Was talking about spirited driving with a buddy and it got me thinking...
What is YOUR term or definition of spirited driving?

My buddy's way of 'spirited driving' is pushing his car to the limits and attempting to improve his driving skill.

My 'definition' of 'spirited driving' is to just drive for the joy of it... however and whenever. Sometimes I'm cruisin' and chillin'... other times I'm speeding [during reasonable traffic/road/weather conditions of course]. I love driving in general so it pleases me to go for a drive anytime... in any car. Most of the time I'll be driving and taking random roads... getting lost and finding my way back around just so I can spend time alone whilst driving =]

 

spirited driving is straight up cruising on the highway. The ones i am talking about are those that go through the mountains, the ones that noone ever goes through. Bring a cop radar and smash out on those roads for fun with the music full blast

 

Mine I guess would be when I get off work at 5:30 or so AM especially on sat or sunday morning. Theres no traffic, the CLs exhaust is humming, its chilly, but not cold, the highways are all mine. No cops, no traffic, just me, the CL and the sunrise, sunroof cracked open, and occasionally VTEC doesnt get any better.

 

Canyon runs.

 

If I would get a ticket for it, then its spirited driving.

 

considering the definition of 'spirited' literally is 'full of energy and courage', I'd assume it would involve some amount of extra energy ie. power, and a little feeling of danger.

I would not consider cruising around town, even if it's just for fun, as being spirited.

 

For once I can completely agree with you

 

Canyon runs or taking a mountain road, but I never push the car more then 6-7/10ths. Taking the car to the limit on an uncontrolled road is just stupid IMO, there's no margin for error and its a good way to get yourself or someone else killed.

 

if my tires are screeching..

 

Given the right circumstances (no other cars or pedestrians around, a somewhat safe environment), trying to get the Subie to break traction on a corner, or being close to it. Basically a mountain road where I can probe the limits of the vehicle without endangering anyone, including myself.

Reckless driving is the opposite, where a little error will kill you, your car, someone else, or all three.

 

x 2

OP's buddy is driving in a style that we call "balls out" rather than "spirited"-- and hopefully he's not doing that on open public roads.

 

My term of spirited driving is slightly different.

I used to enjoy flying down open roads and hearing the exhaust roar in SS mode.





now it is looking for twisties on the highways so the SH-AWD could do its job. so much fun especially in SS mode.

 

spirited is less than going full out (which is what your friend is doing) but more than normal driving.. you shouldn't be doing more than 6-7th's on the street like other have said.. you might be the best driver in the world but something unexpected could happen very easily where if you're going 9/10 or 10/10 you cannot recover. you can still improve your skill if you aren't going your max.

 

My definition:

 

There is spirited driving and there is reckless.

Your frontal lobe should decide which is which

 

for me spirited driving is taking turns fast, but not dangerously. Accelerating quickly but not burning out or being stupid. Twisties in the hilly areas are good for this or some mountain roads are usually where this occurs. overall just having fun driving. Usually when no one is around.

 

Works for me.

I'd just add, you don't have to be "hauling ass", but you're probably over the speed limit.

 

:ib4anotherFthepolicethread:

But yes, having fun, while being safe of course.