broken,
You ask an interesting question. In your first paragraph, I would say that neither are guilty of battery, both were idiots because they wouldn't be adults and yield. That's a big difference from that and intentionally ramming someone. It really makes no difference as to who was traveling in what direction other than civil fault.
Also, laws may vary from state to state, but I can't see how a car cannot be viewed as a weapon when used intentionally as one. If I intentionally run you over because I'm p*ssed at you is no different than using a gun. With that said, in many states, Indiana included, there are less penalties using a car than a gun. In my opinion that is stupid, but is the way things are.