The True "version" of a car

[Thatman]

Well for awhile now Ive been saying that a mustang isn't actually a mustang unless it has a V8 and I got this way because some idiot at work treats her little yellow v6 mustang like its worth 80k or something. She double parks , parks on the other end of the lot ect,ect. One time when I said i parked by her she immediately exclaimed "OH MY GOD DID YOU SCRATCH IT??" But back to what i was getting at(sorry) A Mustang GT is the REAL version, a GT500 is the upgrade, however had the GT500 came out the same time as a kinda trim level that would have been the true version. The way I see it is a whatever the best version of a car when it comes out is its true version even if later on there are better trim levels. Like even though there is the Viper ACR now the true version is still the regular SRT10 the ACR is just an upgrade.
Any thoughts or opinions?

 

[homeforsummer]

I kinda agree with you on this. I think if I ever had a V6 Mustang I'd always be pining for the V8, because that's what Mustangs should have. There are other cars I feel this way about but they escape me now.

Likewise, there are cars that are just as relevant as the very base model as they are with the most expensive. The Porsche 911 comes to mind - when the very base one does 170mph and 60 in 5 seconds, it seems like a waste of time to spend tens of thousands extra just to scrape tenths of the acceleration and add a few extra MPH at the top end. I also think that there's no such thing as the "true version" of a family hatch, for example, because the base model is equally as worthy as anything faster or better equipped, for those who can't necessarily afford (or don't want anything) better.

 

[VA10]

Just because its not a True mustang doesn't meen you shouldn't love it any less. ATM i only have a 1.6 Focus. But if anyone was to scratch it etc+ i would be on the war path. I park a fair distance from the curb because i don't want the alloys scratched.

Question: how do you define value? Is it something obvious, tangible: designer labels at discount prices; flying to Malaga for a quid; buy-one-get-one-free or twelve loo rolls for the price of eight?

 

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

Well for awhile now Ive been saying that a mustang isn't actually a mustang unless it has a V8 and I got this way because some idiot at work treats her little yellow v6 mustang like its worth 80k or something. She double parks , parks on the other end of the lot ect,ect. One time when I said i parked by her she immediately exclaimed "OH MY GOD DID YOU SCRATCH IT??"

I dont get your point? So to have pride in your car you have to own a top of the range car?

If you saved up for years to buy say a 911 and you could only afford a Carrera 2 does that mean you should care about it less than say if you could afford a Turbo or a GT2?

 

[YSSMAN]

Looking at the argument of American pony cars for a moment, I'd say that in more recent times, that argument is completely irrelevant. What it comes down to now is that with a combination of gas prices and the great leaps forward in technology, we're going to find "base" model Camaros, Challengers and Mustangs that have as much (if not more) BHP in the V6 versions of the car than some of the V8 competitors on the market... Or for that matter, compared to all of its predecessors.

I've been saying for a while now that the sweet-spot on the Camaro will be a V6 LT/RS with the six-speed manual. With 304 BHP, it will happily get up and go, and likely give one the ability to do a bit of hoonage in the process. Sure, it won't have the same sound as the wonderful small-block cars that we all crave... But if it gets the job done, who are we to complain?

The same can be said of the Mustang, by which rumor has it that we could see the return of an SVO model by giving the car a 300 BHP Turbocharged I4. Again, its the same output as the outgoing V8 model, and if it is going to be getting better gas mileage while still running the same performance figures, why not give it a look?

===

The "true" model is always going to mean different things to different people. While I may prefer the fire-breathing V8 monsters of the past, I've taken the time to consider the fact that technology allows us to do things differently, and consequently, I've altered my position on what I'd want to buy.

You can see similar issues with people who love the 911 (myself being one of them). While it is easy to drool over the 911 Turbo and the GT2, there are the absolute purists who crave only the GT3 and GT3 RS. I'd file myself into the group who just wants the basic stuff, a 911 Carrera S being more than suffice to get the job done. You see the same arguments with MX-5 fans, 3-series fans, etc...

 

[exigeracer]

This is why I was sort of pleased when Lotus released the 1ZZ-powered Elise S some time ago. It is not as remotely powerful or capable of a motor as the similarly-light 2ZZ-equipped models, but it is just the right lump for the car. It encompasses what makes a Lotus - not power or torque or any other muscular definition, but rather lightness, driver-focused simplicity and nimbleness. There doesn't need to be comparisons between similarly-priced cars, or side-by-side races. None of that matters when you're by yourself, enjoying the twisties, rowing through the gears, hugging the turns with precision and pleasure. I'm happy to see they had the confidence to sell an "underpowered" model late in the product cycle knowing it will sell.

However, the Exige S 240 is pretty much spot-on with what that car deserves and defines. The car's character needs the wing, the black wheels, the splitter, the mohawk scoop, it needs the power. It pops and garbles, it shoots flames, slides, slams and goes like stink. All from the factory.

 

[///M-Spec]

Double-park? You mean she takes up two spaces?

I don't really care what model is the true version. I just want to know if you told that broad off when she got uptight about you parking next to her. Personally, I would have cordially invited her to go have sex with herself and not be worried if she owned a Kia or a Bentley. But that's just me.


M

 

[Pupik]

Another example is the front-wheel drive Audi A3 2.0T; there's no compelling reason to get the 3.2-liter quattro in that car, unless you must have four-wheel drive and need highway/mountain-passing torque: You add 300 pounds, get the same 0 to 60 mph time, lose the frisky handling, make steering a chore, and you pay more for it.

 

[buickgnx88]

Plus doesn't the 3.2 version only come with the automated-manual?

 

[Pupik]

Plus doesn't the 3.2 version only come with the automated-manual?

Not sure; I only drove one 3.2, and it was automatic. But I drove a bunch of 2.0T-s.

Although the DSG has quicker shifts than a manual, and it doesn't upshift for you until you're quite close to the redline. If you flick the paddles yourself, the A3 is one car where I would say the manual/auto question is really a toss-up: You can't lose either way (except for paying for pricey DSG fluid in future services).

 

[buickgnx88]

I think it does and if you wanted the manual, the 2.0T would be the way to go.

 

[Philly]

I don't really think there is any "true version" of cars. The Golf is the "true" version of that car. The GTI is just as true as well. However the R32 is more of a modded version of both. And yes, I park at the ends of rows or closer to nicer cars to avoid door dings. But everybody who likes their car wants to protect it, not matter how nice, maybe really old beaters aside.

Same with the 911. There are many different versions of that model. Each one is just as true as the next.

 

[xXSilencerXx]

I disagree. A car is a car, girl can be proud of her car if she wants to be but paranoid. No.

http://www.fquick.com/garages/Pontiac/Firebird/1998/8760/

Try and tell her that her car is not a true Firebird.

Or that this guy does not have a true Camaro.

http://www.fquick.com/garages/Chevrolet/Camaro/1997/125

Double-park? You mean she takes up two spaces?

I don't really care what model is the true version. I just want to know if you told that broad off when she got uptight about you parking next to her. Personally, I would have cordially invited her to go have sex with herself and not be worried if she owned a Kia or a Bentley. But that's just me.


M

Yea I think that's what he means. I double park at school, but it shouldn't affect anybody. I park in the back....the waaaayyyyy back where nobody ever is. I just do it as a percaution, people at school are pretty stupid and can't be trusted to respect your property at all.

I would do this no matter what car I am driving to school, and I do not do it anywhere else.

 

[socomplayer2]

I park far away from other cars to so no one scratches it. It just means she like and takes care of her car.
Back on topic, I agree with you. V6 mustangs I still like but its not a real mustang.

I also agree with philly. I dont consider the rabiit/golf a lesser version of the gti, it is just itself.

 

[Wolfe]

I engage in this "true car" nonsense myself, but only in taking playful jabs. The only time it's really applicable is when the owner has an overinflated ego. If they make no comment or are just proud of their car, you're just being an ass.

The only thing this "attitude" accomplishes is convincing foreign manufacturers that there's no market for the cheaper, more fuel-efficient versions of their cars here in the states. Not to mention all the barrels of oil wasted by douches putt-putting around at or below the speed limit in their V6 Camry or V8 X5.

Personally, I would have cordially invited her to go have sex...

Um...

...with herself...

Oh.

 

[///M-Spec]

I park far away from other cars to so no one scratches it. It just means she like and takes care of her car.

I park away from other cars too. Nothing at all wrong with that. You aren't troubling anybody when you do that.

But taking up two spaces is an asshat move. What, do you think you're entitled to more space than other people because you think your car is **** hot?

I *might* forgive you if you drive a California Spider or Gullwing Mercedes. But unless your car can fetch seven digits at Christies', taking up two spaces makes you a douche nozzle.

Sorry for the OT.

EDIT:

Yea I think that's what he means. I double park at school, but it shouldn't affect anybody. I park in the back....the waaaayyyyy back where nobody ever is. I just do it as a percaution, people at school are pretty stupid and can't be trusted to respect your property at all.

I would do this no matter what car I am driving to school, and I do not do it anywhere else.

I missed this post the first time around, but in this particular case I think taking up two spaces is acceptable. Keep in mind that I live in a fairly urban area and parking is almost always tight. There is never any excuse to take up two spaces in the majority of times and places.


M

 

[High-Test]

It's a known fact that no Mercedes-Benz products have been built in the past thirteen years. Oh.. wait..

There are a bunch of double-parking Scion tC asshats around here. They irk me.

 

[homeforsummer]

This is why I was sort of pleased when Lotus released the 1ZZ-powered Elise S some time ago. It is not as remotely powerful or capable of a motor as the similarly-light 2ZZ-equipped models, but it is just the right lump for the car. It encompasses what makes a Lotus - not power or torque or any other muscular definition, but rather lightness, driver-focused simplicity and nimbleness.

Agree completely. My favourite Elise variants are the original S1 with the 118bhp K-series and the S2 Elise S with the basic 1ZZ. They don't need any more power - anything else is simply a luxury on top. When even the base Elise does 60 in 5.5 seconds or thereabouts, you have to question the realistic need for any more.

 

[mustangGT90210]

The way I see it, as least as far as pony cars go, the V6 buys you the name enough performance to easily get in trouble, but a V8 buys the performance the car is known for. You can't go wrong either way.

But it annoys me that all the V6 models are bland in comparison while stock.

 

[JCE]

I'm sick and tired of people discriminating against the lower model range OF ANY CAR. :grumpy What's wrong with people owning a base model? If they are normal people and don't do stupid stuff with their car like idiotic exhaust and the like I say leave them alone if they love their car. Double parking--unless way far away--is retarded. But, don't hate someone because they own a base model. I'd KILL to own a normal base 2.5L non-turbo automatic R33 Skyline. I'd love to own a base model 6cyl 60's Mustang or Camaro/Firebird. I'd sell your children to own a base 2008 SL350 (in America).

My last example is actually literally MY example...

This is my car:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/VonBlitzKrieg/my_rs/DSCF2335.jpg <-- pic too large for display.

1990 Chevy Camaro RS 305 TBI <--

I might as well have a V6 model for the amount of disrespect I get from people who feel the way you do. I treat it like its worth $1,000,000 USD, because to me it is worth that and more. But, if it isn't an IROC or Z28 its worthless right? Rubbish, I love my car more than anything else--even if it was the V6 model. Do I care that according to the haters that I have "the wrong V8? Hell no. I wouldn't take ANY of your cars on this forum from any of the 1,000's of members here for even trade. ZERO. 👍

I could go on. So, yes she's a ditz for parking retardedly irregardless of the car, but she has a right at least to take pride in her car. If she feels its worth something then it is.

I dont get your point? So to have pride in your car you have to own a top of the range car?

If you saved up for years to buy say a 911 and you could only afford a Carrera 2 does that mean you should care about it less than say if you could afford a Turbo or a GT2?

+digi-rep Excellent.

The "true" model is always going to mean different things to different people. While I may prefer the fire-breathing V8 monsters of the past, I've taken the time to consider the fact that technology allows us to do things differently, and consequently, I've altered my position on what I'd want to buy.

You can see similar issues with people who love the 911 (myself being one of them). While it is easy to drool over the 911 Turbo and the GT2, there are the absolute purists who crave only the GT3 and GT3 RS. I'd file myself into the group who just wants the basic stuff, a 911 Carrera S being more than suffice to get the job done. You see the same arguments with MX-5 fans, 3-series fans, etc...

+1 Again, you're right on the money.

I don't really think there is any "true version" of cars. The Golf is the "true" version of that car. The GTI is just as true as well. However the R32 is more of a modded version of both. And yes, I park at the ends of rows or closer to nicer cars to avoid door dings. But everybody who likes their car wants to protect it, not matter how nice, maybe really old beaters aside.

Same with the 911. There are many different versions of that model. Each one is just as true as the next.

+digi-rep Excellent.

I disagree. A car is a car, girl can be proud of her car if she wants to be but paranoid. No.

http://www.fquick.com/garages/Pontiac/Firebird/1998/8760/

Try and tell her that her car is not a true Firebird.

Or that this guy does not have a true Camaro.

http://www.fquick.com/garages/Chevrolet/Camaro/1997/125




Yea I think that's what he means. I double park at school, but it shouldn't affect anybody. I park in the back....the waaaayyyyy back where nobody ever is. I just do it as a percaution, people at school are pretty stupid and can't be trusted to respect your property at all.

I would do this no matter what car I am driving to school, and I do not do it anywhere else.

+digi-rep. Fantastic posts.

The way I see it, as least as far as pony cars go, the V6 buys you the name enough performance to easily get in trouble, but a V8 buys the performance the car is known for. You can't go wrong either way.

But it annoys me that all the V6 models are bland in comparison while stock.

Bland? It isn't. Minus minor exterior bodywork they are exactly the same. The interior is literally exactly the same. Maybe you get a slightly more powerful radio--but that's always a dealer option.

 

[buickgnx88]

Well the RS versions weren't exactly boring. The boringer model than yours would be the 1982 Sport Coupe with the 4-cylinder.

 

[JCE]

Well the RS versions weren't exactly boring. The boringer model than yours would be the 1982 Sport Coupe with the 4-cylinder.

The Berlinetta had that 2.5L Iron Duke I4. But at least that had some cool electronic digital stuff.

 

[buickgnx88]

Well the electronics weren't till '84 and the Sport Coupe came with the 4-cylinder, the Berlinetta had a V6 standard (in '82 at least according to here.)

 

[JCE]

Ah, so it did. Always thought it had the Iron Duke. *shrugs*

 

[buickgnx88]

Hehe don't beat yourself up over it.

 

[mustangGT90210]

Bland? It isn't. Minus minor exterior bodywork they are exactly the same. The interior is literally exactly the same. Maybe you get a slightly more powerful radio--but that's always a dealer option.

Wrong choice of words there. I should have said "less aggressive."

After that, they are the same, but I really dig the duals, fogs, scoops and bigger wheels. I'd do a conversion on a V6 pony car I'd own if I had the money, just because I'm a sucker for the aggression the SS/GT/RT trim cars have

 

[JCE]

Wrong choice of words there. I should have said "less aggressive."

After that, they are the same, but I really dig the duals, fogs, scoops and bigger wheels. I'd do a conversion on a V6 pony car I'd own if I had the money, just because I'm a sucker for the aggression the SS/GT/RT trim cars have

That makes more sense. I'd do the same, I'd "GT-ify" the V6 'stang and "Z-ify" the V6 Camaro. Or, most importantly "WS6-ify" the base 'bird.

 

[mustangGT90210]

That makes more sense. I'd do the same, I'd "GT-ify" the V6 'stang and "Z-ify" the V6 Camaro. Or, most importantly "WS6-ify" the base 'bird.

There ya go. I knew I wasn't the only one. Then I'd love to throw on a blower too, but that's expensive!

And what are your thoughts on the prefacelifted 4th gen camaro V6? I might be buying one next week for 2000.

 

[JCE]

Buy it. I prefer the pointed nose 1993-1997 4th gen 'maros over the fish-mouth 1998-2002 ones. That mouth just looks...odd.

*edit*
And putting a turbo or two on that 3.4L/3.8L is a better option than a blower. The 3.4L is a fairly strong engine--the 3.8L has slight issues with reliability when pushed hard. Loves to crack heads after blowing head gaskets.

 

[mustangGT90210]

Buy it. I prefer the pointed nose 1993-1997 4th gen 'maros over the fish-mouth 1998-2002 ones. That mouth just looks...odd.

I'd love the post-facelift lights on a pre-facelift one

But yeah, it's a '93-'97, Dark Blue or Black color, I can't tell yet. Convertible, looks to be in great shape. I'm checking it out this weekend.

Turbo, eh? That could work too. I'm not sure if it's a 3.4 or 3.8 yet