Cars

[DrDemento]

Re: Cars

Bugatti Veyron. You wanted fun to drive? You got it!

As for fuel economy, you'll burn through the gas tank in 12 minutes, but that's okay because the tires are worn bald after 10!

And a set of tires may set you back 16,000 as they have to be specially made for the car. I may be one of the older posters on the board-over the years my wife and I have bought or leased (very few leases) for ourselves approximately 60 cars. Add 5 more we bought for my parents in their latter years and 4 for my daughter. We have pretty much had them all but have always been partial to German engineering. We had started researching the Veyron a while back as something to think about. Totally impractical for us for anything but a possible investment. I can't imagine anyplace i could drive it at the 250+ mph it can do and would never make use of the 1000+ horsepower. But it was certainly interesting to investigate.

 

[amherstblackbear]

Re: Cars

There's a Chevy SUV that gets 32 MPG, but I forget the model name.

You could try the Mazda 3/Ford Focus. They get 40 MPG and I know the older Mazda 3 models were fun to drive. I have a buddy who just bought one last year and thinks it drives and handles just as well as his 2000 BMW 3 series that he traded in. It's not as quick, but still a fun driver.

The Mazda 3s *are* fun to drive, but the most fun to drive models are not exactly good on gas. The 2.5l models are below average on fuel economy, and the 2.3l turbo is even worse*. I have no idea about the new 40mpg model they're advertising. I'm almost hoping it isn't fun to drive - if only to make myself feel better about the thirsty model I bought last year.

*at least with this one, you can recoup some expenses by canceling your gym membership. Need an upper body workout? Try going for a spin in a front-drive compact with 280lb-ft or torque. Floor it and try to keep it straight.

 

[collegehcky2]

Re: Cars

I'm looking at spending anywhere from $20,000-$25,000. I've pretty much decided to buy a car, rather than an SUV or crossover. I'm looking into a new Ford Fusion with AWD or buying something on the higher end used. Maybe an Audi or BMW, but the gas mileage on those vehicles tend to be pretty poor.

 

[duper]

Re: Cars

Is there an attraction to large engine cars beyond speed? I always wonder because I can't imagine what would cause anyone to buy a car with more than 4 cylinders, so some of these discussions I just don't get. I really am curious if there is more to it than just going fast. (Mind you, I'm not talking about trucks or SUVs. I get the need for power if you're hauling or towing, I just mean basic passenger cars.)

 

[The Rube]

Re: Cars

Is there an attraction to large engine cars beyond speed? I always wonder because I can't imagine what would cause anyone to buy a car with more than 4 cylinders, so some of these discussions I just don't get. I really am curious if there is more to it than just going fast. (Mind you, I'm not talking about trucks or SUVs. I get the need for power if you're hauling or towing, I just mean basic passenger cars.)

More power /Tim Allen

I have driven both 4 and 6 cyls. My first two cars were Corsicas, one a 4, the next a 6. I will never go back to a 4. Ever. It's a world of difference, IMO.

 

[Twitch Boy]

Re: Cars

Is there an attraction to large engine cars beyond speed? I always wonder because I can't imagine what would cause anyone to buy a car with more than 4 cylinders, so some of these discussions I just don't get. I really am curious if there is more to it than just going fast. (Mind you, I'm not talking about trucks or SUVs. I get the need for power if you're hauling or towing, I just mean basic passenger cars.)

Ability to pass more cleanly and safely, maintain speed uphill, maintain highway speed efficiently, accelerate quickly out of a hazardous situation, etc.

Granted, most people don't need a monster V8, but there are times when a 4-banger econobox isn't enough for the job.

 

[duper]

Re: Cars

More power /Tim Allen

I have driven both 4 and 6 cyls. My first two cars were Corsicas, one a 4, the next a 6. I will never go back to a 4. Ever. It's a world of difference, IMO.

I guess the question probably wasn't phrased well. And the background info that I learned to drive on big powerful cars might have helped. What I really don't understand is why the extra power is so important to people. I just can't see spending extra money on it, unless there really is something other than the power that I don't realize. (Longer lasting, more durable, stuff like that)

 

[The Rube]

Re: Cars

I guess the question probably wasn't phrased well. And the background info that I learned to drive on big powerful cars might have helped. What I really don't understand is why the extra power is so important to people. I just can't see spending extra money on it, unless there really is something other than the power that I don't realize. (Longer lasting, more durable, stuff like that)

Better pickup, easier to travel amongst crappy snowy roads, etc. Non-grease monkey opinion, coming from me.

 

[duper]

Re: Cars

Ability to pass more cleanly and safely, maintain speed uphill, maintain highway speed efficiently, accelerate quickly out of a hazardous situation, etc.

Granted, most people don't need a monster V8, but there are times when a 4-banger econobox isn't enough for the job.

I will say, up the steeper mountain roads, my car does slow down to about 55. I could see that might get annoying to some people if they live in the mountains. Question answered, though. I am unsold, but to be clear, I also have no desire to change anyone else's mind. I was just curious.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Cars

I will say, up the steeper mountain roads, my car does slow down to about 55. I could see that might get annoying to some people if they live in the mountains. Question answered, though. I am unsold, but to be clear, I also have no desire to change anyone else's mind. I was just curious.

Even with a V6, there are a couple hills on the way to Houghton, where I had it floored, and it topped out at 65-70mph. No way a 4-banger does that. And that was perfect conditions.

 

[Twitch Boy]

Re: Cars

Even with a V6, there are a couple hills on the way to Houghton, where I had it floored, and it topped out at 65-70mph. No way a 4-banger does that. And that was perfect conditions.

You have a Wrangler. Specifically that old torquey AMC inline 6. It takes an act of God to make one of those go 80.

 

[duper]

Re: Cars

Even with a V6, there are a couple hills on the way to Houghton, where I had it floored, and it topped out at 65-70mph. No way a 4-banger does that. And that was perfect conditions.

In 1997 I got an '81 Subaru wagon with a 1.6 litre engine. I will say, going over Wolf Creek Pass at 30 miles an hour was rather annoying. I loved that car, but it was a POS by the time it fell into my hands. I may just have been lucky with my other cars (I've only had 3) that they got good power for their engine size. I do fear that my current car ('02 Mitsu Lancer, 105k miles) may need to be replaced in the next couple of years. I really want to try to get it to 200, but that may be a TALL order.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Cars

You have a Wrangler. Specifically that old torquey AMC inline 6. It takes an act of God to make one of those go 80.

I wasn't driving it to Houghton one time. The other time? Same result. I've driven that thing at 90 no prob (although that was prob close to the limit). The one time I didn't drive the Jeep, it was a Buick Century, 6 cyl. Struggled on the hill.

 

[hockeyplayer1015]

Re: Cars

I'll take my 4 cylinder turbo, more than sufficient power for virtually anything I would ever need to do. And that was before I chipped it, now it is significantly better.

 

[Craig P.]

Re: Cars

Is there an attraction to large engine cars beyond speed? I always wonder because I can't imagine what would cause anyone to buy a car with more than 4 cylinders, so some of these discussions I just don't get. I really am curious if there is more to it than just going fast.

How do you mean by "beyond speed"?

Bigger-displacement engines will tend to have more power, but there's significant overlap between higher-power four-cylinder engines and low- to mid-range six-cylinder engines. I think (but I'm not 100% certain) you'll usually see the higher-power fours making their power from boost and/or revving higher, leading to different driving to get the most out of them.

Personally, I love the sound of a 302 V8 out on the track. I'd love to have the power, but I don't think I'd love the ~10 gph fuel consumption.

I have driven both 4 and 6 cyls. My first two cars were Corsicas, one a 4, the next a 6. I will never go back to a 4. Ever. It's a world of difference, IMO.

Modern four-cylinder engines can develop decent power (particularly if they have a hairdryer on them), though I assume you need to rev them to get it.

 

[alfablue]

Even with a V6, there are a couple hills on the way to Houghton, where I had it floored, and it topped out at 65-70mph. No way a 4-banger does that. And that was perfect conditions.

You are driving the wrong cars. All the four bangers Ive driven in your hills were great.

 

[alfablue]

Personally, I love the sound of a 302 V8 out on the track. I'd love to have the power, but I don't think I'd love the ~10 gph gas mileage

I lean more toward the Alfa 4 cyl. But Im biased....

 

[bigblue_dl]

Re: Cars

Even with a V6, there are a couple hills on the way to Houghton, where I had it floored, and it topped out at 65-70mph. No way a 4-banger does that. And that was perfect conditions.

I can start at 40mph at the bottom of those hills, in 6th, put it to the floor and be at 90 by the top.

 

[bigblue_dl]

Re: Cars

I guess the question probably wasn't phrased well. And the background info that I learned to drive on big powerful cars might have helped. What I really don't understand is why the extra power is so important to people. I just can't see spending extra money on it, unless there really is something other than the power that I don't realize. (Longer lasting, more durable, stuff like that)

As far as I'm concerned the only things that matter are power/torque and service accessibility. And, of course, the sound of the V-8. Nothing compares to the rumble of a V-8. Nothing.

I would never buy a car unless it is for fun. I would buy a muscle car or Corvette, pre-'72, big block (though there are some small blocks I wouldn't mind)...I'm not exactly one to buy a daily driver.

 

[amherstblackbear]

Re: Cars

Is there an attraction to large engine cars beyond speed? I always wonder because I can't imagine what would cause anyone to buy a car with more than 4 cylinders, so some of these discussions I just don't get. I really am curious if there is more to it than just going fast. (Mind you, I'm not talking about trucks or SUVs. I get the need for power if you're hauling or towing, I just mean basic passenger cars.)

Simple answer? fun. Same reason why people whose couch is within 10 feet of their TV buy a 60" rather than a 42".

There are safety reasons, too, but those are usually rationalizations.

More power /Tim Allen

I have driven both 4 and 6 cyls. My first two cars were Corsicas, one a 4, the next a 6. I will never go back to a 4. Ever. It's a world of difference, IMO.

4-cylinders (heck, all engines) today are worlds apart from those in the 80s-90s. A quick wiki search shows that the 2.0l engine in the 4cyl Corsica produced . . . wait for it . . . 88hp. The 2.0l in today's Ford Focus produces almost twice that much: 160hp. Which was about the same as the V6 in the older (and bigger) Corsica. The 2.0l turbos that many manufacturers use are north of 200hp, and the 2.3T that Mazda uses is north of 260hp. Different world these days, with valve timing, direct injection, higher compression, turbos, etc. Of course, the same applies to V6 engines, which are trespassing on what used to be V8 territory.

The other variable besides power & torque is weight. Required safety equipment these days makes it easy for cars to be "overweight." But within each class (compact, midsize, whatever), you can find a few models where a little engineering skill has kept weight gain down. Find one of those models with a decent engine and . . .