Hauling ass on the Autobahn

[tp1_kenobi]

I guess this is probably more directed at my American compatriots, but how has your Autobahn experience been so far?

I went from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Zugspitze specifically) to do some snowboarding and had to drive in the early morning and mid evening on a Sunday. Traffic was relatively light going both ways and this was probably my first REAL experience opening up the Audi here. One thing is that there is no lazy Sunday drive whilst on the the 'bahn. On my way to GAP, I averaged about 100-105mph which wasn't so bad. I had friends following me in a diesel Mini and didn't want to loose them completely, so I kept the speed in "moderation."

On my return back to Munich around 6:30pm, things definitely went up a notch. I got the car up to 120mph (over 180kmh) in the dark of night and it was definitely intense. Adrenaline rush, heart pounding, scared gf in the passenger side...you name it! Being new here, I didn't want to take the car past 130mph+ range, there isn't good lighting on the Autobahn like the US, and I just don't have the experience at those speeds at that time of night. If it was in the morning where I could see, I would've taken my car up a little quicker.

A few things to note:
1) Roads were exceptionally better than the US. Some parts of the road where not as smooth where my suspension had to do a little work. My German gf made a few comments when we went over those non-smooth sections at speed and voiced her displeasure with the German roads
2) Left hand lane rules are dutifully followed. Germans will get out of your way ASAP when they see headlights barreling down on them. Pretty awesome. I did have one BMW wagon flash his brights while I was between 110-120mph. He must've been going 130+, I was literally at a standstill compared to him. Crazy.
3) If you're get into trouble at high speeds, you're pretty much FUBAR. We (Americans) think accidents above 70mph are terrible, imagine going 40-50mph faster than that. Full concentration is needed at all times. You will definitely be working hard. Hands at 10-2, straight posture, checking mirrors, and looking way ahead to ascertain traffic conditions.

Anyways, how have you all been enjoying the 'bahn? Good times or stories to share?

[tp1_kenobi]

Oh and from my brief time here, it seems to me there is a difference in how Americans and Germans take driving. Where IMO, I feel that since in America we can't go over the speed limit, we tend to drive "fast" at slower speeds. Launches and 0-60 drags, taking corners fast, drifting, being loud in our cars, and general hoonage of that nature. The gf did not think it was appropriate to abuse my car through the small little Bavarian towns and was quick to express her displeasure. lol Also, it does appear to cause a bit of a scene with all the pedestrians attempting to hoon in town too...So, our idea of hooning here in Germany seems to me to be looked down upon. If you want a rush, go on the 'bahn and take the machine to the limit in regards to speed and braking. Quite a bit different, but awesome none the less.

[DownhillA4]

One day, one day when i'm older I will reach speeds on the Autobahn.

[oef_vet]

I'm awaiting the arrival of my car here anxiously. I really want to get on the bahn and explore the countryside.

[tp1_kenobi]

I really do think that if you head to the east of Germany you can really do some nice scenic drives in the country side. Very little traffic and there are no cops. Only thing is that the roads tend to be a bit narrow w/ trees like 1/2 foot away from the road. Very little room for error so you do have to be a bit careful you don't wrap yourself around a tree.

Unfortunately here in the city of Munich, any type of hoonage gets way too many stares. Lots of Germans drive by the books in the city. Too bad since I can open up the car in the tunnels