Do you ever look at the speedo dial

[Guest]

Do you ever use the speedo dial, or just look at the digital speed underneath?
I realised that I never look at the speedo dial at all.
On all previous cars I used the dial, because it was equal in prominence to the rev counter and because there was no digital readout.
On cars with a digital display (which were hire cars), I always thought it was a bit unnecessary and more accurate than you needed. You can generally tell your speed from the revs.
However, since the speedo on the 996 is small, and off to the left, I don't use it.
I actually wondered if maybe the space could be better used for some other guages.

The only irritating thing about the digital readout, is that is does not keep up when you accelerate hard.
It jumps up in random sized increments, and when you lift is always about 10 mph behind what you are actually doing. You look down and see 70, then glance down a second later and it is 80 or more. I have got used to it, but it is still odd.

 

[Melv]

And the case for the defence is:

ORIGINAL: Stuart Martin
The only irritating thing about the digital readout, is that is does not keep up when you accelerate hard.
It jumps up in random sized increments, and when you lift is always about 10 mph behind what you are actually doing. You look down and see 70, then glance down a second later and it is 80 or more.

Welcome back!! []

 

[Rotorhead]

Although I would never buy a digital watch, a digital speed read out is very helpful, particularly the small GPS detectors that are accurate and can be placed in the line of vision.

Surely, by now, Porsche should have a 'head up display' system.

Had a look at the new M5, which I didn't particularly like, but thought the head up display was absolutely brilliant.

 

[tallmat]

Stuart

Welcome back - we missed you!

My speedo is calibrated in kmh so rely on the digital output for MPH when in UK, Thought you'd like to see this from a recent day trip to France.

Fantastic driving day on deserted autoroutes and 'N' roads in Normandy. Plus a damn fine lunch! All for £40 day return on the shuttle. Thoroughly recommend it as a driving day out.

Matthew.

 

[Guest]

Tallmat,
You must have only just started out, the fuel guage is almost full.
At that sort of speed it doesn't last long (about a gallon every 5 mins).

Thankyou for the comments - I will try to make a bit more time for some postings.
The summer is always a b*ugger, since that is when all the work is done to prepare products for Christmas.

I admit the digital speedo is useful, I was just making the point that the actual guage is of little benefit.
Given that I just use the digital figure, I reckon as well that the headup solution is the way to go. Much as the Corvette uses.

Then the boost guage can be made bigger - or I can have two to monitor both turbos.
Or I can use the space for a tyre pressure monitor - or for a reversing camera.

For a more serious solution, I wonder if the future for car instruments might be the same as for planes. Ditch all the guages and have a colour display that can show what you want when you need it. All the guages become virtual and just appear when you select them or when something out of the ordinary happens.
I was convinced old fashioned gauges were the best, but now I am not so sure.
Although of course the central rev counter has to stay.

 

[juliany27]

Tallmat

Where can you find Shuttle tickets for only £40 return for one day, please? I would love to take this up for a day out soon.

Thanks.

 

[tallmat]

Stuart - you're right about the fuel load, in fact we'd just set off from a refuelling.

I did omit in the last post to mention the 3 tanks of fuel consumed on the day, but at least it's a bit cheaper in France.

I agree that digitial read out does seem to take a while to catch up, but I think that's deliberate to stop the digits constantly changing.

I remember going with my Dad when he testdrove the first Austin Maestro (and he didn't buy one!) and it had - I think - the first digital speedo of a mass produced car. It was crap (like most of the car) totally illegible, as it constatly changed and flickered.

I think heads-up displays will not be far off - I know people at BAE and they do amazing stuff, I guess at present a little too costly for most cars.

Julian - there are always deals to find on Eurotunnel website. Just pick less busy days - (Tue-Thur) and it'll show you the prices to go at different times, and when in is cheaper. I just looked now and found fares to go next week for £30.

Would be a good club day out if there was interest.

Matthew.