Low Speed Precision - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jamesnj · #1 07-23-2002, 07:36 PM

Everything is geared toward high speed precision, slalom, cornering, etc. If you can drive fast and be precise you're considered a good driver.
Can you guys think of any technics that are hard to do at speeds under 25mph and are something only a really good driver could do?

Ashman · #2 07-23-2002, 08:01 PM

reverse 180.

Alon

JCE · #3 07-23-2002, 08:21 PM

Parallel parking!

:p Nobody seems to be able to do it any more! Alternatively, some of the tightest autocross courses don't get much over 25 top end, and plenty of cones go flying even at these 'low' speeds.

bobbyv · #4 07-23-2002, 10:22 PM

reversing a semi-trailer into an alley

and ditto to TXBill - performing the "softstop" that is now electronically done in the new EClass

how about holding your speed at 25mph in a 25mph zone? :p

jsmith · #5 07-23-2002, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TXBill
Can anyone here bring the car to a stop in such a way as the passengers never feel the actual sensation of stopping?

txbill,

'tis a lost art! my model of driving perfection is sir jackie stewart. smooth is the word. it's said that when you ride with him, you never get the perception that he's in a hurry, even though he is driving very very fast. when asked about this or that racing school owners's fancy, all-out cornering techniques he once said "well he's never won a world championship has he?" i don't know too many people who could actually stop that way - i always try to even though i may not be all that successful all the time...

bobbyv · #6 07-24-2002, 12:57 AM

* in stop-and-go traffic, finding and maintaining the right speed so that you never need to brake. Those 18-wheeler truck drivers are good at this. For me this is something worth doing, because I have a 5spd manual.

* related to this is the ability to find the right speed so you don't need to brake as you approach the cars ahead of you waiting at the lights when they have just turned green, and they begin to accelerate

* the ability to slip into a tight spot (e.g. beside a car partially blocking your lane) smoothly and without slowing down, because you know that your car will fit. I am amused when I do this and the car behind me tries to do it and panic-brakes at the last moment.

* just before hitting a speed bump, releasing the brakes smoothly, so the front suspension unloads in time to meet the bump, lessening the impact harshness

* maintaining a 4wheel drift on a snow-covered parking lot

* with a manual transmission, engaging first gear on an incline from rest, without using the handbrake, and without unduly stressing the clutch

* how about driving by people at low speeds and pretending to not notice what they are saying about you and your benz?

hill · #7 07-24-2002, 02:50 AM

Not in a car but stopping at a light on a Norton Comando and not having to put your feet down. It would freak out other riders and some people in cages.

The Warden · #8 07-24-2002, 03:17 AM

Try making a 3 point turn on a residental street witha 17' U-Haul truck pulling a 10' trailer. I had to do that after my dad told me to go onto that street...and it turned out to be a cul-de-sac with cars lining the end. Took some doing, but I did it.

Quote:

Originally posted by TXBill
Can anyone here bring the car to a stop in such a way as the passengers never feel the actual sensation of stopping?

When I try, I can actually do that. My dad taught me when I was first learning how to drive. Whether I try or not usually depends on my mood.

Except when I was first learning, I've never needed to use the E-brake to help me start out with a manual tranny. This is a good thing; my pickup's E-brake's on the floor, and is operated by the same foot that operates the clutch.

And I know how to parallel-park. I've been doing it daily for 4 years (finally moving into a place with a driveway

). I can fit a 21' long pickup truck into some surprisingly tight spaces.

I also stick with the speed limit pretty religiously, even doing 25 in 25 zones. I can't afford a ticket, and I know it.

So there

:p

BenzOnline · #9 07-24-2002, 09:48 AM

I drive my 126 very smoothly when driving off from stoplights and what not. A car like this should be driven smoothly and gently. The stopping thing I do on occasion.

Ali Al-Chalabi · #10 07-25-2002, 04:25 PM

Even some of the simpler driving skills such as not hitting anything seem to be a lost art. How many fender bender accidents are caused at low speed by things such as people getting rear ended. How can you be the one rear ending a car if you know how to drive?