I've driven our '83 240D automatic in all kinds of traffic and while there are times I wish I had more power, I've never really felt unsafe.
It comes down to learning a different driving style.
I think that a teenager that had to learn to drive a slower car, where they had to evaluate traffic, and plan merges and entries that they would make better drivers in the long run.
This driving style here where we just punch it and go and hope everyone gets out of the way leads to as more accidents I'm sure than do slow careful drivers.

Of course I prefer some power under my foot. But I'm happy, and safe without it.

Your mileage may vary.

Tachyon