Quote:
Originally Posted by UCF w00t
So can you describe anything else other than "nice ride" since you got to drive it? How was the stick/clutch? Smoothe? I'm no pro at driving a stick and wonder how it rates on the difficulty.
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The ride was smooth, pretty much what you would expect from a current model vehicle. Not too harsh, even with the 20" wheels and low profile tires. We had both windows down, but the wind noise wasn't bad at all. The wind was minimal inside the car when we were moving too. My 14 year old son was in the back seat and he said it wasn't blowing in his face much at all. Drove the car on a couple different roads at speeds up to 60 mph.
The clutch is very easy. I got used to it immediately. I let the clutch out in Bryans gravel driveway almost at idle so I wouldn't throw any rocks, and the car didn't sputter or start to stall. Once you get a feel for where it starts to grab upon pedal release, you're golden. Very much like what my 2002 Z06 felt like. Just for reference purposes, my wife learned to drive the Z06 in about 10 minutes and then drove it all the time without any problems. Shifter throw is smooth and relatively short. The clutch pedal is very light, actually lighter than my preference. I'm more used to the one in my 71 Vette, which takes a lot more pedal effort. I like it a little heavier, but as long as it bites good, I can live with the lighter pedal.
With regards to the ergonomics, I'm 6'2" and didn't need the seat all the way back. A lot more room than I expected. There was also probably 3" of clearance over the top of my head, and he said the seat will go lower. Visibility is good, but you need to watch the right rear corrner if you're backing in to a parking space. No different than any of the first or second gen cars I've owned.
I would have liked the car to be louder, but that's easily fixed. Even my wife thought it was too quiet. I don't know how much the shorty headers would change the tone or sound level, but I'm thinking a set of 2 chamber Flowmasters would be just about right.
Lastly, the view out the windshield when you're driving is great. Very much an old muscle car feel to it. It was a blast.