Do you also try to catch cats under your hood, using an oil canister?

In my more northern European perspective, I’ve also heard people (mostly women) who don’t like larger cars because of their size. They don’t like manoeuvring something that doesn’t fit as easily.

Exactly. And do you remember how fast your bus was driving? Probably a 100 (kph), as busses are not allowed to go faster. Even on unrestricted parts of the Autobahn. Same thing for (cargo) trucks, except that their limit is 80. They usually drive 90 kph, I believe they have a speed governor that physically limits…

You are right about fuel economy. But you don’t feel like you’re in full control when driving over 100 kph/62 mph? Unless your reference point is something ancient that is not maintained properly, I believe this statement says more about you as a driver than about other drivers and cars.

I believe many cross the 130 kph (80 mph) barrier. At least occasionally, for overtaking or on very empty roads. However, I also believe few cross the 160 kph barrier often.

Fair. The point still stand that the second largest party of the country, Merkel’s CDU(/CSU) is only barely smaller than the #1 and is also opposed. And, that you need to compromise to get things done. The #3 party compromised to drop one topic with the #4, to get something else done they care more about. The #1…

Amsterdam has a similar problem with British weekend tourists. Issues related to lack of self control that is, not related to speeding (in a car).

I know. Which is why I might have sounded a little like a school teacher.

it seems ridiculous that a party that won 11.5 percent of the vote could prevent a policy wanted by 60 percent of people.

Exactly. I’m not blaming the victim for the crash, but being ejected from a car has been easily preventable for decades now. It's odd to me that it still happens. Just belt up.

What surprised me the most are the EU market front brakes for the Chrysler 200. I had to Google that one. It appears the only way the Chrysler 200 has been on the EU market was as rebadged, as a Lancia Flavia convertible. Which was a sales flop, I cannot remember ever seeing one. Interesting you can still get the…

Scope? It was a Ford Sierra.

It’s odd though. In Europe the MK4 Golf is known as one of the last good VWs. Not perfect (window regulators...), but still an unkillable cockroach. Unlike the VWs that came after it, which were rather problematic. I see mk4s on the road every day still.

Your perspective is yours, I’m not going to say you’re wrong. However, I don’t see it. The thing is, “fast car fast” is kind of impossible on public roads without putting yourself and others in too much danger. You’d be breaking speed limits by huge amounts and startle other drivers not expecting encountering someone…

The amount of power with which you can wring out the engine on a curvy road, without breaking the speed limit too much. Something you can use to close to 100% without putting yourself, other people and your license in too much danger. Something similar can be said about grip.

I visited the US in 2016. I got me this big chunk of rental Americana.

That’s not a Focus, that’s either a Galaxy or an S-Max. Both significantly larger (wider) vehicles than a Focus.

I guess I picked the wrong example :)

Any car is less boring and dreary with a stick.

remove all personality from a car