Belgium certainly has its share of odd right of way rules and the style here is quite distinct from that of Italy, Germany and Britain. If I ever had the choice, I'd pick a German taxi driver as a chauffeur, or perhaps a London cabbie.
Again, a most enjoyable read. Looking forward to more to come from you.
best,
Kate
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Aug 08 '03
2:58 am PDT
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Another... (Reply to this comment)
by Lisa_J
excellent epinion! Thank you for sharing!
Lisa
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Aug 07 '03
2:03 pm PDT
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Excellent advise .... (Reply to this comment)
by dlstewart
Thank you for sharing! And I've decided to take the train. LOL
Enjoy a wonderful day,
Dawn
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Aug 07 '03
11:04 am PDT
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