Automotive Discussion: BMW vs. Audi Drivers

cazalea · 2021-11-30T15:01:15Z

Explore a UK study linking BMW and Audi drivers to psychopathic traits. Discover how car brands, powertrains, and colors correlate with personality in this WatchProSite article.

cazalea

WPS member · Automotive forum

38 replies7318 views3 photos

Cazalea presents a fascinating study from Scrap Car Comparison that delves into the unexpected correlation between car brands, powertrain types, and even car colors with psychopathic tendencies among drivers. This article explores the intriguing findings, prompting readers to consider how their vehicle choices might align with certain personality traits, as revealed by the UK-based research.

BMW, Audi drivers more likely to be psychopaths, a recent UK study says, also finding that EV owners are likely to be less sociable than those with internal combustion or plug-in hybrid vehicles.

BRAND

Research conducted by the British website Scrap Car Comparison has concluded that BMW and Audi owners are more likely to be psychopaths than drivers of other brands. The study asked 2,000 vehicle owners in the UK to complete a 12-question test that rated their psychopathic tendencies on a 36-point scale. The average score on the psychopath test across all drivers was 6.6, so BMW drivers may be nearly twice as likely to demonstrate psychopathic traits than the average driver.

BMW 12.1
Audi 11.7
Fiat 7.0
Mazda 6.4
Honda 6.3

These brands attracted the top five most-psychopathic drivers, "suggesting that these drivers may be more likely to exhibit traits such as superficial charm, grandiose sense of self-worth and a lack of remorse or guilt."

Among brands sold in the US, Toyota (4.7) and Kia (4.2) scored lowest. Overall, when it came to the drivers with the least psychopathic tendencies, Skoda drivers scored the lowest at 3.2 out of 36, suggesting they are unlikely to show signs of classic traits, such as snap judgement or impulsivity.

POWERTRAIN

Interestingly, those who drive EVs (Tesla?) may be helping the environment, but they scored 16.0 out of 36 on average on the psychopathy test – the highest score of all groups of drivers surveyed, and close to what the test defines as having ‘possible psychopathy’. Hybrid cars followed in second position, at almost 10 out of 36, while internal combustion engine drivers scored just 5.2 out of 36 on average, suggesting those currently sticking to tried and true motors are less likely to show traits of being a psychopath.

COLOR

Drivers of Gold-colored cars had the highest average psychopathy scores, scoring an average of 12.7 out of 36, followed by drivers of brown vehicles at 12.2 then far behind in 3rd place were drivers of green cars at 8.5.

PERSONALIZED PLATES

Those drivers who purchase personalised number plates scored 13.8 out of 36, on average, while those with standard plates had a psychopathy score of only 5.3.

You may read the actual results here before remorselessly responding 😁.

FYI - I have 4/6 vehicles with personalized plates, one hybrid, and the rest ICE engines. But no BMW or Audi, and no gold or brown vehicles.

Cazalea

BMW XM Concept hybrid SUV previewed this week in the USA -- look at its face!

Key Points from the Discussion

The study's methodology lacks statistical rigor, as it does not provide essential data like p-values or ranges, making it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from the results.
A similar study on CEOs also suggested a correlation with psychopathic traits, implying that risk-taking behaviors, often associated with leadership, might manifest in driving habits.
One contributor, an Audi driver since 2005, acknowledges the prevalence of reckless driving involving luxury sedans and SUVs, particularly in urban environments like Toronto, despite personal bias.
A BMW driver humorously defends their 'piloting' skills, attributing their driving style to a calculated assessment of vehicle dynamics and road conditions rather than psychopathic tendencies.
The 'BMW-Effect' on psychopathic tendencies might be temporary, as one owner reported a significantly lower score on the test after being away from their M for several months.
One user, owning a gold/brown Audi, humorously warns others to consider their responses carefully, playing into the study's findings about car color and brand associations.

The Discussion

myles721

Nov 30, 2021

Actually they did a similar study on CEO’s that suggested the same. Probably goes hand in hand. I was once with a CEO in an Audi that was driving the wrong way on a one way street. After pointing that out the CEO responded “yeah but I’m in a rush” … the counterpoint being if people took no risks a lot less would be accomplished and as long as things are “working out” there is less said then when they aren’t. Just human nature at the end of the day…🤷🏼

enjoythemusic

Nov 30, 2021

And have to say I'm not a psycho. As a proper BMW pilot who understands vehicle dynamics, road conditions, the 'driving talent' of those nearby, etc. my piloting is dictated by those and other factors as calculated risk-reward conditions allow me to maximize my transportation needs. Questions?

Peevee57

Nov 30, 2021

And so do I as an electric Audi owner

Gwai

Nov 30, 2021

Asking for a friend who race..., uh, drives a BMW. Cheers Marc

TeutonicCarFan

Nov 30, 2021

I don't think I'm crazy 😳

aWtchslvr

Nov 30, 2021

Not all the crazy drivers have a BMW and not all the BMW owners show a complete lack of respect for the others but the trend is undoubtable.

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