My first car was a BMW ( I still have it too, but trying to get an evo at the moment.) I got the car when i just turned 17 and i'll admit that i shouldn't of had that car as a first. Within the first month i got a ticket on the interstate doing 24 over. And i'm sure the only reason why the car isn't broken right now is becuase it is a German made car and those cars are always built to last. I'm 20 right now and i'm just now beginning to drive responsible (mainly after my wreck with the brakes going out, still i was driving a little too fast though.) Now i'm not saying that you will drive like me, i'm just saying be careful. My bimmer has lesser power than an evo so i can only imagine where i would be right now if i had an evo as a first ( probably in a wheel chair or in a coffin.)

 

If you get an EVO, you have to realize a few things about it. Just because it's AWD does not make your car invincible, especially in the rain. Don't find out the limits of your handling doing canyon runs. Realize that there are other cars and people on the road that you can take out should something go wrong.

I've done my share of stupid sh*t when I was 16. God knows what would have happened if I had a car like an EVO in my hands at that age. I remember being ignorant and hard headed back then. I think it's a fact of life most people only learn their lessons the hard way. I didn't have the internet back when (10 yrs ago) to hear of tragedy stories to change my views.

A good way to learn the limits of your car is by taking it to an autocross or a road course. You can learn to drive you car at the limits or past the limits safely. What you learn at the track will help you be a better and safer driver on the street.

 

I disagree with you, but i see where you are going and agree with the post above you that states, "it depends on the person" When i started driving i would drive 75 in a 65 like i do now and go 5-10 over in residential area's. I never felt the need to go 100 etc. There were times were i would gas it down a residential road but feeling bad and scared to get caught the whole time. I still do that, to do this day, but very rarely...aka the other night when trying to play with a z28.

 

There is a difference between driving above the posted speed limit, and pushing beyond the car/driver's limits...I will be the first to admit that I don't drive the posted speed limit, even at my age. Unfortunately, you would get killed in Arizona driving at the posted speed limit. What I do know is that driving defensively (what responsible and mature drivers do) and driving wrecklessly/offensively (what kids with new driver's licenses do) are two totally different things. Whether it's an EVO VIII or a Pinto, speed doesn't kill, ignorance and lack of knowledge does!!

 

One of the things that most inexperienced drivers do is harsh downshifting
this can become dangerous.. especially on an AWD car.

get a good feel on matching engine speed (rpm) for the next low gear you're shifting to (smooth transition).

doing this will keep traction, and save stress on the transmission & powerplant.