SVTdriver said:
Why do people say that, like it's a bad thing. I like women. If they like my car. BONUS!!
They say it because it is a the most standard of cop-out for a lack of fact driven argument.
Further examples would include but are not limited to...
They get the same HP from a 2.0 that a stock 2005 Mustang has. (but fail to mention that it is boosted to extreme levels)
But the STI handles better than the Mustang (as though they have driven the 2005 and fail to remember that AWD is supposed to handle better)
Mustangs are chick cars. (as though it was a bad thing)
Mustangs use a live axle and dont handle well (again, without having driven the 2005)
The STI is faster off of the line. (Math lesson: If Johnny has 4 tires to assist in launching and you take away 2, how many tires does Johnny have left? 2. So with half the traction, it would be reasonable to assume that Johnny would only be able to take off half as fast.)
These are all unimaginative canned responses for the same argument.
Although I recognize that every car is considered competition for the sales of other cars, I fail to see the relevance in compairing AWD cars to RWD cars. Turbo I-4s to V-8s, 4 doors to 2 doors, etc.
The long and short of this is simple.
Compairing the Ford Shelby Cobra Concept to the Viper is relevant. They are both 2 seat roadsters, both RWD, both high HP and TQ V-10s, both (est) at the same price level.
Compairing a $35,000 STI to a $28,000 2005 Mustang GT...
AWD vs RWD
2 door vs 4 door
turbo 4 vs NA V-8
One is currently on the market while no one has actually driven the other.
The only thing these 2 cars have in common is HP and TQ figures. Beyond that, they are not even in the same sport (WRC and SCCA).
It is comparisons like these that are contrived to do nothing more than start an arguement that cannot be won.
I myself am contemplating a new performace oriented vehicle. But I do not compare them for anything beyond what my personal opinion is.
2004 Lotus Elise
$40,000
Mid engine rear driven Toyota 1.8L 187 HP 138 TQ
6 speed manual
1975 LBS curb weight
0 to 60 in 4.8
Considered by many publications as the best handling car ever made for the street.
Exclusivity and collectibility right out of the box.
High resale value
2005 Ford Mustang
Price not yet announced EST $28,000 to $30,000
Front engine rear driven 4.6 3V 300 HP and 300 TQ
5 speed manual or Auto
Weight TBD
0 to 60 TBD
First total redesign in 25 years
Will eventually be a classic (25 to 35 years from now)
Will lose its resale value at a rapid rate until it has reached classic status at which time the value will begin to increase again.
I am leaning towards the Elise