Driving from Detroit to San Diego in small horesepower car. Best Route?
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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?
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?
#2
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.