Having a Four seater plus two backseat passengers (ages 10 and 13) I
feel I can add something here.
1) For neighborhood jaunts and anything under 45 mph, riding in the
backseat is fun for anyone (adults and children alike).
2) For transit stages (freeway travel to/from events) that are over 45
mph (65-70 is more like it), the backseat passengers get hammered with
wind. Oddly enough, the wind is from the side more than head-on (at
5'10", when I sit in the back, my level line of sight is right at the
top of the windscreen). We found several things quite useful:
2a) A high quality windbreaker with a hood to keep the wind off the
neck is essential. My front seat passenger found that it made a huge
difference for her as well. Forget about hats unless they can be
super-glued in place or fit under the hood of the windbreaker.
2b) When only one child travels, they can hunker down on the seat and
lean over (almost lying across the seat). On some occasions, we have
had the tonneau draped over the back so the child can be quite cozy.
2c) With the top up (no side-curtains), the wind is signifigantly
reduced but everyone gets fresh air. Even most rain is kept out at
lower speeds.
2d) With top up AND side-curtains, the back can feel quite stifling
and anyone prone to motion sickness may have a problem. Otherwise it is
quite cozy and protected.
2e) Since our sidecurtains are not in prime condition, I haven't
travelled with them on with the top down (often the older photos of
four-seaters are shown this way). I suspect it cuts the wind pretty
well so back passengers are more comfortable.
We have travelled through some rain showers with the top down (no
sidecurtains) and the backseat did keep surprisingly free from water
(not entirely, mind you) so the kids have learned to be tolerant of
weather. Lots of good experiences in kinder weather probably helped the
adjustment and don't forget that windbreaker!
. wrote:
> I am looking to buy a pre-owned Morgan and am engaged in a debate with > my
>wife between a 4 and a 2-seater car. Her vote is for a 4-seater as > she
>visualises our 7 year-old son joining us on trips sitting in the > back. My
>(very selfish) view is that I shall use the car largely on > my own (commuting
>etc) and think the profile of the 4-seater far from > attractive.
>
> Any views/advice ? In particular, how practical is the rear-seat > anyway ?
>
> Thanks,
>
> George
--
"Entropy Happens!"
Michael D. Miles, PE Consulting Design Engineer
(503) 292-1234, FAX: (503) 292-1105, email: mdmiles@home.com
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