Actually, from what I understand of economics, that isn’t true. If you demand more, the gas station realizes that it can get away with charging more, and thus it will probably charge more. This is especially true with gas, as there is no simple substitute for it (unlike, say, fruit–if the price for apples goes up, it’s likely that the demand for oranges will increase). Now, I might be mixing up demand with quantity demand, but I’m pretty sure I’m not. Someone with more knowledge of econ than me can tell me. I do know, however, that in the real world, this happens often enough.
Additionally, the selling of gas is largely independent of price. There’s a Aamco station near my house. There’s also a Speedway station. They’re right across the street from each other. The Aamco regularly sells gas at a price at least 5 cents higher than the Speedway, and often 10 cents higher. Both of these establishments do brisk buisness despite the fact that they’re right across the street from each other and there’s a significant (or somewhat significant) price difference. They’ve both been at that corner since I can remember. From this, I can infer that both are successful.
Also…the supply of gas is limited. We’re not talking air or something here. The amount of oil that we get from other countries does effect the supply of gas here. Thus, the price is effective. Why do you think you’re paying 50 cents more a tank than you did even a few years ago?
Um…that should be “affect” and not “effect” in the last paragraph. I wouldn’t correct it except for the fact that that particular error annoys the crap out of me when other people do it.
THe stiffer suspension means you get bumped around LESS when going at faster speeds. Going slower will only make the bump more noticeable. Badabump and its over. Most roads nowadays are paved at the same level as the top of the track. Thus there is no reason to come to a halt. Except maybe for an oncoming train.:rolleyes:
Softer suspensions; usually with luxury sedans> less feeling of bumps, potholes, etc. going fast or slow. The softer shocks/struts make it more comfortable.
Stiff suspension; usually on SUV/offroad vehicles, and sports sedans.
A stiffer suspension will give you a better feel for the road and allows better handling and cornering. But a stiff suspension also means> harsh or bumpy ride.
Driving over stuff like train tracks going fast will be so jarring to the suspension that it could cause damage. Anyone who wants to drive over train tracks fast with whatever type of vehicle they have is asking for an appointment at their local garage and possibly making their mechanic’s pockets full.
Somehow I doubt that the Lexus SUV’s and Cadillac Escalades which litter the parking lot of my workplace have stiffer suspension’s then my Integra. After all, the commercials for these hybrid monstrosities talk extensively about the comfort and luxury of driving one.
I do really admire the drivers though for one thing. They keep them showroom sharp. Considering the rugged four wheeling that they’re doubtless doing every weekend, the dedication to detailing the vehicle constantly is quite inspiring. So much so that I don’t mind at all that they need to park in one and a half spaces clearly marked “COMPACT”. After all, with all the work they do keeping their vehicles appearing new in spite of the safari’s and mud bogs of their leisure time, they certainly deserve not to have to walk the extra thirty feet from the non-compact spots designed for the behemoth owner in order to get to the office door.
A breed apart, I say. Wouldst that I could someday walk among them.
And as for the OP, I like to view these cautious drivers as a quietly powerful lot. No need to display the massive powers that they possess, no need to be ostentatious in any way. Confidently content to go about quietly, regal and noble.
No, those Cadi and Lexus SUV’s are probably aimed at the vanity-types RR was talking about. I haven’t checked out the suspension on an Escalade yet, and while it may be the same platform as a Yukon or Suburban, I’m willing to bet it doesn’t have the same meat-and-potatoes stiff suspension.
…in fact I bet it has computer-controlled electronically adjusted suspension, just in case the owner might want to take it off-road. I can check with a friend at a local Cadi dealer here.
I definitely don’t drive my SUV (s10 Blazer) like it’s tissue-paper. But is it really bad for SUV drivers to do so? I’d rather a soccer mom drive slow and be careful driving her 4 ton honker like tissue-paper than to be going a buck thirty all over the place and getting airboard whenever crossing railroad tracks. People always flame SUV owners for driving around like they own the road and being careless but then when they drive responsible a thread like this pops up.
Yeah, I’ve seen people drive their SUVs like they will lose molecular cohesion if pushed passed 30mph but who cares? Does it really affect you in anyway besides losing 1 second of your time? The other day I was behind a Lincoln Navigator that slammed on their brakes and then went so slow over railroad tracks that it didn’t register on my speedometer. And a couple weeks before that I was passed by dumbass in a Dodge Durango that thought they could pass 5 cars at once while approching a hard turn. Tell me, which would you rather deal with? Mr. “Creampuff the SUV” or Mr. “Burn Rubber and Push My Way Thru Traffic”? True, by creampuffing that SUV they’re losing out on a lot of fun but that’s them, and their money.
I don’t have a problem with SUV’s and their drivers except on rare occasions when the SUV is clearly larger than the owner needs. For example, one of our neighbors, a single mother of one, recently started driving a Ford Expedition. I doubt this young lady needs all that space plus she obviously has a problem parking it. Also, a while back there was some group using the the “I need the space! And minivans suck!” to garner support against the proposed Government mandated milage requirements.
FTR, we own an '89 Dogde Shadow with a current emissions sticker. I’m 6’2" and prefer not having to duck to enter a vehicle. When I decide to get my own vehicle it will be a small two-door pickup or SUV, something just big enough for myself and maybe a couple of passengers.
Before anyone asks, the single mother is in her late teens/early twenties and her child was born a couple of months ago. It’s not like she’s a soccer mom or something.
