Sporty cars typically have a balance between acceleration, braking and handling, and that versatility is part of what makes them so popular.
Unlike a muscle car, which focuses mainly on power and speed, a sports car can provide a fun experience on either the road or the track. Here's how to use your car's capabilities to maximize your driving experience.
- Accelerate aggressively, but smoothly. When applying the accelerator, do it progressively, especially when coming out of a corner. This is especially important with a car like a Porsche or a Corvette, where a sudden rush of power could cause a loss of control.
- Leave both hands on the steering wheel, unless changing gears. Keep your hands at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, and don't slide your hands over the wheel as you turn. This can be tricky to get used to, but you will have the advantage of always knowing where "straight ahead" is.
- Shift smoothly. Don't jerk the shifter from one gear to the next- pause for a second between gears. This reduces mechanical wear and tear on your clutch and transmission, and it makes driving much more enjoyable.
- Match the engine's RPMs to the gear you are moving to. When braking into a corner and downshifting, apply a little throttle.
- Use the heel/toe method when downshifting and braking at the same time. Rotate the foot from the brake to the accelerator to bring up the engine RPMs, keeping the heel on the brake and the toe on the accelerator. This is a tricky technique, but it will reduce wear on your car and make your driving more smooth.
- Slow down before turning. Get all your braking done before entering a turn; if you must brake during a turn you risk losing control of your car.
- Look where you're going when turning, not where you are. If you are driving fast through a corner, keep your eyes on the road ahead.
- Don't apply the accelerator until you are out of the apex of the turn; using the throttle too soon will result in over or under-steer. Over-steer can be fun in a sports car if it's controlled, but it also carries an element of danger.
There are a lot of things that make some cars "driver's cars", and there are many things that you, the driver, can do to maximize your experience behind the wheel. Following the tips above will ensure that your drive is both an exhilarating and safe one.