Author Topic: What is it with Lincoln and Mini Cooper Drivers (Read 1162 times)

Sourdough · « **on:** December 16, 2011, 03:24:03 PM »

On my trip I have noticed for some reason men driving Lincolns can not stand to be passed by my little Mazda Miata. If I pass one, they just have to pass me back, then usually slow back down to what they were doing before I passed them. Then when they pass me the second time they usually speed up and leave me behind.

Driving north on the Atlanta by-pass, heading to Interstate 75, going back to Nashville for Christmas. I'm driving my little Mazda Miata, (MX-5), the one I drove all the way from Alaska to Key West. Got the cruise set on 80, doing good. Been cruising like that for quite a ways. Came up behind a Lincoln doing about 75. I moved over to the left lane and went by. Pulling back into the right lane once clear. Lincoln changes lanes, accelerates and passes me. Once past he moves back to the right lane and immediately slows back to 75. Now he is ignoring all the rest of the traffic that is passing him, it;'s just my little sports car that he can't stand to let pass him. I'm now forced to kick off the cruise and slow down since there is now traffic passing on my left. Once it is clear, I move back left reset the cruise and go on. Once past the Lincoln I move back right like I'm supposed to.

I look back and he is stuck in the right lane due to traffic. But he speeds up and runs right up on my rear bumper. When he has a chance he moves to the left lane, passes me then moves back right. Where he once again slows back down to 75. Again I have to kick off the cruise and slow down. So I followed this guy for a few miles. Then all the traffic behind us passes, I again moved left and picked back up with the flow of traffic in the left lane. As I moved forward the driver of the Lincoln speeded up to prevent me passing him. The traffic had moved off and left us behind. This Lincoln stayed even with me as we moved forward catching up with some slow moving vehicles ahead. I had increased my speed up to 90, and this guy is keeping even with me.

We came up behind a Semi in the right lane, where the guy was forced to slow down. We were coming up to the interchange going from the by-pass around Atlanta, and moving back to I-75. You go down hill, and make a sharp left turn. Sign says 45, I started slowing down, suddenly here is the Lincoln running up on my rear bumper again. So I decide to move ahead of the Semi and get back into the right lane and let this guy go on. I did just that, but as I moved right I realized I was entering the turn too fast and needed power to stay on the road. I down shifted to 3rd gear and accelerated. Now I'm going around that turn at 60, which the Miata can handle easily. I move on then I notice the Lincoln trying to keep up with me, and he is in the left lane coming on stroung. I'm thinking this guy is an Idiot or has a death wish. I'm accelerating out of the turn when suddenly that big heavy car broke loose. He slid across the right lane behind me, slamming into the Jersey wall.

If I had of just meandered around the turn at the speed I had entered it at, this guy would have taken me with him. By now I'm in the merge lane going onto I-75, so I am busy with traffic. The Semi driver and another car witnessed it and were forced to stop. I saw no reason for me to stop and attempt to go back.

Actually it's Lincolns and those little Mini Coopers. Don't know what it is with the drivers of those cars, but they can not stand to be passed by a Mazda Miata. They will be driving along 5 mph below the speed limit. I'll pass one and they just have to pass me back. Rediculious, or Insane?

Brett · « **Reply #1 on:** December 16, 2011, 03:56:38 PM »

zoom, zoom, zoom.

Lon371 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 16, 2011, 08:44:12 PM »

I know what you mean. Except I drive the interstate everyday to and from work. At 3am on the interstate I have zero issues with other drivers. I assume most of them are going to work like myself. But on the way home, at least one will have an issue with being passed. I will let them back around once. Second time they had better have a faster vehicle, one of these days I will get a ticket I'm sure. But the way I see it, they are obstructing traffic.

Lonny

guzzijohn · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2011, 03:11:25 AM »

Funny you should mention this. Back in the 55mph days my at the time 69 year old father had a 68 SS396 El Camino. He was on a two lane cruising around 55 when a Lincoln shot past him. For some reason it set wrong with him and he was doing 105 when he completed blowing by the Lincoln. I ask him what he would have told a trooper if he had been stopped. He just shrugged his shoulders. Don't mess with old Mennonite Farmers when they are driving a super sport!
GuzziJohn

magooch · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2011, 04:26:34 AM »

It sounds like there are some dipwad drivers down there in Georgia.

I seldom play games with other drivers, but I have to admit the other day we were coming home from one of our mini-vacations and some of the big rigs as usual were jockying around and driving well over the speed limit for them, which is 60 mph. One particular truck would pass me and then couldn't maintain the speed on a hill and I would repass. Then here he would come again at about 75 and pass me again. Now I don't give a rip usually, but this turd would come up very close behind me before pulling over to pass. After about three, or four repetitions of this action, I decided he wasn't going to do that again. I knew we were coming to an area where it might be likely that a state patrol would be around, so I thought I would see just how fast this guy would go. He ended up getting caught behind some other trucks, so nothing came of it.

I have made a point of contacting the state patrol and suggesting that they start vigorously enforcing the 60 mph speed limit for trucks, because they are the most dangerous element on the highways, especially when it is raining. The state could use the revenue and I am totally sick of their careless driving. That 60 mph limit is there for a reason and if they can't abide by it, their license should be pulled. Now if that bothers anyone who might be a truck driver--too bad.

Sourdough · « **Reply #5 on:** December 17, 2011, 04:51:01 AM »

I have had no issues with trucks, they pretty much stay in the right lanes, and do their thing. The rest of the traffic in the left lanes are usually running 10MPH over the posted speed limit. There again no problem for me, we just cruise along togeather. It's the one guy that does something stupid, like the guy in the Lincoln, or the young lady that gets in the left lane and wants to match the speed or the guy in the right lane, and backs up three of four miles of traffic. 4 out of 5 times she is driving a Mustang.

Mont Eagle Mountain, between Chattanooga and Nashville, wow that was a ride. Going North is a lot wilder than going South. I've put over 7 thousand miles on the Miata, since leaving North Pole. With the exception of the Ethanol in North Dekota, It's handled flawlessly the entire trip. Going to leave it in Tennessee at Dad's house. I just don't feel like another seven day of driving to get it back to North Pole. I'm going to fly home for Christmas. Dad's out of the Hospital and Nursing home, so no more reason to stay down here. Going home to shoot Wolves. It's that time of year.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #6 on:** December 17, 2011, 10:49:45 AM »

It's a testosterone thing, either too much or maybe not enough

. You are driving a Miata ...

Sourdough · « **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2011, 12:47:21 PM »

Yes, I bought a Mazda Miata (MX-5) this last spring and am loving it. It's far more fun to drive than the Mazda RX-8, or the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Not as fast as them out on the open road, but more fun around town, or in the hills.

I started driving it in the snow this winter before I left for Florida. It did just fine in snow. The RX-8 is horriable on snow, so bad it gets parked during the winter. The Eclipse is not much better.

Conan The Librarian · « **Reply #8 on:** December 18, 2011, 03:26:38 AM »

I had a sportscar for a few years and got a lot of that. I also got all of the tickets I have gotten, even though my driving habits were no different than when driving a non sports car. It was a magnet for weirdos and cops. Now I drive a car that is faster, quicker, more comfortable, handles better, costs less to own, and is unobtrusive.

One of my old buddies built a granny mobile that looked like something an old lady would drive to church. Small car. He put a Fiat racing engine and a racing suspension in it. Stiffened it. Turned it into a sleeper. It would run, not walk, away from cars like 454 supercharged corvettes, coming off the line and in 100mph roll offs. The only external sign that it was a performance car were its driver seat, some unusual gauges in the dash, and its tires.

Ditch the toy. Get a sleeper. Try to drive hunched over a little because people think you are a lame driver. Then suck their headlights out when you pass them.

srussell · « **Reply #9 on:** December 18, 2011, 04:04:17 AM »

that must have been my dad in his lincoln. he cant stand to be passed buy small cars.few week back he got to messing with a viper not knowing what it was . well he still wondering were it went

tobster · « **Reply #10 on:** December 18, 2011, 05:04:35 AM »

Wasn't me. My old land yacht hasn't been north of 60 mph in years. However, I am a retired truck driver so I'm sure those evil driving habits are just lurking under the surface of my subconscious. Better think twice next time you pass a '95 Town Car,especially if it's raining!

Sourdough · « **Reply #11 on:** December 18, 2011, 06:04:20 AM »

One of the things that some people look at is the fact I'm an old man with a Gray Beard (White). I always drive with the top down unless it is raining or the temp is below freezing. Now I said raining, at 40 degrees and a light sprinkle the top is down. As long as I keep it going I don't get wet.

I've had sleepers, but I like the thrill of driving on twisty roads, hence the sports car. The wife wants a Viper, but knows she can't afford one. So she is looking at the 370-Z instead. As soon as she makes the last payment on her RX-8, that is what she is going to buy.

Conan The Librarian · « **Reply #12 on:** December 18, 2011, 07:40:10 AM »

Sleepers used to be about power. Not anymore. The handling is superior too. By the way, the Mini is one of the best handling cars available today. It's inherently good, and there is a good aftermarket for handling accessories. It's not just a BMW-powered Toyota Corolla. A lot in common with the Miata, which also deserves it's fine reputation.

Part of the issue is probably the gray hair. People want to get a good look at you because of the age crisis stigma that goes with older guys and sports cars. That's why they make motoring caps and bandanas.

But fear not. You've got a long way to go:
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/101-year-old-man-buys-a-426-hp-camaro/

Sourdough · « **Reply #13 on:** December 18, 2011, 04:38:28 PM »

Conan: The Mini-Cooper is a great little car, but the problem with the Mini is it's front wheel drive. It has less drive train drag, but sits square in turns. If his rear wheels break he's lost. He'll give me a run on the straight aways, but I'll eat his lunch in the turns. Front wheel drive just can not drift around a turn. I went to a few rally races while in Tampa. They set up a course in a parking lot. Lots of tight turns, with few straight aways. Miata's rule in those. The Mini Cooper just can't keep up in those tight turns.

It's invigorating to approach a tight turn at 60. Snatch third gear, drag your speed down just a little, then as you enter the turn, full throttle. The rear wheels start digging, and swings out. You keep your foot in it, and it just keeps digging and accelerating around the turn. Then you slingshot out of the turn at 75 or 80. Man what a trip. Mini's can't do that, you got to have rear wheel drive to do that. Brings back memories of Dad's Midget racer, back in the early 60s. Darn, I want an AC Cobra. (Someday, when I have a spare $100K laying around)

Due to it's being Rear Wheel drive the MX-5 Miata is in a class by itself. Actually my Miata has 1800 CC engine, my RX-8 only has 1300 CCs. The RX-8 has a rotery engine, and is capable of over 150mph.

Conan The Librarian · « **Reply #14 on:** December 18, 2011, 06:16:03 PM »

Speaking of drifting...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGKdZ-QhHAU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

But then around here in flyover country we do it this way

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-TNrZ2dTDY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

ironglow · « **Reply #15 on:** December 26, 2011, 03:20:58 AM »

Before you mentioned it..i was thinking..."lead that Lincoln into the twisties"...but I see you did just that! I used to own a Miata...what a great little car ! I would have that same car yet, were it not for the fact that where I live, I must store it 7 out of 12 months.
Stock Miatas are way up there on the cornering scale; they will pull something like .92 Gs..right among the Porsches.

I had great fun leading the hot-rod "no substitute for cubic inches" guys into the twisty roads..and here in the Allegany mts..we have them aplenty. When all was finished, I liked to point at my hood and raise 4 fingers..indicating 4 cylinders..

kennyd · « **Reply #16 on:** December 26, 2011, 03:26:44 PM »

Around here it is Audis and Lexuses, the more money spent on the car the more they think they own the road. My old Ford won't outrun much of anything, nor out corner them so I just let them go. There have been a few times when I wished for a cop, and a couple of times actually I dialed *CSP, the report line, it does little good.

I did however chase a bastard 8 miles after he passed me on my Triumph in half a lane. I finally had him running red lights trying to get away. The wife reminded me that he could have had a gun, but I doubt it; but he undoubtedly was younger and bigger than I. I seldom have a gun on the bike in the city, and it was just as well that time, the explaining would not work.

OldSchoolRanger · « **Reply #17 on:** December 26, 2011, 05:32:39 PM »

I don't consider myself some one with lead shoes, but when I'm driving the Miata sometimes the car "gets away from me".

ironglow · « **Reply #18 on:** December 29, 2011, 05:04:13 AM »

Quote from: OldSchoolRanger on December 26, 2011, 05:32:39 PM

I don't consider myself some one with lead shoes, but when I'm driving the Miata sometimes the car "gets away from me".

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Know what you mean, I am normally a fairly slow driver. When I get on a 65 mph interstate, i usually slip it into cruise at 60-62 and let everyone else go by. Tha Miata sure was fun when somebody tried to bamboozle me.
My nephew has a red Sunbeam Tiger..same era as the original Cobra.. same engine and about the same weight, he usually soft-pedals it though..

Sourdough · « **Reply #19 on:** December 29, 2011, 07:32:40 AM »

There was three kids with Sunbeams in my high school. Two were Alpines, the third was a Tiger. Every boy in school was envious of that guy with the Tiger. When he graduated he gave it to his little sister, who was in my class. Could never get a date with her.

blind ear · « **Reply #20 on:** December 30, 2011, 03:29:39 AM »

as sadly and poorly that front wheel drive cars handle if they weren't so much cheaper to build the safety regs would have never allowed them. Wasn't there some safety issue when Oldsmobile came out with the fwd Toranados? ear

Conan The Librarian · « **Reply #21 on:** December 30, 2011, 03:48:16 AM »

FWD applicability is very much a function of weight and power. As a car gets bigger and more powerful, it's harder for one set of wheels to do the work of both applying power and steering. Up here in Minnesota, FWD rules. It's absolutely the best thing to have happened to cars for the average driver. The few rear wheel drive cars with modern traction control that exist are a lot more expensive. Also, a lot of the arguments in favor of rear wheel drive handling apply to the race track, but not to icy, wet, or snowy roads.

Am only mentioning this so that people considering living in a cold state don't get the idea that they need four wheel drive, or should have rear wheel drive.

The ditches are full of cars like the Lincoln town car, and crown victoria around here during winter, along with all of the four wheel drive pickups owned by people who thing four wheel drive gives them much of an advantage on slippery roads.

When I went from a rear wheel drive sportscar after moving to Minnesota, and switched to a front wheel drive car, it was like a religious miracle in terms of handling during the winter. My fun to drive low-slung two seater was fabulous on dry pavement, but practically useless on ice.

One important note for Corvette enthusiasts, comes from my buddy who long had only Corvettes. But then they changed the wheels so that the tires were much wider. Consequently, the cars stopped being reasonable winter cars. He quit driving vettes. I see a fair number of them during the summer, but can't remember the last time I saw one in winter.

What are the limits of FWD? I don't know, but my wife has a mini van with FWD, and I don't think it handles very well at all. Compared to my rear wheel/4 wheel truck her car seems pretty scary. The mini van weighs 4500 pounds nominally.

The truck has slid around sideways a few times when turning on icy roads. I've never had that happen with FWD. I've slid, but the front end was always controllable. Knock on wood!

As for modern traction control on rear-wheel drive, I don't have any personal experience. My buddy who has a newer Mercedes has had it for about five years and thinks it's great in the winter.

blind ear · « **Reply #22 on:** December 30, 2011, 12:51:50 PM »

For ice, rain, snow, I agree that fwd is better but I had still rather have an awd in that case. I was posting refering to the interstate raceing society, on dry, clean pavement. ear

Sourdough · « **Reply #23 on:** December 30, 2011, 02:24:29 PM »

The Eclipse has front wheel drive with traction control. Does OK on ice, but not in deep snow. The RX-8 has rear wheel drive, with Traction Control. It's still scary to drive on ice, or in snow. The Kia Sportage has 4 Wheel drive, or rear wheel drive. Does great in snow and ice. I drive the Sportage in rear wheel drive 80% of the time, But when the snow is pilling up fresh, the Kia is great in 4-wheel drive. Ditto for the S-10, and F-350. The Miata did great the little I drove it on snow and ice.

rdmallory · « **Reply #24 on:** December 30, 2011, 05:00:04 PM »

Quote

Before you mentioned it..i was thinking..."lead that Lincoln into the twisties"..

If it is a Mark VIII you'll lose. About the same HP and a Mustang Cobra, with 4 wheel independent suspension, computer controlled traction and when you hit 55 mph it drops about 3 inches bringing the drag and center of gravity down.

I have a 65 Tiger sitting in the garage. You don't drive it. You point it and pull the trigger. When it was made it would do 0 to 100 and back to 0 in 20 seconds. And that was with A78-13 factory tires.

Doug

ironglow · « **Reply #25 on:** January 20, 2012, 03:57:11 PM »

Quote from: rdmallory on December 30, 2011, 05:00:04 PM

Quote
Before you mentioned it..i was thinking..."lead that Lincoln into the twisties"..

If it is a Mark VIII you'll lose. About the same HP and a Mustang Cobra, with 4 wheel independent suspension, computer controlled traction and when you hit 55 mph it drops about 3 inches bringing the drag and center of gravity down.

I have a 65 Tiger sitting in the garage. You don't drive it. You point it and pull the trigger. When it was made it would do 0 to 100 and back to 0 in 20 seconds. And that was with A78-13 factory tires.

Doug

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rd... I,m sure you are sincere and those Mark VIIIs are impressive, and maybe I'm out of date, but I would still have to SEE a Lincoln hang the twisties with a Miata or 911.
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Conan;
What you said about FWD is all correct.. RWD may be fine in the south, but in the snow, there is no comparison. And 4WD is nice, but more weight and I've seen too many 4WD units crap out with about 70K on the odometer..a $4,000 bill and little real use out of the 4WD.
Recently, I bought a 2012 Kia Soul..small outside..immense inside, comparatively speaking... and a "real bear" in the snow. I'm not even considering snow tires, just using the skins that came on it.
A hint on tires for the north; get the "standard" size. The wide ones are terrible in snow or slippery weather..hydroplane in water and do the same in snow or slush.. below see a commercial photo of a Kia Soul like mine;

rdmallory · « **Reply #26 on:** January 20, 2012, 04:18:00 PM »

On a open course like this one the big V8 has an advantage.
Note the lack of body roll. The car is self leveling.

Doug

Sourdough · « **Reply #27 on:** January 20, 2012, 07:02:16 PM »

Ironglow: The wife drives a KIA Sportage. Rear wheel drive, with 4 wheel drive. It handles the snow and ice here in Fairbanks beautifully. It is getting old, and has developed some issues. This is possiably it's last year in out garage. We have looked at the Soul since it came out. It only being front wheel drive is the only reason she did not buy one last summer. The one pictured is the color we want. That is most likely what we will have if we are still here come next winter. The wife is looking for a job either in Virginia or back in DC. If we go there she will not need to replace the KIA, she will drive her RX-8. I'll give my S-10 back to my son, and drive my Miata.