I cant even trust myself half of the time in my C6!

 

Yes absolutley he knows his own daughter as well as I know mine. SO YES

 

I don't have all the facts, so I won't offer an opinion. Some 18yos are great drivers... Colin Braun comes to mind. Some aren't - I come to mind...

 

You have obviously made your choice. The majority of the responses here seem to favor the opinion that this was not a good decision. You said this was a trick question... I don't understand that unless you just wanted to create a thread for arguments to fly back and forth.

Frankly, I think showing love and respect to a child (yes - she is a child) means making decisions that also protect him/her. How on earth can you suggest that a new driver in that car is NOT a higher risk for danger on the road than she would be in something less powerful and flashy? You have your reasons for your choices, but just because she's a good girl and has come a long way doesn't mean she has the experience, wisdom, and defensive driving techniques that come with years of driving.

Sorry - this was not a good idea, my friend.

Doug

 

. What I WOULD have said if I hadn't been pressed for time earlier.

 

 

I think he's sleeping with the baby sitter.

 

Trick Answer to your Trick Quesiton : A long time ago there was a writer named Bob Brown, I think, for AutoWeek. One of his last editorials before he left the biz was a hope and a prayer.

And it went like this. For all those great parents who give their kids these marvelous cars with tons of HP to drive, he wished they'd not just take them out and teach them how to drive. But actually give them a hi perf course to teach them so many more of the basics and how even pros on the tracks make small mistakes that wind up being costly. Among other professionals. And there are few of those professionals driving where we are. Or where the kids are.

It was a very good point made. He said it costs about a tenth of the cost of a Z28, at that time. Percentage-wise, compared to a Vettte, even less now.

Just a thought.

 

Yeah, one episode of "let's see how much power this thing really has" could easily end the life of the car and the inexperienced driver. Search for some of the crash stories that resulted from innocent mistakes.

It's not a 'car', it's a Vette, dude. You knew you would yank chains by posting that thread title.

The Vette demands respect, and from an experinced driver imo.

 

That's the truth. I've driven some awful cars, but even I wouldn't trust my life to a Prius. It weighs nearly as much as a Corvette, but its skinny tires won't let you stop it before you hit whatever pulled into your path. If you manage to coax all 82 ft-lbs of torque out of the engine, 0-60 only takes an afternoon, and the quarter mile is a leisurely vacation tour. Kind of rough when you need to merge with freeway traffic.

Looks can be deceptive, the Prius looks like it is standing still even when it is moving, and that's wrong, but when it looks like it is tipping over, that isn't wrong. The tall narrow little car is always looking for an opportunity to show you its rollover tricks. A very experienced driver may be able to stay out of trouble most of the time driving a Prius, but it is a hazard for a driver without the experience to stay far enough ahead of the car to avoid being the guest of honor at a demolition derby.

Teenagers have very quick reactions, they can respond quicker to a developing situation than those of us with many years of experience. But they don't have the experience to stay far enough ahead of the car to avoid most situations where quick reactions are essential. So they need a car that responds quicker to driver inputs than a more experienced driver needs.

A teenager's car should have extraordinary braking ability, lightning quick steering response, good throttle response, a low wide stance that resists rollover during violent manuvers, etc. Putting a teenager in a tall underpowered skinny tired crapbox is just asking for them to be involved in an accident.

 

I have 4 sons, I wouldn't let them drive it with out me in the car

I'm only 40 and I rember being 18

the car can be replaced

my sons can't

 

This answer seems easy to answer for me.

If you have 4-7 new expensive vehicles littered throughout Garage/Garages/Estate then who flippin cares if one of your toys get damaged. Open wallet, pay, drive something else cool until it returns to be a toy again.

If you have one because you worked hard/busted your **** for decades (assuring not to make the same mistakes as all your financially challenged family) and it's an ada-boy to yourself for sucess well done and earned, then why the heck would you ever turn the keys over to a kid who has lived 18 consecutive years purely off hand outs?

 

This is a good point and my plan is for us both to take the driving course at Sebring the next time it is offered.

 

Yeah, "it's just a car" - with 400 HP.

If you think she can handle it especially in a panic situation I can assure you she's wrong.

While many on the forums are possibly in the same boat at least we have a lot more experience driving than she does.

Those of you letting your youngsters drive your Vettes (especially on their own) need your heads examined.

But it's your decision, your car, your kids and their futures.

 

No, you're not! We'll, is she?

 

Not a chance...I've only ever let two people drive my car other than me...and only one of them has left my site with the car!

 

OMFG!! This must be your first teenager...

 

 

That's not going to happen. Sorry guys. She's my 'extra' daughter. I'm not going to post a picture of her here.

You just feel free to imagine a hot 18 year old and you'll still be underestimating.

 

Good call. He's sure not using his head.