LHD vs RHD - which is better?

[M5Rick]

Any of you guys left foot brake in LHD or RHD drive auto mode, throwing the proverbial cat among the pigeons

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Perhaps a dumb Q, but in a RHD manual, is the clutch still your left foot and throttle to the right?

Yes.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

Any of you guys left foot brake in LHD or RHD drive auto mode, throwing the proverbial cat among the pigeons

Not me, right foot is the braking foot. Emergency reactions, muscle memory, etc. Then there is no issue driving MT or AT.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Perhaps a dumb Q, but in a RHD manual, is the clutch still your left foot and throttle to the right?

Yes.

Imagine if it was actually the mirror image setup? There would be crazy accidents lol. Every time I switch to and from _HD cars, the first few drives I ALWAYS flip my wipers when I meant to signal haha.

[Tambohamilton]

Getting in a LHD manual I punch the door every time I move to change gear

[///d]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Perhaps a dumb Q, but in a RHD manual, is the clutch still your left foot and throttle to the right?

Everything is the same except the turn signal stalk, that's on the right side of the wheel in a RHD car. I drove a RHD Silvia for a while and I kept hitting the damn windshield wipers when trying to signal a turn. Obviously in a BMW that wouldn't be an issue because we don't have turn signals.

I was a little nervous at first because I wasn't sure how comfortable shifting would be with my left hand, but it took maybe 5 minutes and it felt completely natural.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Not me, right foot is the braking foot. Emergency reactions, muscle memory, etc. Then there is no issue driving MT or AT.

You'd stop sooner with left foot brake on an auto

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

You'd stop sooner with left foot brake on an auto

Elaborate...

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Elaborate...

With a brake pedal extension (if needed) you'd have a quicker reaction time to an emergency braking situation with the left foot over the brake pedal than moving the right one from the gas to the brake and it's great in slow moving traffic, well I think so anyway but for someone who can't differentiate, for instance an older person it's best not to do this.
Many race car drivers have this system in place and I say again it suits me but it's not for everyone. Of course this only applies to a 2 pedal set up.

[///d]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

With a brake pedal extension (if needed) you'd have a quicker reaction time to an emergency braking situation with the left foot over the brake pedal than moving the right one from the gas to the brake and it's great in slow moving traffic, well I think so anyway but for someone who can't differentiate, for instance an older person it's best not to do this.
Many race car drivers have this system in place and I say again it suits me but it's not for everyone. Of course this only applies to a 2 pedal set up.

Issue is, so many people rest their foot on the pedal and drive with their brake lights on, and depending on the vehicle its applying a little brake force and burning up pads. Not to mention its bad on the powertrain and drivetrain if you're slamming brakes before you're completely off the gas.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///d

Issue is, so many people rest their foot on the pedal and drive with their brake lights on, and depending on the vehicle its applying a little brake force and burning up pads. Not to mention its bad on the powertrain and drivetrain if you're slamming brakes before you're completely off the gas.

Well this is where it gets interesting. In high risk areas I would have the foot over the b/pedal but on motorways and clear roads with little risk then naturally the foot rest or 'dead pedal' would be in use more. My M's brake pedal is positioned in such a way that I can sort of relax my left foot without actually touching the brake pedal

[Forty5]

To accommodate American drivers on the racecar

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

With a brake pedal extension (if needed) you'd have a quicker reaction time to an emergency braking situation with the left foot over the brake pedal than moving the right one from the gas to the brake and it's great in slow moving traffic, well I think so anyway but for someone who can't differentiate, for instance an older person it's best not to do this.
Many race car drivers have this system in place and I say again it suits me but it's not for everyone. Of course this only applies to a 2 pedal set up.

Having tried both approaches when driving MT & AT during the same period, I found the right foot was the safest and consistent method. A 'clutch' foot is not as sensitive for all braking situations.

The official DSA Driving Manual states for AT control, it is safer to use the right foot for both accelerator and brake pedals, just as you would with a manual gearbox.

[Maynard]

Left foot braking is definitely the ideal technique for track driving, but it requires such an immense relearning for most people that it is usually only seen in dedicated professional drivers. It allows instant brake application, total flexibility to trail brake even as you begin to apply throttle, and no more heel-toe for downshifts (MT and 2-foot makes my head hurt thinking about it - like watching a John Bonham drum solo). I've talked to a few drivers who use it, and they are huge proponents - but you really have to commit to it 24/7, can't really return to 'normal' 1-foot style. I imagine it will catch on faster once we have a few generations of kids who don't drive until they are well into adulthood (and by then we'll probably have implanted brain devices to do it even faster).

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Having tried both approaches when driving MT & AT during the same period, I found the right foot was the safest and consistent method. A 'clutch' foot is not as sensitive for all braking situations.

The official DSA Driving Manual states for AT control, it is safer to use the right foot for both accelerator and brake pedals, just as you would with a manual gearbox.

This is what I think of manuals, go to 1:23

[MD707]

Originally Posted by ///d

Everything is the same except the turn signal stalk, that's on the right side of the wheel in a RHD car. I drove a RHD Silvia for a while and I kept hitting the damn windshield wipers when trying to signal a turn. Obviously in a BMW that wouldn't be an issue because we don't have turn signals..

Thats a Japanese car thing. Its on the left still in a BMW, for example

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Left foot braking is definitely the ideal technique for track driving, but it requires such an immense relearning for most people that it is usually only seen in dedicated professional drivers. It allows instant brake application, total flexibility to trail brake even as you begin to apply throttle, and no more heel-toe for downshifts (MT and 2-foot makes my head hurt thinking about it - like watching a John Bonham drum solo). I've talked to a few drivers who use it, and they are huge proponents - but you really have to commit to it 24/7, can't really return to 'normal' 1-foot style. I imagine it will catch on faster once we have a few generations of kids who don't drive until they are well into adulthood (and by then we'll probably have implanted brain devices to do it even faster).

Practice makes perfect, I started doing it and took a few minutes, I use it on the Merc World track when I take the AMG performance driving refresher course, I believe it makes you a better driver.

[Alfisti]

[M5Rick]

[M5Rick]

This is in a two pedal car, wider spaced and more comfortable.

[Tambohamilton]

Such a RHD BMW position Your left foot directly in front of you, your right foot off to the RHS somewhere

[M5Rick]

Nope it's dead ahead.