Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Driving from Detroit to San Diego in small horesepower car. Best Route?

Driving from Detroit to San Diego in small horesepower car. Best Route?

Old Sep 15th, 2011, 08:09 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Driving from Detroit to San Diego in small horesepower car. Best Route?

I'm driving from the Detroit area to San Diego in a few days. I've driven across the country several times and have done the trip through Denver on the I70 route, the trip through New Mexico on the I40 route, and I've even done the trip on I80 through Wyoming. This particular time, I'm looking for the shortest time, but the kicker here is that I also have to figure in temperature and elevation as, this time, I'm driving a 2000 BMW 323CI with a 2.5L 170 hp I6 engine. In the past, I've done the trip in V8 Mustangs (GT, Saleen, etc.), a souped up Cutlass, and other higher horsepower motors. I'm concerned that the trip through NM and Arizona with that getting over the final mountains climb into San Diego (which is steep for about 10 miles) might be a little rough on my engine (not to mention potential heat). Conversely, the trip through Colorado and Utah on the I70 route will probably not be as hot, but I'm concerned the long duration at elevation might cause engine problems. Lastly, I80 is too far out of the way for this trip so it's out of question.

My question to all of you is 1. Take the I40 route through Oklahoma, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Yuma and risk higher heat possibilities capped with a final mountain climb (I know not as scenic but maybe less gas due to less overall climbs) or 2. I70 route through Nebraska, Denver, Utah, Vegas, Riverside (most direct and scenic but sustained elevation).

Both trips have their merits, but my concern is my car. Which has the best route for a small horsepower car? Scenery isn't a big factor for this trip. I'm assuming a long three or maybe a softer 4 day trip with both day and night driving. (12 to 14 hours)

Any suggestions?
the_surfspot is offline  
Old Sep 15th, 2011, 08:46 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 10,556
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We used to drive all over Colorado and California in our 1963 and 1971 VW bugs. Never worried about them being underpowered. Just took our time and did not expect to break any speed records. This car probably has more power than those did.
PeaceOut is offline  
Old Sep 15th, 2011, 09:06 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,633
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
Are you serious? 2.5 litre . . . that isn't even that small an engine. You shouldn't have any problems.
janisj is online now  
Old Sep 15th, 2011, 09:24 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 13,617
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
No reason to worry. Millions of people drive "small" hp cars through these areas every year. From your title, I thought you were going to make the drive in a smartcar or something.
november_moon is offline  
Old Sep 15th, 2011, 09:26 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I wouldn't worry. In europe they trek all over the alpine passes in minute Fiats and similar - with I think about 80 or 90 hp.

Unless you have something large in tow yuoshould be fine.
nytraveler is offline  
Old Sep 15th, 2011, 09:41 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,633
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
in fact -- of the 100+ times I've driven over the Sierras or other road trips in the west -- only 3 or 4 did the car have more then a 2.5 litre engine.
janisj is online now  
Old Sep 15th, 2011, 04:03 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Unless you really punish your cars driving them, I can't figure out why you are worried. If you do punish cars, try not punishing this one this time.
charnees is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2011, 09:00 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 867
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Both Google Maps and Mapquest take you on a combination of I-80, 76, 70, and 15, through Des Moines, Denver, St. George, LV, Barstow, Riverside, Temecula, San Diego. This is the shortest and fastest route, 35 hours per Mapquest and 37 hours per Google Maps.

Perhaps you are not fully aware of of the capabilities of your Beemer. I checked and that 2000 323ci, when new, clocked 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds and has a top speed of about 145 mph, set by a limiter. And it has handling and braking commensurate with that level of performance. Your problem will not be making it up some hills, but avoiding a ticket.
dbdurand is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2011, 09:29 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,820
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
35 years ago one might be concerned driving an 11 year old car cross country but not today, especially with a 323. Your set, take I70(its so much nicer)
FrankS is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2011, 12:34 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My son just drove a 1995 Mazda Miata with a smaller engine from Atlanta to CA mostly via I-70 with no problems. The car, by the way already had 120,00 mile plus when it made the trip.
boom_boom is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2011, 06:34 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,030
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
None of the OP opening statement makes any sense at all unless driving an engine only running on two cylinders with a clogged cooling system. For years had a Dodge van with a 2.2 that run up and down the mountains - a big slow at times but always made it. Someone is over reacting to something.
fmpden is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2011, 06:42 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,633
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
fmpden: Me thinks the OP just might be a V-8/muscle car snob who don't like them wimpy itty bitty furin cars (or just possibly a troll??? )
janisj is online now  
Old Sep 16th, 2011, 07:00 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
FWIW - temps in ABQ have dropped a lot this past week. High's next week 80. AZ has cooled off some too.
DebitNM is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2011, 08:08 PM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,030
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Janisj summed it well.
fmpden is offline  
Old Sep 17th, 2011, 10:06 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 49,521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
yep most likely fmpden and janisj
nanabee is offline  
Old Sep 17th, 2011, 10:08 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 49,521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
maybe i'm imagining this, but isn't janisj a race car driver or something???
nanabee is offline  
Old Sep 17th, 2011, 02:08 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, janisj, I kind of smell a rat, too. My first thought was the OP just woke up from a 50 year sleep and is still worried about stuff like vapor lock, etc.

Then I thought he must beat the hell out of every car he drives. Otherwise what is he worried about?

Then I thought he's trying to show off.
charnees is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
brodge
United States
14
Jul 25th, 2008 07:44 AM
lc4637
United States
11
Jun 18th, 2007 02:21 PM
michaelgre
United States
6
Feb 23rd, 2006 04:09 PM
joanmarykirsopp
United States
4
Feb 7th, 2005 11:22 AM
travelcrazy
United States
5
Feb 15th, 2003 08:37 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -