American Cars vs. Imports

[SolMiester]

Well, everyone has an opinion mate. I like subtle as in the GTO styling (although it is actually an Australian car...LOL), most Europeans do too.

I think Americans put too much focus in power and OTT styling, rather than handling and comfort. That said, the Z06 did handle well.

So, is it the power and styling of the Z06 you perfer then?

 

[OVerLoRDI]

That's pretty funny. Also my Uncles car is the Judge, pictured twice in that video Good old Pontiac GTO. I should show him this I doubt he even knows what Youtube is.

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: SolMiester
Well, everyone has an opinion mate. I like subtle as in the GTO styling (although it is actually an Australian car...LOL), most Europeans do too.

I think Americans put too much focus in power and OTT styling, rather than handling and comfort. That said, the Z06 did handle well.

So, is it the power and styling of the Z06 you perfer then?

It's not so much opinion as it is fact. The Z06 smokes the GTO / Monaro in every performance category. GTO / Monaro would have the edge as far as ride quality / comfort, cargo room, number of seats, etc. The two cars are in different categories - most people wouldn't cross-shop a GTO and a Z06.

I don't mind subtle either...sometimes it's nice to keep a low profile. That said, I don't think I'd call the styling of the Z06 OTT....it's actually kind of tame for the sports car / ultra high performance category.

Look at the NSX, Ford GT, SLR, Mitsu EVO, Subaru WRX-STi, any Ferrari, any Lamborghini....etc. Granted, those are all at different price points (some above, some below) but they are all built under the general heading of performance first, everything else second and so can all be placed in the same very general category. All have more OTT (IMO) styling than the Corvette (this is subjective, but you get my point).

 

[SolMiester]

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: SolMiester
Well, everyone has an opinion mate. I like subtle as in the GTO styling (although it is actually an Australian car...LOL), most Europeans do too.

I think Americans put too much focus in power and OTT styling, rather than handling and comfort. That said, the Z06 did handle well.

So, is it the power and styling of the Z06 you perfer then?

It's not so much opinion as it is fact. The Z06 smokes the GTO / Monaro in every performance category. GTO / Monaro would have the edge as far as ride quality / comfort, cargo room, number of seats, etc. The two cars are in different categories - most people wouldn't cross-shop a GTO and a Z06.

I don't mind subtle either...sometimes it's nice to keep a low profile. That said, I don't think I'd call the styling of the Z06 OTT....it's actually kind of tame for the sports car / ultra high performance category.

Look at the NSX, Ford GT, SLR, Mitsu EVO, Subaru WRX-STi, any Ferrari, any Lamborghini....etc. Granted, those are all at different price points (some above, some below) but they are all built under the general heading of performance first, everything else second and so can all be placed in the same very general category. All have more OTT (IMO) styling than the Corvette (this is subjective, but you get my point).

Yeah, the Z06 is a performance car, but NOT a supercar as in OTT styling of the Ferrari, Lamb etc...As for Japa's, well......ummmm, turbo'd 4 dont do it for me so not interested.

The Vauxhall (English version of the GTO) has a supercharged version with the 6L engine and would I believe leave the Z06 behind.

As for the Z06 styling, it just looks like a Ferrari rip off to me without the supercar tag all be it at a 1/3 of the price..and that is a fact..lol


Edit - the VXR500 for you

 

[fubar569]

Originally posted by: JLGatsby

Originally posted by: Black88GTA
Fact: Clarkson is an avid American car hater. He will bash anything for any reason, as long as it is American.

Who's to blame him? Any logical person would.

TRANSLATION: blah blah bllllaaahhhhhh blah blahhhhhh blah

 

[d2arcturus]

Yeah yeah, acceleration, speed. Who cares. Give me cornering.

Oh and for the record, I despise Japanese cars. Especially the "tuner" pop culture fad.

 

[murban135]

Originally posted by: Iron Woode

Originally posted by: JLGatsby
exdeath, You argue like a politician, using very little logic.

The high powered American cars you mentioned, they're of crap quality and use very little technology and advanced engineering.

They're more exotic because Mercedes and BMWs have constantly created more powerful engines than Lexus. Lexus has never been able to compete in terms of power.

:music:Trollin', trollin', trollin'
Keep that BS rollin'
Your head is really swollen,
Troll guy....:music:

:beer::beer::beer:

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: d2arcturus
Yeah yeah, acceleration, speed. Who cares. Give me cornering.

Oh and for the record, I despise Japanese cars. Especially the "tuner" pop culture fad.

Cornering is all fine and dandy as long as you aren't using it as an excuse for not having acceleration and speed I'll take acceleration any day in a daily city and highway driver. IRS and cornering is just a bonus.

Just about any car can handle silky smooth in a corner making a right turn at 20 mph but whats the point if it takes you 5 minutes to get to 65 mph after you complete the turn? :roll:

Japanese cars are not bad at all, its the wannabe 'tuners' that suck. A Civic is a fine reliable car when it doesn't have a wing and a fart can on it. Even a bone stock Civic with only a 225+ HP N/A B20 swap isn't bad; where can you get a factory FWD 4 banger with 225+ HP? Not a beast like a '03 Cobra but less frustrating as a commuter car than a 75 HP Civic or 120 HP Corolla lol.

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: SolMiester

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: SolMiester
Well, everyone has an opinion mate. I like subtle as in the GTO styling (although it is actually an Australian car...LOL), most Europeans do too.

I think Americans put too much focus in power and OTT styling, rather than handling and comfort. That said, the Z06 did handle well.

So, is it the power and styling of the Z06 you perfer then?

It's not so much opinion as it is fact. The Z06 smokes the GTO / Monaro in every performance category. GTO / Monaro would have the edge as far as ride quality / comfort, cargo room, number of seats, etc. The two cars are in different categories - most people wouldn't cross-shop a GTO and a Z06.

I don't mind subtle either...sometimes it's nice to keep a low profile. That said, I don't think I'd call the styling of the Z06 OTT....it's actually kind of tame for the sports car / ultra high performance category.

Look at the NSX, Ford GT, SLR, Mitsu EVO, Subaru WRX-STi, any Ferrari, any Lamborghini....etc. Granted, those are all at different price points (some above, some below) but they are all built under the general heading of performance first, everything else second and so can all be placed in the same very general category. All have more OTT (IMO) styling than the Corvette (this is subjective, but you get my point).

Yeah, the Z06 is a performance car, but NOT a supercar as in OTT styling of the Ferrari, Lamb etc...As for Japa's, well......ummmm, turbo'd 4 dont do it for me so not interested.

The Vauxhall (English version of the GTO) has a supercharged version with the 6L engine and would I believe leave the Z06 behind.

As for the Z06 styling, it just looks like a Ferrari rip off to me without the supercar tag all be it at a 1/3 of the price..and that is a fact..lol


Edit - the VXR500 for you

So stick a body kit on the Z06 if you want Lamb styling then you can call it a supercar? As for Ferrari, Italian cars have always been pure sex on wheels.

A supercharged car leaving behind a stock Z06 is nothing special, my Cobra can do it. Stick a Lysholm or Kenne Bell or Magnason on that Z06 and :Q

Z06 is like 3,100 lbs, almost as light as a Civic, and with 500+ HP and equal torque. Thats lighter and more power than a Ferrari, not bad for a car with 'leaf springs' lol. If it's not in the same class I don't know what is. Don't get me wrong I'd take the Ferrari, but don't deny the numbers.

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: SolMiester

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
If you want a "soft" ride get a crown vic. It's impossible to spring a car to give a soft
ride that won't body roll when cornering.

Yet the Europeans can!

Whats the car in the video (red & black) at 2.06?. looks well staunch!

No they can't, they have the same laws of physics as everyone else. If they appear to be doing both, its because a particular car is a well rounded comprimised jack of all trades master of none.

 

[freegeeks]

I have a Peugeot 106
4 cyl - 1.4L - 75bhp

eat that suckers!!

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: freegeeks
I have a Peugeot 106
4 cyl - 1.4L - 75bhp

eat that suckers!!

Watch out with that beast. You don't want to get pulled over for "sudden acceleration" like I did this morning.

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: AdamK47 3DS

Originally posted by: freegeeks
I have a Peugeot 106
4 cyl - 1.4L - 75bhp

eat that suckers!!

Watch out with that beast. You don't want to get pulled over for "sudden acceleration" like I did this morning.

By definition any acceleration is instantaneous and therefore ?sudden?. How does the law define 'sudden'? Anything that picks up faster than a random car next to you? What if you are in a Geo and you smoke the garbage truck next to you when the light turns green, is that 'sudden acceleration' ? Are we all supposed to drive the same car and accelerate at the same rate? Give me a fvcking break.

Sounds like that cop drives a '83 Escort or something when he's off duty, and couldn't stand to not target you if you were driving one of the cars in your sig lol. If you got cited for anything I'd totally b1tch about it...

Provided of course you weren't racing or something Do that at your own risk, we all know the consequences.

 

[Czar]

Originally posted by: R Nilla
This thread is ridiculously juvenile.

I would like to point out, though, that the Ford Motor Company currently has a controlling interest in Jaguar, Volvo and Aston Martin, which makes most of this thread pretty ironic.

Yes, I realize it hasn't always been this way, but I find it amusing.

Carry on with the ePenis comparisons...

that does not change Jaguar, Volvo and Aston Martin into american brands just so you know

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: Czar

Originally posted by: R Nilla
This thread is ridiculously juvenile.

I would like to point out, though, that the Ford Motor Company currently has a controlling interest in Jaguar, Volvo and Aston Martin, which makes most of this thread pretty ironic.

Yes, I realize it hasn't always been this way, but I find it amusing.

Carry on with the ePenis comparisons...

that does not change Jaguar, Volvo and Aston Martin into american brands just so you know

No but it might improve quality LOL. Jaguar engines in particular suck, and will see much improved reliability with Ford behind the wheel.

 

[Toastedlightly]

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: d2arcturus
Yeah yeah, acceleration, speed. Who cares. Give me cornering.

Oh and for the record, I despise Japanese cars. Especially the "tuner" pop culture fad.

Cornering is all fine and dandy as long as you aren't using it as an excuse for not having acceleration and speed I'll take acceleration any day in a daily city and highway driver. IRS and cornering is just a bonus.

Just about any car can handle silky smooth in a corner making a right turn at 20 mph but whats the point if it takes you 5 minutes to get to 65 mph after you complete the turn? :roll:

Japanese cars are not bad at all, its the wannabe 'tuners' that suck. A Civic is a fine reliable car when it doesn't have a wing and a fart can on it. Even a bone stock Civic with only a 225+ HP N/A B20 swap isn't bad; where can you get a factory FWD 4 banger with 225+ HP? Not a beast like a '03 Cobra but less frustrating as a commuter car than a 75 HP Civic or 120 HP Corolla lol.

Well, the SRT4 Neon (soon to be the crossfire) hits that one nice.

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: AdamK47 3DS

Originally posted by: freegeeks
I have a Peugeot 106
4 cyl - 1.4L - 75bhp

eat that suckers!!

Watch out with that beast. You don't want to get pulled over for "sudden acceleration" like I did this morning.

By definition any acceleration is instantaneous and therefore ?sudden?. How does the law define 'sudden'? Anything that picks up faster than a random car next to you? What if you are in a Geo and you smoke the garbage truck next to you when the light turns green, is that 'sudden acceleration' ? Are we all supposed to drive the same car and accelerate at the same rate? Give me a fvcking break.

Sounds like that cop drives a '83 Escort or something when he's off duty, and couldn't stand to not target you if you were driving one of the cars in your sig lol. If you got cited for anything I'd totally b1tch about it...

Provided of course you weren't racing or something Do that at your own risk, we all know the consequences.

I most likely was targeted due to the loud exhaust I have on the GTO. It's actually the second time I was pulled over for sudden acceleration. The cop today and the previous one were looking at the car the whole time they talked to me. I got warnings on both. I think they just wanted to see the car.

 

[exdeath]

This is for JLGatsby who says Lexus doesn't know anything about high performance 'exotic' F1 style cars like BMW and Mercedes do.

True, Lexus traditionally isn't concerned about consumer production sports cars or supercars YET, but they are thinking about playing:

Toyota TXS/Volca/Lexus LF-A / GT500

500 HP V10 weighs less than 3,000 lbs, top speed in the 200 mph class.

$100,000+ and to be marketed possibly as the Lexus supercar.

http://www.channel4.com/4car/feature/feature.jsp?id=437

Whether it goes into production or not is beside the point, it just illustrates that they do have the technology and know how just as much as BMW/Mercedes. The only difference is that Toyota/Lexus is a more profitable business that is run by people who would rather serve market demands rather than stroke egos. They prefer to make cars that people can actually buy in quantities more than 10 and make volume profit, rather than waste time on limited run samples for engineering bragging rights.

Toyota is taking over the world market in cars and they deserve it. Other auto makers had best wake up and take notes.

 

[tylerdustin2008]

Ok i have seen some nice opinions. But the link i am about to show you shows alot of modified Z06's that you dont want to mess with. Look throught he list of videos. There is a Z06 there with 700HP w/ nitrous. It is one car that the Ferrari's, and Lamb's and etc dont stand a chance. And as far as people saying that the ride sucks and the stero sucks well... Ride-buy some new stuff. And for stero who needs it you have a 505hp 7.0L V-8.

http://www.spdkilz.com/videoaudio.php

 

[tylerdustin2008]

Oh and another thing you want a care to compare to and beat. The top speed and acceleration on one of these cant be beat. One word. NASCAR.

 

[wfn]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdwCQo54kiM

sorry could no longer find a 6 sec 1/4 bmw e34 m5

 

[SolMiester]

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SolMiester

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
If you want a "soft" ride get a crown vic. It's impossible to spring a car to give a soft
ride that won't body roll when cornering.

Yet the Europeans can!

Whats the car in the video (red & black) at 2.06?. looks well staunch!

No they can't(you mean dont, but they do), they have the same laws of physics as everyone else. If they appear to be doing both, its because a particular car is a well rounded comprimised jack of all trades master of none.

Oh sorry, I must be talking to the guy who's driven every car out there.

I'll tell ya straight up mate, American cars suck big time, all power, no finesse, no comfort and no style for the most part.

You have produced some exceptions to be sure, but more than not end up spoiling it cause your so wet.

If you think about it, the Jap's and Europeans are the only ones who has successfully exported there cars around the world because they make a better job of finishing it, and thats your prove

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: SolMiester

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SolMiester

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
If you want a "soft" ride get a crown vic. It's impossible to spring a car to give a soft
ride that won't body roll when cornering.

Yet the Europeans can!

Whats the car in the video (red & black) at 2.06?. looks well staunch!

No they can't(you mean dont, but they do), they have the same laws of physics as everyone else. If they appear to be doing both, its because a particular car is a well rounded comprimised jack of all trades master of none.

Oh sorry, I must be talking to the guy who's driven every car out there.

I'll tell ya straight up mate, American cars suck big time, all power, no finesse, no comfort and no style for the most part.

You have produced some exceptions to be sure, but more than not end up spoiling it cause your so wet.

If you think about it, the Jap's and Europeans are the only ones who has successfully exported there cars around the world because they make a better job of finishing it, and thats your prove

actually, the cars that ford/GM/chrysler export from the US are much better than what receive here. the ford falcon is an awesome car (exported), the euro focus is 10x what we have, and then there's the vauxhall/opel and other european/aussie brands that are owned by ford/gm/chrysler that we don't see.

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: SolMiester

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SolMiester

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
If you want a "soft" ride get a crown vic. It's impossible to spring a car to give a soft
ride that won't body roll when cornering.

Yet the Europeans can!

Whats the car in the video (red & black) at 2.06?. looks well staunch!

No they can't(you mean dont, but they do), they have the same laws of physics as everyone else. If they appear to be doing both, its because a particular car is a well rounded comprimised jack of all trades master of none.

Oh sorry, I must be talking to the guy who's driven every car out there.

I'll tell ya straight up mate, American cars suck big time, all power, no finesse, no comfort and no style for the most part.

You have produced some exceptions to be sure, but more than not end up spoiling it cause your so wet.

If you think about it, the Jap's and Europeans are the only ones who has successfully exported there cars around the world because they make a better job of finishing it, and thats your prove

actually, the cars that ford/GM/chrysler export from the US are much better than what receive here. the ford falcon is an awesome car (exported), the euro focus is 10x what we have, and then there's the vauxhall/opel and other european/aussie brands that are owned by ford/gm/chrysler that we don't see.

The Commodore is coming to the US as a Pontiac. It?s a great car that will surly get bashed on these forums once the NAIAS starts. Mark my words! The ignorance shall be identified and vanquished!!!

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: SolMiester

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SolMiester

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
If you want a "soft" ride get a crown vic. It's impossible to spring a car to give a soft
ride that won't body roll when cornering.

Yet the Europeans can!

Whats the car in the video (red & black) at 2.06?. looks well staunch!

No they can't(you mean dont, but they do), they have the same laws of physics as everyone else. If they appear to be doing both, its because a particular car is a well rounded comprimised jack of all trades master of none.

Oh sorry, I must be talking to the guy who's driven every car out there.

I'll tell ya straight up mate, American cars suck big time, all power, no finesse, no comfort and no style for the most part.

You have produced some exceptions to be sure, but more than not end up spoiling it cause your so wet.

If you think about it, the Jap's and Europeans are the only ones who has successfully exported there cars around the world because they make a better job of finishing it, and thats your prove

I meant what I said: can't implies it's not possible at all, don't implies that they could if they wanted but choose not to. You can't pick and choose what laws of physics apply to you.

You cannot make a single car with a single suspension system that can both out perform a 4x4 in cornering in pothole covered streets and still handle like a Ferrari at 200 mph sustained on a F1 track or break acceleration records.

Even with adjustable systems there are only so many parameters that can be adjusted without replacing cold hard parts suited to a specific purpose. Some cars may be balanced from the factory to do well enough at both for anyone to care, but they will be the best at neither. Even high end custom BMW and AMG tunes typically have aftermarket suspension components.

As for our imports being greater than our exports, that's true for most things considering we have a capitalistic and materialistic society that demands more tangible goods than any other nation in the world. Look at our trade deficit with China; China does not export automobiles so the US. We have the most automobiles in the world of any nation by orders of magnatude; if I was a foriegn car builder I'd be looking to export to the US as well.

In all honesty if an all new American or Japanese car was made in absolute secret, and exported to Europe under a native European brand name, I wonder if anyone would notice, and even then would they b1tch about the smallest problem knowing it wasn't domestic? No single car in the world is made in-house anymore anyway. How many TI and Motorola chips programmed in India are inside that Sony stereo in your European Mercedes? etc. As far as I recall our 2006 Toyota Avalon is made entirely in the US and designed by US engineers for a US market.