P3T3RK3Y5

we see birds flock overhead, we see fish flock in a pond, we see people flock to their respective places of worship, and children of similar age find each other - we all seem to take comfort with the idea, "you look like me".

as an s2000 owner - i've experienced another flocking phenomena: the instant brotherhood and trust that comes from crossing paths with another s2000 on the road. for the record: the protocol is a wave (a finger lift will do - after all the business at hand is driving), a broad knowing smile, and when stopped (with tops down) the reflexive compliment "nice car".

i've met guys that felt like my best friend after a few miles, and i was sad to see them go. i met one guy who was reading a book in the middle lane of the tollroad - and felt it my personal responsibility to kick his effing ass for that. but mostly i've met entities just like me - quick, alert, courteous to a point, guys that have no desire or need to compete, but rather immediately acknowledge my intrinsic worth and shared values. it's an instant safe environment.

lets compare this to a few other species:

minivans - as long as they are in the right lane, or moving out as appropriate, proper courtesy will be rendered. minivans are not people though - they are self absorbed elephants.

SUVs are inbred minivans - bigger, dumber, laden with genetic errors. SUVs are not people either - they are self absorbed mutants without free will, but with an ego. don't expect them to do much but wonder why you are pissed at them for matching the speed of those around them in the 3rd or 4th lane for miles at a time. ignorance incarnate.

trucks, particularly big trucks, from texas, and with tandem wheels - are dangerous. their weight distribution is whacked - yet they are surprisingly quick. they think they are as fast as an s2000 in the curves and have been known to tail you through the twisties into triple digits - but also arrogantly see no need to move out of the left lane with they clearly are not that fast. they needlessly add drama and tension to what could otherwise be fun situations, and i don't like being around them because i don't trust them and don't want to see one roll over or come off a cliff. if they stuck to what they know i'd respect them a hell of a lot more.

american cars are nothing more than pylons for driving by, including the high potential of the corvette. in deutschland- all of them know their place in the right lane of the autobahn. all image and no engineering... they have no free will and are doubtful sentient - although i've never actually tried to talk to one.

bmw - are sentient and usually make good travel companions. the 540's in particular - are secure in themselves but wise enough to not want to compete - and can indeed be a kindred spirit. but sometimes something inside is retarded and seems incapable of administering their gifted physical capability. unfortunately there are enough of these outsider data points to confound any verdict. the three series bmw's aren't that much of a direct threat and are usually capable enough... but those bmw that compete directly - the M3s in particular, are cold and indifferent. they can be fun to watch though.

porsche - are a relational disappointment. in all but the most expensive and capable porsche, s2000s compete closely or exceed them... a point that most porsche don't allow into their universe given our differing socioeconomic backgrounds. the most capable porsche are either way over my capability point - or are piloted by incompetents who somehow feel the privilege to take up space in the left lane. like i said, a disappointment.

miata's are well behaved little guys that don't mess with us and understand the difference better than anyone. consequently relations are civil and normalized. we're happy to eat lunch together and chat about whatever. ego's are never at issue.

Z4's are a parallel species but aliens. we don't talk to each other and don't mess with each other.

Nissan Z's are our bulkier cousin. competition is always a possibility - and a friendship isn't necessarily in mind - but its only about bragging rights... not anything more serious than that. personally, i think we have the edge. G35's are their equally capable sibling dressed in a suit scared to go outside.

performance modified ricers - aspire to be s2000s when they grow up, and jump at every chance to prove their worth. like a little brother they are willing to provoke to get a response (revving, horns, and weaving). usually well natured and fun and only mildly irritating. occasionally foolish enough to be dangerous.

cosmetically modified ricers - couldn't afford driving school and think they have somehow changed their performance by swapping out air dam's and moding tail lights. if they come alive nearby your best bet is to exit the situation as quickly as possible... either by disappearing forward or backing off. any close contest will result in them overdriving their car. it's not worth it.

old school muscle: displacement vs technology. ideally a respect for the generations keeps the peace. if not, all bets are off and the stakes go high. things can get primal very quickly. too bad we don't always respect our elders. and too bad our elders don't have the self confidence to not feel threatened by something newer going by. but sometimes a little tussle builds respect.

crotch rockets. a similarly complex eco system is present in the sport bike world. one of the most incredible aspects of owning an s2000, is that i'm actually recognized in their world as a sentient being with free will and a personality. after all - if you have to be driving on four wheels you might as well have 9,000 rpms. in a tunnel (a great time to relish your engine sound!) my two liters can add a respectable sub-harmonic to their 18,000 rpms.

semi's are the wizards of the road. too old and too wise to buzz about - they nevertheless are courteous and respectful of the s2000's capability and can handle themselves with respectable aplomb. often enough they will select a lane that allows you to complete a pass at nearly maximum acceleration so that you won't get stuck behind them. they always return a thank you for such courtesy.