DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

 

Okay, first things first, the question I get asked all the time, “Which car is faster?”  Well, the answer really depends on the circumstances or what you mean by faster, because each car shines in its own way. If you are talking straight-line, run what you brung , 0-100 mph, then you American muscle fans will be happy to know that the Camaro just crushes the Ferrari, and for that matter, just about anything else.  Afterall, the Camaro is built for straight-line acceleration, no A/C, no power brakes, no power steering, no power windows…..nothing. As long as you are pointed straight when you put the hammer down its an 800 horsepower explosion on wheels. Anybody who has driven a car with a 6-71 Blower knows exactly what I am talking about. But may the good Lord have mercy if you need to stop or turn anytime soon, because that can be a miserable experience when you are running out of road in a 40 year old American muscle car. Another thing, the Camaro pretty much signs off at around 110 mph which, considering the way it handles, is a good thing.

 

On the other hand, if by faster you mean the ability to go fast around turns, stop on a dime or top end speed, then the Ferrari is the clear winner. Trust me, the Ferrari is by no means a slow car, but it is much more than a drag car. It handles like a go cart, you can stand on the brakes at 120mph and it will stop quickly and in a straight line. You feel very safe driving this car at speed. Plus, I have equipped this car with a level 3 Capristo exhaust (supposed to be track use only), so with the top down and the rpm’s at 8000 it absolutely screams like a Banshee. The power is very linear, in other words the car just never signs off, as hard as it pulls 0-60 mph it will continue to pull just as hard 60- 150mph.

 

The other question I get all the time is “Which car do you like better?” Again, not an easy question to answer. I had owned the Ferrari for about 4 years before before I got the Camaro so when I first got the Camaro I was treating the Ferrari like an old shoe. I mean the Camaro is just such a blast. It goes like a bat out of Heck, looks great and generates way more thumbs up than the Ferrari. Plus, it is relatively cheap and easy to work on and pretty much bullet proof. The yearly $400.00 oil changes on the Ferrari get old in a hurry, the $1200.00 apiece rear tires that wear out every 8 thousand miles and the massively expensive major service that needs to be done every 15k  is no treat either.  But, then I get in the car on a summer day, I got the top down and I am on a deserted stretch of highway and the Ferrari is screaming at full song and I fall in love all over again.

 

I guess the best answer I can give is that I like each car better in its own way. Look, with gas at $3.00 a gallon, there is no rational explanation for either one of these cars, and if I have to explain the passion I have for the hobby then you will just never understand.  People who don’t understand assume its all about showing off, you know, look at how cool I am or I am soooo cool because I can afford an expensive car. The truth is, its not about that at all, its about appreciation for an era gone by, about the simplicity and power of an American push rod V-8; its about the mechanical marvel of a tiny 218 cubic inch Italian masterpiece that can spin all day long at 8500 rpm putting out 375 horsepower and propelling a car down the road at 150 mph. They  simply represent a dream come true. When I was a kid growing up on the farm I used to tell myself…someday, if I ever make good I am going to get a couple of cool cars. The point is this, I have seen my share of tragedy through the representation of many individuals across the country, especially those who have suffered life ending diseases. But, I have also met many people who try to live each day to its fullest, people who pursue the things that make them tick in earnest. And to me, that’s what life is all about.