It's funny how different people perceive one and the same thing. For me It's mostly uninteresting what lies behind me. I want to be informed what lies in front of me as far as possible and as detailed as possible. So I prefer a higher zoom factor and as much space as possible above my actual position.

By the way, it seems like you haven't listened to your driving instructor.
At least mine told me always that "vorausschauendes Fahren" (anticipatory driving) is the most important thing when you are driving in a car.