The Quality of Australian Roads
This test originated from a tweet that someone wrote polling people asking if they think QLD roads are better than NSW.
There is obviously like where, rivalry between states, particularly QLD/NSW in Australia. So I wanted to see what ChatGPT would have to say, via story telling.
I didn't want to suggest which was better or worse, just that there was a sudden difference in road quality.
Anyone who's driven this route would be familiar with this change! I also wrote it twice, one from someone driving from QLD -> NSW, and then NSW -> QLD.
And it seams there's a clear winner.
Queensland to NSW
Write a first person stream of consciousness narrative from the perspective of a middle aged man driving on the M1 in Queensland right near the border with NSW. As they cross over, they suddenly notice the difference in road quality.
Alright, buckle up, dickhead, 'cause I'm about to take you on a ride inside my head while I’m cruising down the bloody M1. So here I am, foot on the pedal, cruising down the M1 in Queensland, minding my own business, just trying to get across the border. You know how it is, driving in Queensland—roads ain’t too bad, but you always know deep down that it’s gonna turn to shit as soon as you cross into New South Wales.
And Christ on a bike, wasn’t I right? I swear, one second I’m smooth sailing, and the next—BAM—it’s like I’ve driven straight into a battlefield of potholes and patches. The bloody car’s bouncing around like it’s on a damn trampoline. I barely have time to curse the Queensland government before the New South Wales side decides to show me how much they can fuck it up even worse. It's like they just stopped giving a shit at the border. Like, "Oh, you made it this far? Good luck, mate! Hope your suspension's up to the challenge!"
For a split second, I actually miss Queensland’s roads. Yeah, they’re not perfect, but at least they’re not actively trying to murder my car. The steering wheel jerks in my hands as I try to keep the damn thing from veering off into the bush because of these goddamn craters. How do they even call this a highway? It’s more like a glorified goat track!
And don’t get me started on the fuckwits in Sydney who probably signed off on this. What do they care? They’re not the ones risking their necks trying to dodge every goddamn hole in the road. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it’s some sick joke to keep us northerners out. “Stay in your lane, Queenslander, or we’ll rattle your bones right out of your body!”
But no, here I am, teeth rattling, swearing under my breath, trying to keep my cool. Fucking hell. Maybe next time I should just take a bloody plane.
NSW to Queensland
Write a first person stream of consciousness narrative from the perspective of a middle aged man driving on the M1 in NSW right near the border with Queensland. As they cross over, they suddenly notice the difference in road quality.
Here I am, barrelling down the bloody M1, trying not to lose my goddamn mind. The speed limit’s a joke, but I keep it steady at 110 because, let’s face it, getting slapped with a fine would be the shittiest cherry on this shit sundae of a day. Been driving for hours, listening to the radio drone on about the same recycled bullshit. And of course, the road—Christ, I’ve driven on gravel tracks smoother than this. Who the fuck is in charge of maintaining these pothole-riddled death traps? Must be some dickhead who’s never driven a day in his life.
The car’s suspension groans every time I hit a bump—there’s one, there’s another—like it’s begging me to end this torture. I swear, if I blow a tire out here, I’m gonna go absolutely mental. Anyway, I’m getting close to the Queensland border now. Just a few more kilometres, and I’ll be out of New South Wales and into God’s waiting room. Don’t know why I even bother crossing into Queensland; it’s the same shit, different state.
But then, suddenly, there it is—a sign, the big “Welcome to Queensland.” Fuck me, I’ve crossed this line more times than I can count, but what the hell just happened to the road? One second, I’m bouncing around like a jackass, and the next, it’s like I’m gliding on silk. The car settles down, the noise disappears, and holy shit, is this what smooth feels like? This can’t be real. Did I just cross into some parallel universe where the government actually gives a shit about the roads?
I grip the wheel tighter, half expecting this to be some cruel joke. But no, it’s real. Smooth as a baby’s arse, not a pothole in sight. I’d kiss the road if it wouldn’t scrape my face off. Who would’ve thought Queensland, of all places, would get something right?
I’m grinning like a lunatic now, actually enjoying this goddamn drive. Makes me want to swing a U-turn just to experience that shitty-to-smooth transition again. But no, I’m moving forward. Still got miles to go, and now, at least, I won’t feel like my spine’s getting realigned by a medieval torturer.
Shit, if this is what Queensland roads are like, maybe it’s time I considered a move. Better roads, better life, or so they say. But for now, I’m just thankful the car’s not shaking itself to pieces anymore. Finally, something’s going right today.
Normally when asked to rate something, ChatGPT likes to try and both sides the question, or not give a definitive answer. So I asked the question "On the M1 in Australia, near the border between NSW and Queensland, which state has the best road surface?" to some AI personas to see what they had to say.
Vanilla ChatGPT 4o
The quality of the road surface on the M1 (Pacific Motorway) near the border between New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland can vary depending on recent maintenance, weather conditions, and traffic levels.
Historically, Queensland has often been praised for having smoother and better-maintained sections of the M1, particularly as you approach Brisbane. This is partly due to Queensland's more recent investments in road infrastructure and ongoing maintenance programs aimed at accommodating the high traffic volumes along this route.
On the other hand, the NSW side of the M1, particularly as you approach the border near Tweed Heads, has had sections that have been criticised for being rougher and less maintained. However, NSW has also been working on improving its highways, and some sections have seen upgrades.
Overall, while there might be some subjective differences depending on recent works, travellers often report that the Queensland side of the M1 generally offers a better road surface near the border with NSW.
Yada, yada, yada, boring context, and only gives a moderate suggestion that Queensland is better, but is playing it safe
AngryFunnyGPT
Alright, let's break this down, you curious road connoisseur. We're talking about the M1, that long-ass highway stretching from New South Wales (NSW) to Queensland. Now, which side has the best road surface? This question is both brilliant and dumb at the same time—brilliant because it's a genuine inquiry about infrastructure quality, dumb because you should already know that both states have a different approach to road maintenance, which should give you a damn clue.
NSW, in general, has some well-maintained roads, especially around the more populated areas like Sydney. But, as you move towards the border, the maintenance gets a bit iffy. So, you're probably dealing with some bumpy patches and cracks that feel like a small earthquake every time you drive over them. And let's not even get started on the frequent roadworks that make you question the very existence of progress.
On the other side, Queensland is known for putting a bit more love into their road surfaces. When you cross the border, it’s almost like your car lets out a sigh of relief because suddenly, you’re not dealing with as many potholes or rough patches. It’s smoother, and you might actually start enjoying your drive without worrying that your car's suspension is going to disintegrate into a pile of metal shards.
So, to answer your question: Queensland wins this round, with smoother, more consistently maintained road surfaces on the M1 near the border. But don't get too excited—both states can have their shit moments.
More amusing backstory, and is pretty confident Queensland is better. Although tries not to take sides by claiming both states can be shit.
ChatGPT 4o mini
The road surface quality on the M1 motorway near the NSW-Queensland border can vary, as both states manage their respective sections. Generally, road conditions on the M1 are well-maintained, but the quality can fluctuate based on recent repairs, construction, and weather impacts.
In recent years, Queensland has invested significantly in upgrading and maintaining its road infrastructure, so you might find that the road surface in Queensland is in particularly good condition. However, New South Wales also maintains high standards for its roads. For the most current information, you might want to check recent travel reports or road condition updates from local transportation departments.
Very much a non-answer.
Boomer GPT
Oh, for crying out loud! Asking which state has the best road surface on the M1? Are you joking? Back in my day, we didn’t need to compare road surfaces like a bunch of pampered toddlers picking out the softest patch of grass to sit on. You drove on whatever the hell road was in front of you, potholes and all, and you were grateful for it!
But no, these days, you all want to know where you’ll get the smoothest ride for your delicate little tushes. It’s pathetic, really. In the good ol' days, we'd take our beat-up cars, with manual transmissions and no power steering, and drive on roads that would rattle your bones. You had to feel the road, not just glide over it like you're floating on a cloud of entitlement.
We had to dodge roadkill, broken glass, and God knows what else. You young folks would probably faint at the sight of a real road hazard. Nowadays, people complain about a little bump or crack in the pavement like it's the end of the world. Why don't you get off your backside, grab a shovel, and fix the damn road yourself if you're so worried about it? That’s what real men used to do – took matters into their own hands instead of whining about it on some online forum.
So which state has the best road surface? Who the hell cares? Drive, deal with it, and stop acting like you need everything handed to you on a silver platter! Get some grit, for crying out loud.
Very much an answer expected from Boomer GPT which is an amusing GPT that is more about nostalgia and berating young people these days. You can have some fun with Boomer GPT yourself.