Thanks Hiren - Points noted .... don't know why I have this leftover in my mind from childhood that the lower the centre of gravity , the more stable an object is 
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Fido.
Location: Western Hemisphere
Posted on: 17-03-16 11:50:53
Quote:
Originally posted by Fido
Thanks Hiren - Points noted .... don't know why I have this leftover in my mind from childhood that the lower the centre of gravity , the more stable an object is
If you are going to venture into hifi sci-fi stuff, yes, the SUVs still have a higher center of gravity, and susceptible to rollovers more than the cars.
That's why, these SUVs and pickup trucks have what's called a stabilizer bar - a solid metal rod that spans across the width of the vehicle, mostly around the rear axle. This bar is connected to a link called the stab bar link which is then connected to the rotor assembly knuckle (where the brake rotor, wheel, and tire are connected).
When there is a stronger than normal level of turn, the stab bar helps shift the weight of the vehicle, providing extra stability.
That being said, sharp turns at high speeds must be avoided.
I agree with Hiren - SUVs tend to be more comfortable as they sit higher, especially for people such as myself who are prone to motion sickness. You are sitting farther away from the rushing road below you which helps reduce motion sickness.
In general, I am more careful when I drive a SUV compared to when I am driving a car since it's easier to inflict damage on someone or something when you are hurtling down the road on a 6000 lb chunk of metal.
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Dimple2001
I am not sure if you are confusing comfort with safety...
The car has lower center of gravity but the cage is not as strong as the SUV/VAN - in a car-to-car collision, the car will be fairly safe, however against a larger object, the car will not be as safe as the SUV/VAN. We are discussing RELATIVE safety, not absolute safety.
The SUV has higher ground clearance compared to a VAN and hence higher chances of roll-over while turning at very high speeds. However driver comfort is the same in both VAN/SUV.
Hope this makes sense.
Hiren
Location: Western Hemisphere
Posted on: 17-03-16 12:44:30
The higher ground clearance also has allowed me to innovate forward parallel parking. I pull over just enough to climb the curb and fall back to the road. A foot or more and stop - you have a perfect parallel parking. Try that on a car and you'll mess up the front bumper 
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Dimple2001
Quote:
Originally posted by Fido
So tell me - as compared to your Accord , do you find driving in SUV s equally / more comfortable ??
Though I am yet to drive more than 4 hrs at stretch in my SUV still I do not feel the difference. It depends on the adjustment of the seats. For some reason we view SUV seats as only upright & high above the ground thus not bed like comfort but that is not the case.
Btw in some SUVs there is back seat reclining feature making it even steven for the passengers sitting at back. Rogue basic model have that.
and then there is additional safety without losing the comfort.
Btw for long drives , a seat massager is a great accessory.
Quote:
Originally posted by dimple2001
The higher ground clearance also has allowed me to innovate forward parallel parking. I pull over just enough to climb the curb and fall back to the road. A foot or more and stop - you have a perfect parallel parking. Try that on a car and you'll mess up the front bumper
Ah! That was the reason why my sedan use to give screeching sound on my favourite parking spot in Walmart !! :-)
I am kind of a 'parker' who do not like Car's back protruding out in line of vehicles inviting people to rub along. In the bargain the front bumper always land up humping the curb. SUV saves me there.
Quote:
Originally posted by dimple2001
SUVs tend to be more comfortable as they sit higher, especially for people such as myself who are prone to motion sickness. You are sitting farther away from the rushing road below you which helps reduce motion sickness.
Actually for me it kind of works in the reverse - I experience more motion sickness the higher I am sitting .. for eg in a bus as compared to a car.
Perhaps that's the reason why whenever I have sat in an SUV , I have never felt comfortable and this happens in India also (for eg Scorpio )
When looking @ SUV s also - I generally eye the Subaru lower height ones.
I hope minivan driving gives me a different feeling
BTW , the OP must be giggling .... anyways thanks for the discussion - it has been riveting.
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Fido.
