RHD vs LHD and foot room

[drooartz]

I was sitting out in the Tunebug this evening (yes, making vroom vroom noises), and got to thinking--does a right hand drive Sprite have more usable foot room than a left hand drive car? It would seem that some of the cramped quarters actually come from the offset of the pedals (to the left on a LHD car), and from the fact that the clutch leg has less room to move around.

I was wondering if in a RHD car, the offset (to the right maybe?) would be a bit more natural, and the clutch leg would then have more room to move, since it wouldn't be up against the door. Anyone drive both sorts and have an opinion?

Yes, I have a strange fascination with RHD cars. Wouldn't convert the Tunebug, but the next car, if there is one, will be RHD. What can I say, my British roots are showing. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[jlaird]

You just wait till you try to learn to shift with your left hand. Hoho, that will keep you going for a bit.

 

[drooartz]

I drove a RHD 66 Mini when I was on my car quest, and it felt pretty natural (car was quite rough, or I might have bought it). Can't even say what the draw is, but it has been there since I was a kid. Used to make my little Lego cars be RHD all the time. Very odd...

 

[jlaird]

yep, you are odd, heh. My first shot was a LHD in down town London during rush hour with a stick shift. Advice I got from the other seat, lots of it.

Felt lucky to escape with my life. The rental folks sure are trusting.

 

[ecurie_ecosse]

Geez!! It's just as hard going from RHD to LHD Jack.I've been in Louisiana for nigh on six years and I still look the wrong way and try to change gear with my left hand. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif I shouldn't think there is any more foot room as the steering column is there as well.
Of course one needs to remember that a lot of Europeans were a little smaller when these cars were built /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif

Stuart. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[drooartz]

I truly can't explain the compulsion, but somehow RHD just seems right to me for these little cars. Maybe it's just the desire to drive something different, who knows. I wouldn't be surprised if I decided in a few years to start the hunt for a good RHD Bugeye. I know they can be converted, but it wouldn't be the same somehow.

I guess some part of my British heritage has bred true.

 

[spritenut]

I converted from left to right hand drive.
There is no more room on either floor pan.
Shifting lefty comes natural but I kept getting in the wrong side of the car! And you forget when you have to pay a toll or pull up to the bank or drive thru window /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[drooartz]

Thanks, that was what I was looking for. I didn't really expect more room (sides are more or less mirror images of each other) but was wondering how the different pedal offset would feel.