- 2,621
- Lincoln, NE
- huskeR_32
For me, sound definitely used to be the biggest thing. This car wasn't mine, but has the same engine and same exhaust setup that I had. I was sure I'd never own a car without a rumbling V8.
Then one day I test drove a Mazda RX-8, and realized that some things outweigh a nice sound. Those Camaros handle OK, have decent body control, but have some fairly numb steering. The steering in that Mazda was a revelation. I had never had anywhere near that much fun in a car before. It was a surgeon's scalpel, in hands that were used to a big, half-dull machete. Despite the fact that I don't think rotaries sound that great (other than a 787 screaming down the Mulsanne Straight), I was utterly in love with that car.
Test driving a Toyota 86 last year (OK, since I live in the US, it was a Scion
) reinforced for me that handling and steering are what I care about most. What fantastic little car to drive.
Basically, high school me thought loud V8s were the only thing. Grown up me realizes that other factors are far more important contributors to making a car enjoyable.
Now I drive a VW R32, and while I do think it sounds great (also not my car), that's simply a bonus in my mind. What makes it my favorite car that I've owned is its combination of a really good chassis, competent (though not quite Mazda-esque) steering, and a practical hatchback layout.
Then one day I test drove a Mazda RX-8, and realized that some things outweigh a nice sound. Those Camaros handle OK, have decent body control, but have some fairly numb steering. The steering in that Mazda was a revelation. I had never had anywhere near that much fun in a car before. It was a surgeon's scalpel, in hands that were used to a big, half-dull machete. Despite the fact that I don't think rotaries sound that great (other than a 787 screaming down the Mulsanne Straight), I was utterly in love with that car.
Test driving a Toyota 86 last year (OK, since I live in the US, it was a Scion
) reinforced for me that handling and steering are what I care about most. What fantastic little car to drive.Basically, high school me thought loud V8s were the only thing. Grown up me realizes that other factors are far more important contributors to making a car enjoyable.
Now I drive a VW R32, and while I do think it sounds great (also not my car), that's simply a bonus in my mind. What makes it my favorite car that I've owned is its combination of a really good chassis, competent (though not quite Mazda-esque) steering, and a practical hatchback layout.
