Why the center mounted gauge hate?

b_tapper · September 11th, 2008, 7:48 AM

So why the hate?

The last two cars I've owned had them and I think they are great. The wheel doesn't block them and you don't have to keep looking down to see them. The center mounted ones are up nice and high and you don't have to take your eyes off the road to see them. Maybe it's because I'm tall and it's easier that way for me *shrugs* I'll admit they do take a while to get used to, but after that I wouldn't want it any other way.

eddysdaman · September 11th, 2008, 7:50 AM

Hehehe Citroen Thread.

Anywho, Like I said over there. Mate has a C4. At first, it was wierd. Speedo in the middle I can always see what's going on. The problem is though, so can the car next to you and the copper behind you. Though, with that being said. I kinda like it, it grows on you. Though again, I must admit when driving his car, it bugged the shit out of me. Takes time. That's all.

Cobol74 · September 11th, 2008, 7:52 AM

Its just different I suppose. Never had a motor with one - must say I am a bit put off by it myself, but I'll give it a chance when I next consider changing cars.

Shawn · September 11th, 2008, 8:04 AM

I think it's because it's unsusual and most people are suspicious of new things and ideas.

I have heard it works well and maybe even better than normal gauges once you're used to it, but I wouldn't want a car with it. It makes it look cheap somehow.

Adunaphel · September 11th, 2008, 8:26 AM

I had the displeasure of driving multiple cars with digital speedos in the centre (Renault Scenic, Renault Twingo, Citroen C4, Citroen Xsara Picasso). I truly hate these. Not only do you have to look down to check your speed (which you always need to), but you also need to look a fair bit to the right to see them, having to take your eyes even further off the road. And imho my speed is my business, not the business of everyone else in the car.

MXM · September 11th, 2008, 8:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adunaphel

I had the displeasure of driving multiple cars with digital speedos in the centre (Renault Scenic, Renault Twingo, Citroen C4, Citroen Xsara Picasso). I truly hate these. Not only do you have to look down to check your speed (which you always need to), but you also need to look a fair bit to the right to see them, having to take your eyes even further off the road. And imho my speed is my business, not the business of everyone else in the car.

Have you driven a Yaris? They made it so nobody else can see the gauges images/smilies/smile.gif

Adunaphel · September 11th, 2008, 8:33 AM

^Can't say i've had the displeasure.

NooDle · September 11th, 2008, 8:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adunaphel

I had the displeasure of driving multiple cars with digital speedos in the centre (Renault Scenic, Renault Twingo, Citroen C4, Citroen Xsara Picasso). I truly hate these. Not only do you have to look down to check your speed (which you always need to), but you also need to look a fair bit to the right to see them, having to take your eyes even further off the road. And imho my speed is my business, not the business of everyone else in the car.

I too hate the central speedo, but I have reserved a special kind of hate for huge ass digital speedos

It tells you exactly how much you're speeding AND is broadcasting this to everyone in your vicinity. No more "well I wasnt looking at the speedo mr Officer" images/smilies/mad.gif

the Interceptor · September 11th, 2008, 8:56 AM

I dislike center gauges for two reasons.

1. they usually are digital, which means that they don't have a proper progress. When you accelerate from a standstill, they just give you an update once in a while instead of a seamless figure. I very much prefer classic analogue dials because of that

2. I think that it's the drivers job to know how fast he's going. Therefore, I think such dials should be where the driver is at, and not just somewhere in front for everyone to look at.

hansvonaxion · September 11th, 2008, 9:00 AM

Can't stand them, they're out of your line of sight.

Worst part is, I just feel they're cheaping out because putting the guages in the centre and making the dash symmetrical reduces cost when producing left and right hand drive versions.

Adunaphel · September 11th, 2008, 9:00 AM

My other beef with digital speedos is that they give you a false sense of accuracy. They're just as inaccurate as analog speedos (usually about 10% too fast) but because the number you see is absolute, people think it must be accurate.

fbc · September 11th, 2008, 9:04 AM

Not a fan of centre-mount gauges at all. Having the gauges directly in front of you is less of a distraction than having to look across to the centre of the cabin. And yes, I have driven a car with them, and for me they just don't work.

watto · September 11th, 2008, 9:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adunaphel

^Can't say i've had the displeasure.

I have.

Do. Not. Want.

Apart from hating the car, the digital readout was very unnerving, I much prefer having a needle and a dial. And having it in the centre didn't feel right either...

cvrefugee · September 11th, 2008, 10:09 AM

Wow, lots of hate and misinformation in this thread. Believe it or not, your eyes take less time to refocus on the road with a center-mounted gauge cluster. By looking slightly to the right (or left for RHD) and a bit down you keep your peripheral vision on the road. With a traditional gauge cluster you have to take your eyes off the road almost completely to see it. Trust me, I've driven both types and the center-mounted style is the way to go for safety.

http://pic.phyrefile.com/a/an/anonymous/2008/09/11/nav02.jpg

I don't see how putting that gauge lower down and in front of me will help me keep my eyes on the road. Science people, science!

the Interceptor · September 11th, 2008, 10:13 AM

Misinformed or not, I believe that the majority of people (including me) still prefer the classic position for the dials, even if center dials are scientifically proven to be safer.

watto · September 11th, 2008, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Interceptor

Misinformed or not, I believe that the majority of people (including me) still prefer the classic position for the dials, even if center dials are scientifically proven to be safer.

Old habits die hard...

fbc · September 11th, 2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvrefugee

Wow, lots of hate and misinformation in this thread. Believe it or not, your eyes take less time to refocus on the road with a center-mounted gauge cluster. By looking slightly to the right (or left for RHD) and a bit down you keep your peripheral vision on the road. With a traditional gauge cluster you have to take your eyes off the road almost completely to see it. Trust me, I've driven both types and the center-mounted style is the way to go for safety.

I don't see how putting that gauge lower down and in front of me will help me keep my eyes on the road. Science people, science!

That's all good and well - but my experience and opinion differ greatly.

public · September 11th, 2008, 11:40 AM

Mounting the gauges to the centre takes them away from the driver, they're no longer his sole possession like in the olden days. "I'm the driver, I have important things to do like steering, using the pedals, changing gears, thus the information must be aimed solely at me!"
Gauges in the centre are a watered-down family-focused thing.

Adunaphel · September 11th, 2008, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvrefugee

Wow, lots of hate and misinformation in this thread.

So my own personal experience is misinformed?

Solberg · September 11th, 2008, 11:53 AM

I would never buy a car with center mounted dials. I fucking hate them. I had a Nissan X-trail for a few days that had them and it was really bad.

September 11th, 2008, 7:48 AM	#1
b_tapper Joined: Jan 3rd, 2004 Last Online: December 28th, 2009 Location: pittsburgh, pa Age: 29 Posts: 105 Car: '87 E30 BMW 325e, '08 Scion xB, '08 Scion xD Rep Power: 33	Why the center mounted gauge hate? So why the hate? The last two cars I've owned had them and I think they are great. The wheel doesn't block them and you don't have to keep looking down to see them. The center mounted ones are up nice and high and you don't have to take your eyes off the road to see them. Maybe it's because I'm tall and it's easier that way for me shrugs I'll admit they do take a while to get used to, but after that I wouldn't want it any other way. __________________ -Brian

September 11th, 2008, 7:50 AM	#2
eddysdaman Joined: Mar 19th, 2005 Last Online: 4:19 AM Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 20 Posts: 943 Car: Clue: It has boost. Rep Power: 35	Hehehe Citroen Thread. Anywho, Like I said over there. Mate has a C4. At first, it was wierd. Speedo in the middle I can always see what's going on. The problem is though, so can the car next to you and the copper behind you. Though, with that being said. I kinda like it, it grows on you. Though again, I must admit when driving his car, it bugged the shit out of me. Takes time. That's all. __________________ INVISIBLE TEXT You Win ONE Free Internet

September 11th, 2008, 7:52 AM	#3
Cobol74 Joined: Mar 21st, 2006 Last Online: 1:19 AM Location: Southampton Posts: 9,550 Car: Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDI Slush box. Rep Power: 205	Its just different I suppose. Never had a motor with one - must say I am a bit put off by it myself, but I'll give it a chance when I next consider changing cars. __________________ Lotus 7 Registration Mark = KAR120C : Engine Number = 461034 TZ Ross Brawn genius or what?

September 11th, 2008, 8:26 AM	#5
Adunaphel I have no title Joined: Jan 18th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: [ˈneːdərlɑnt] Age: 30 Posts: 4,861 Car: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E (W201) Rep Power: 230	I had the displeasure of driving multiple cars with digital speedos in the centre (Renault Scenic, Renault Twingo, Citroen C4, Citroen Xsara Picasso). I truly hate these. Not only do you have to look down to check your speed (which you always need to), but you also need to look a fair bit to the right to see them, having to take your eyes even further off the road. And imho my speed is my business, not the business of everyone else in the car. __________________ Mostly married < swek> http://us.akinator.com/ doesn't work. I though of Adunaphel and it guessed Hitler.

September 11th, 2008, 8:33 AM	#7
Adunaphel I have no title Joined: Jan 18th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: [ˈneːdərlɑnt] Age: 30 Posts: 4,861 Car: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E (W201) Rep Power: 230	^Can't say i've had the displeasure. __________________ Mostly married < swek> http://us.akinator.com/ doesn't work. I though of Adunaphel and it guessed Hitler.

September 11th, 2008, 8:04 AM	#4
Shawn Lexus? Oh shi- Joined: May 26th, 2005 Last Online: January 1st, 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Age: 24 Posts: 11,226 Car: '07 Boring Poseur Mobile Rep Power: 154	I think it's because it's unsusual and most people are suspicious of new things and ideas. I have heard it works well and maybe even better than normal gauges once you're used to it, but I wouldn't want a car with it. It makes it look cheap somehow.

September 11th, 2008, 8:56 AM	#9
the Interceptor I LUV MY PRIUS!!! Joined: Feb 22nd, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Germany Age: 32 Posts: 4,033 Car: BMW E36 323i ultraleggera (-143 kg) Rep Power: 206	I dislike center gauges for two reasons. 1. they usually are digital, which means that they don't have a proper progress. When you accelerate from a standstill, they just give you an update once in a while instead of a seamless figure. I very much prefer classic analogue dials because of that 2. I think that it's the drivers job to know how fast he's going. Therefore, I think such dials should be where the driver is at, and not just somewhere in front for everyone to look at. __________________ "Still very much in the 'first impressions' vein, my next attempt to make [the Nikon 14-24mm] look bad saw me shooting at ISO400 with the Canon 5D wide open at a distance of less than three feet. I know it's wrong, but this lens just brings out my inner Ken Rockwell." - 16-9.net Got a question regarding Hi-Fi of any kind? Then check my general audio thread.

September 11th, 2008, 9:00 AM	#10
hansvonaxion Joined: Apr 8th, 2005 Last Online: 3:34 AM Location: Tokyo Posts: 1,894 Car: CB400SF Hyper VTEC Rep Power: 77	Can't stand them, they're out of your line of sight. Worst part is, I just feel they're cheaping out because putting the guages in the centre and making the dash symmetrical reduces cost when producing left and right hand drive versions. __________________ Pics from Japantastic thread now at inpictures.tokyobytes.com Thanks for looking.

September 11th, 2008, 9:04 AM	#12
fbc Moderator Joined: Jan 8th, 2005 Last Online: November 11th, 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 34 Posts: 11,774 Car: 2006 MY07 Astra SRi Turbo Rep Power: 130	Not a fan of centre-mount gauges at all. Having the gauges directly in front of you is less of a distraction than having to look across to the centre of the cabin. And yes, I have driven a car with them, and for me they just don't work. __________________ www.sniffpetrol.com

September 11th, 2008, 10:09 AM	#14
cvrefugee Joined: Aug 16th, 2004 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Corona, CA Age: 29 Posts: 3,821 Car: 2005 Scion xB Rep Power: 91	Wow, lots of hate and misinformation in this thread. Believe it or not, your eyes take less time to refocus on the road with a center-mounted gauge cluster. By looking slightly to the right (or left for RHD) and a bit down you keep your peripheral vision on the road. With a traditional gauge cluster you have to take your eyes off the road almost completely to see it. Trust me, I've driven both types and the center-mounted style is the way to go for safety. I don't see how putting that gauge lower down and in front of me will help me keep my eyes on the road. Science people, science!

September 11th, 2008, 10:13 AM	#15
the Interceptor I LUV MY PRIUS!!! Joined: Feb 22nd, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Germany Age: 32 Posts: 4,033 Car: BMW E36 323i ultraleggera (-143 kg) Rep Power: 206	Misinformed or not, I believe that the majority of people (including me) still prefer the classic position for the dials, even if center dials are scientifically proven to be safer. __________________ "Still very much in the 'first impressions' vein, my next attempt to make [the Nikon 14-24mm] look bad saw me shooting at ISO400 with the Canon 5D wide open at a distance of less than three feet. I know it's wrong, but this lens just brings out my inner Ken Rockwell." - 16-9.net Got a question regarding Hi-Fi of any kind? Then check my general audio thread.

September 11th, 2008, 11:40 AM	#18
public Imaginative Username++ Joined: Nov 26th, 2007 Last Online: 3:41 AM Location: Finland Age: 25 Posts: 3,376 Car: 1991 Mazda 323F Rep Power: 323	Mounting the gauges to the centre takes them away from the driver, they're no longer his sole possession like in the olden days. "I'm the driver, I have important things to do like steering, using the pedals, changing gears, thus the information must be aimed solely at me!" Gauges in the centre are a watered-down family-focused thing. __________________

September 11th, 2008, 11:53 AM	#20
Solberg Joined: Apr 24th, 2008 Last Online: Yesterday Posts: 1,405 Car: BMW E92 335i M Sport (Manual) Rep Power: 0	I would never buy a car with center mounted dials. I fucking hate them. I had a Nissan X-trail for a few days that had them and it was really bad. __________________

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