That AlignToVector command change was something that was introduced in a certain version of Blitz. Without the rate parameter being altered the new versions make the car body jump around all over the place.
"I'm sure it's a pain in the ass to set up a realistic suspension system for a care that works right with the physics system"
It certainly is. I've not bothered because I don't think ODE's collision responses can effectively simulate the rubber tyre->road reactions that you get in real life. Without going into stuff like the pacejka formulas (http://www.racer.nl/reference/pacejka.htm) the sliding friction and tyre model you get just doesn't allow for a fun car.
I've tried many times to get the stunt car demo to behave more realistically, but with little success, and I can't be bothered to try and set up a complete model of the suspension system.
"I'm sure it's a pain in the ass to set up a realistic suspension system for a care that works right with the physics system"
It certainly is. I've not bothered because I don't think ODE's collision responses can effectively simulate the rubber tyre->road reactions that you get in real life. Without going into stuff like the pacejka formulas (http://www.racer.nl/reference/pacejka.htm) the sliding friction and tyre model you get just doesn't allow for a fun car.
I've tried many times to get the stunt car demo to behave more realistically, but with little success, and I can't be bothered to try and set up a complete model of the suspension system.