Car Enthusiast vs Driving Enthusiast

"Emmy M" (emilyestelle)
01/29/2016 at 13:35 • Filed to: Previa, Enthusiast, Philosophy

I’m a huge car enthusiast, but only a moderate driving enthusiast, and I think there’s a difference. Don’t worry, this post doesn’t have an agenda. While this difference is probably the base of a lot of the arguments around here about what type of cars Jalopnik readers are supposed to drive and supposed to loathe, I don’t really care about that. It’s just something I was thinking about.

As a car enthusiast, I nerd out on lots of things about cars - stats, design, science, technology, creativity, advancements, beloved but maybe overrated oddities (hence my Previa), history, companies, details. I love learning about cars, meeting my car heroes in person, owning and getting to know cars, and appreciating the craftsmanship that goes into making a car fast or beautiful or bulletproof reliable. I love reading Jalopnik because I learn so much and get to chat with similarly-minded people in the comments. I love talking to and debating with other people about cars, the same way football fans might argue about Rodgers vs Brady.

Don’t get me wrong, I also like driving. I find it relaxing, fun, and joyful - never a slog or a burden. I also like driving fast, but my joy seems to be about the same regardless of what I’m driving. I have just as much fun going 0-60 in 7 seconds down an on-ramp in a V6 Camry as in a Mini S. I have just as much fun taking turns and feeling g-forces in my Previa as I do in my infinitely-more-settled TL or old 5-speed Prelude. In my old job, I used to drive a fleet of Focuses, Freestars, Caravans, Vue hybrids, Priuses, and Econolines. I loved that job.

I can drive stick and I have driven sports cars, but I just don’t care as much as I “should,” so the trade-offs (my own laziness, wanting to transport stuff and friends and large dogs) just don’t make it worth it for me to own those things.

I’m a fully self-aware car-but-not-driving enthusiast, and I love Jalopnik, and I bet there’s a lot of us on here!

DISCUSSION (13)

thebigbossyboss > Emmy M
01/29/2016 at 13:49

I am actually more a driving enthusiast then a car enthusiast. Yeah, I love cars, but I am happy behind the wheel of just about anything except a U haul. I prefer discount box vans if that’s whats being driven. People don’t respect U haul on the road.

Spoon II > Emmy M
01/29/2016 at 14:18

You have a Previa!!! Yes!!!! But back to the subject at hand, I think I’m equal parts car and driving enthusiast. I like working on cars, driving all sorts of cars, and learning about cars. Like you, it doesn’t really matter to me what I’m driving though, I can have fun in literally anything. I spent the last snowstorm drifting my Ram around a parking lot. It’s definitely not really a traditional “Drivers Car”.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Emmy M
01/29/2016 at 14:45

I’m both. Although my preferences for actual driving lie with sports cars, I do love checking out car events where people bring out all sorts of weird, obscure stuff.

JDMatt > Emmy M
01/29/2016 at 22:38

I’m a lot like you. Previous jobs that I’ve had gave me the privilege to drive a wide variety of cars. I know how to drive stick, but I personally wouldn’t wanna own a manual car. While I like supercars and I like driving fast, I also like to see where I’m going!

Nice previa btw.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Emmy M
01/29/2016 at 23:51

You’re into Previas? My parents have owned every generation—I wrote about them just a few weeks ago.

Svart Smart, traded in his Smart > Emmy M
01/30/2016 at 01:03

I guess I would think of myself as a driving enthusiast in that the car I drive matters considerably with respect to the overall experience. Most of today’s compact cars leave me utterly cold ([Mazda] 3, Focus, Elantra, Forte, Civic, Corolla, Soul, etc). My current ride is a shitbox in comparison to any of those vehicles, but it’s a fun and engaging shitbox. It makes me want to go out for a joyride even when I have no place to go. Side note: Sweet Previa!

Emmy M > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
01/30/2016 at 19:57

Cool, I’ll go read your post! Yeah I’ve had three... a ‘91, a ‘94 LE S/C, and this one’s a ‘97 LE S/C AllTrac.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Emmy M
01/31/2016 at 01:53

How do you deal with maintenance? I recall getting to the engine is supposed to be quite an adventure. Subsequent generations of the Previa are front-engined.

orcim > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
01/31/2016 at 04:06

You get very good at seat removal. Also, some judicious under seat cuts makes not have to drop the engines for more major things much more palatable. (93' LE, 2 x 95' LE S/C [one of which is more frankenstein than car, now])

Emmy M > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
01/31/2016 at 17:16

Not proud of this, but my answer is just“money” - I take it to a mechanic and let him deal with the weirdness.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Emmy M
02/01/2016 at 15:51

No shame in that! I'm sure you already know plenty by choosing to maintain the thing.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > orcim
02/01/2016 at 15:51

Cut as in the floor?

orcim > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
02/01/2016 at 18:53

Yes. Especially under the passenger seat for head gasket work. I like the things but ermagerd they can be a bitch to work on.