bokchoi
Member
As much as I hate using the word "tactical", it seems the only word that fits the context I'm using it in.
Ok, so after watching too many movies and spending too long looking for a decent car to replace my guzzler, it just occurred to me that driving a manual transmission may be a disadvantage in a situation in which a free hand is needed while the car is still moving, for either dialing 911, or more importantly, providing return fire.
(I am not overly experienced in driving manual nor do I drive a manual transmission car; I drive an automatic and extremely thirsty Toyota SUV, but I'm considering trading it in for a manual econobox)
But why stop there? What would you consider to be important points to have in a "tactical" automobile that is still suitable for everyday driving?
I would consider, in no particular order:
1. Manueverability / Performance: The car has to be able to leave or arrive at a given location with some vigor, especially within the city. This also means that a car should be able to accelerate and take corners pretty hard, something where SUVs run into problems.
2. Ground clearance / Traction / Articulation: The car should be able to reasonably overcome unusual road conditions, including gravel roads, winter conditions and ice, or possibly driving over curbs at low speeds. This is where non-SUVs have problems.
3. Fuel economy: The car should be able to go for a relatively long distance on its own fuel tank, and should not be overly expensive to refuel; 100 kilometers difference between an economy car and SUV can make a big difference, and storing fuel onboard in containers is not always practical or safe.
4. Passenger capacity / accessibility: Passengers should be able to board/alight the vehicle quickly and easily in case of emergency. Coupes need not apply.
5. Storage capacity: Room for the toys, ammo, and supplies. A lockable trunk is a bonus in some cases (I used to always lock the trunk from the inside of the car in my Civic)
6. Reliability: The car needs to work when you need it, and should be somewhat forgiving if you cannot meet an oil change appointment right away. Also, it shouldn't require anything overly special or costly to repair if anything breaks down.
7. Safety: The car needs to protect its occupants to a reasonable degree in the event of a collision. This also ties in a bit with no.1, as SUVs tend to be more likely to be in a rollover type of accident.
8. Everyday practicality: Probably the most important part, the car should be driveable as an everyday car that is available when needed.
Any fancy ideas regarding this? I was thinking that cars like the Volvo SUV/Wagons or Subaru's quasi-SUVs would be a good idea, though an economy car like a Toyota Camry or Honda Civic would have its place among everything.
And yes, I'm trying to decide upon a new car.
Edit: Also, just to keep this post more firearms-related, is manual transmission a good idea if the possibility exists that you will need to draw while driving?
Ok, so after watching too many movies and spending too long looking for a decent car to replace my guzzler, it just occurred to me that driving a manual transmission may be a disadvantage in a situation in which a free hand is needed while the car is still moving, for either dialing 911, or more importantly, providing return fire.
(I am not overly experienced in driving manual nor do I drive a manual transmission car; I drive an automatic and extremely thirsty Toyota SUV, but I'm considering trading it in for a manual econobox)
But why stop there? What would you consider to be important points to have in a "tactical" automobile that is still suitable for everyday driving?
I would consider, in no particular order:
1. Manueverability / Performance: The car has to be able to leave or arrive at a given location with some vigor, especially within the city. This also means that a car should be able to accelerate and take corners pretty hard, something where SUVs run into problems.
2. Ground clearance / Traction / Articulation: The car should be able to reasonably overcome unusual road conditions, including gravel roads, winter conditions and ice, or possibly driving over curbs at low speeds. This is where non-SUVs have problems.
3. Fuel economy: The car should be able to go for a relatively long distance on its own fuel tank, and should not be overly expensive to refuel; 100 kilometers difference between an economy car and SUV can make a big difference, and storing fuel onboard in containers is not always practical or safe.
4. Passenger capacity / accessibility: Passengers should be able to board/alight the vehicle quickly and easily in case of emergency. Coupes need not apply.
5. Storage capacity: Room for the toys, ammo, and supplies. A lockable trunk is a bonus in some cases (I used to always lock the trunk from the inside of the car in my Civic)
6. Reliability: The car needs to work when you need it, and should be somewhat forgiving if you cannot meet an oil change appointment right away. Also, it shouldn't require anything overly special or costly to repair if anything breaks down.
7. Safety: The car needs to protect its occupants to a reasonable degree in the event of a collision. This also ties in a bit with no.1, as SUVs tend to be more likely to be in a rollover type of accident.
8. Everyday practicality: Probably the most important part, the car should be driveable as an everyday car that is available when needed.
Any fancy ideas regarding this? I was thinking that cars like the Volvo SUV/Wagons or Subaru's quasi-SUVs would be a good idea, though an economy car like a Toyota Camry or Honda Civic would have its place among everything.
And yes, I'm trying to decide upon a new car.
Edit: Also, just to keep this post more firearms-related, is manual transmission a good idea if the possibility exists that you will need to draw while driving?
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