CarlC --
When in the "boating world" -- they'll ask how you know if you're a "real boater" -- the test is to stand in a COLD shower - in nothing but a slicker and boots - and every hour on the hour you step out and flush a $100 bill down the toilet. If you can do this for 24 hours - then you are a "real boater"....
Having "done" a few cars in my short lifetime... This same test can be done to find out if you're a "real" car guy. To pass this test - you have to drive a big block side exhaust mid year Corvette convertible cross country... It can't get more than 6 MPG and you have to take about 9 nine days for this trip.