The Backseat Driver's Companion
People who like to drive rarely enjoy being driven - and are often tempted to second-guess the driving of others when not behind the wheel themselves.
Usually, it's not a good idea.
Here's a Backseat Driver's Companion - a short list of Do's and Don'ts to follow when someone else is behind the wheel:
How They Kneecapped Cars In The '70s
Imagine large V-8s that made less power than many modern four-cylinders. Four thousand pounds - and 14 mpg.That was the mid-late 1970s, when automakers (especially American automakers) dealt a savage blow to the output and capability of their cars in order to comply with a one-two sucker punch of federal emissions control laws and rising gas prices that changed the marketplace almost overnight.
2007 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD - The Big Kahuna
Who needs 660 lbs.-ft. of torque? Someone who needs to drag 13,000 lbs. around, that's who. And the only 3/4 ton truck that can tackle that job is Chevy's Silverado 2500 HD armed with the optional 6.6 liter Duramax diesel V-8.Chevy's He-truck edges out the Ford F-250's 6.4 liter Powerstroke diesel - which has a max tow rating of 12,500-lbs. and 10 fewer lbs.-ft. of torque. And it out bench-presses the Dodge Ram 2500 - even when ordered with the newly available 6.7 liter Cummins turbo diesel. (This engine replaces the Ram's old 5.9 liter diesel and produces and impressive - but still second place- 650 lbs.-ft. of torque. )
Ten Features You Can't Get In Your Next New Car
You can get GPS, AWD and air bags in many new cars. But what about the things you can't get in any new car? Some features have simply disappeared. Others have been regulated (or legislated) out of existence. Here are a few you may remember - and wish you could still get:* Low-back bench seats. If you're over 40, you may have fond memories of driving with your significant other, right arm draped causally on top of the seat and around your Other's shoulder. No can do anymore - because of federal regulations that require seats provide neck/whiplash protection (as well as a three-point safety belt). This is why all modern cars have "full length" seats - with headrests. Bench seats, as such, haven't been outlawed - they've just been supplanted by the more popular "sport bucket" - and ubiquitous center console with storage cubby and cupholders.
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