[Prev][Index][Thread]
Re: What is the speed limit in US?
In article <3rmtni$rlq@mailer.fsu.edu>, steve barnes <barness@cet.fsu.edu> writes:
>In article <DA3ort.JwH@hpqmoea.sqf.hp.com> Stuart Leitch,
>sleitch@hpqt0197.sqf.hp.com writes:
>>You should go to Italy then, Drive from Milan to the Brenner Pass, three lane
>>Traffic, the slow pokes are hitting 75 and there is no such thing as lane
>>discipline. Or for the real thing hit Milan's Tangentialli at mid day, it's
>>a living, writhing obstacle course of a road, just get on and weave.
>
>who drives on these roads. i mean who can afford cars that can safely
>drive these speeds? do only people who drive expensive sport cars get to
>drive? where do the people in the volkswagens drive?
I recently returned from a European vacation. I didn't hit Italy, but
did so Germany and all the surrounding countries.
After driving over 100 MPH (160 KPH) for about 2,500 miles on the
autobahn - most all of it in the right hand lane, I started thinking about this
in the US. The problem is that most cars in the US can not even think of
driving at speeds of 100 MPH. My Oldsmobile (which was totalled upon returning
by some 17 year old kid in daddy's car) would shake at 70 MPH and shake
horribly at 80. Driving at 100 would be outrageous in that car. BUT - my
rental car, an Opel, made by GM, would drive at 100 MPH with little problem and
with no threat of shaking or loss of control.
The question you are asking is moot. The Volkswagens in Europe are
much better equiped to handle the speeds than the models sold in the US. The
lowest speed limits on the Autobanh are 120 KPH (75 MPH). My Olds would not be
able to drive the speed limit over there safely. Volkswagen makes some serious
autos including the cool european looking Passat. Not everyone drives 100 MPH
over there - most probably cruise between 80-95. I was driving everywhere
between 100-120 MPH just because I knew I wouldn't be able to back home.
SO the answer to your question is: Don't bring your US VW over there,
drive a real car and you won't have a problem. BTW: I'm thinking of bringing
my new sportscar (all american) over with me for my return visit just to put
the hammer to the floor both regularly and legally! $750 to ship it each way
including paperwork :)
Caleb
===========================================================================
| Caleb Cohen | cohenc@dbisna.com | People usually get what's |
| Systems Programmer | (W) (908) 665-6272 | coming to them... |
| Dun & Bradstreet | (F) (908) 464-2079 | unless it was mailed. |
===========================================================================
| The views expressed are not necessarily those of Dun & Bradstreet. |
===========================================================================