Cons: Not much legroom in back; base engine a little noisy and not very zippy (1.8T would be a better choice); cupholders suck; optional CD changer is trunk-mounted.<hr></blockquote>
What were you doing in the back of your girlfriend's ca... oh.., uh, never mind.
Cupholders: Germans don't use cupholders in the autobahn. That's why almost all German cars have crappy cupholders. I'm pretty sure America leads the world in cupholder technology.
I just knew the exotics and teenage wet dreams would appear
[quote]Originally posted by Splinemodel:<strong>
You're a TA you say? What department? All of the engineering TA's I know are motorheads.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I've taught English, Art History and Philosophy. I could be an engineer if sandwich-making qualified.
[quote]Originally posted by GardenOfEarthlyDelights:
<strong>I just toured the Mazda plant in Hiroshima a couple of months ago, and I have a better appreciation for Mazda. Usually, when I work with an automotive manufacturer, I want to avoid their cars after seeing how they engineer or assemble them.</strong><hr></blockquote>
My best friend used to work at the GM Autoplex in Oshawa; the horror stories he would tell. Drive something Oshawa-built - a 1990 Lumina, for example - and it should be no surprise that things were seriously wrong. He said the most frustrating thing was that there really were talented people working for the company, a great deal of potential - but GM is a disaster nonetheless. And a billion dollars spent on the (overdue and outclassed) Saturn felt like insult to injury.
[quote]Originally posted by Shanny:<strong>
My gf has the same car. White, black top, black interior, all 114 hp. It's a bullet. I can see why you wanted a pocket rocket like that.</strong><hr></blockquote>
It's actually 115HP. Zoom zoom!
I don't mind the Cabrio's pedestrian moves; it's purpose in life is to leisurely cruise around town. The only thing I really wish it had is room for cargo, but this is probably an unreasonable request as well. That's what friends are for, right? <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
You know what's fun, cheap and low on ponies? An old GTI 8V or second-generation CRX Si. A VR6 Corrado is a blast to drive, but (still) somewhat overpriced. That's about as exotic as I get.
[quote]Originally posted by Thoth2:
<strong>my friends and I have the same running tab. Something like 80% hotties in VW cabs. We don't note the same in bugs and passats and jettas. I think the comment about 10% body fat is right on!</strong><hr></blockquote>
Apparently, according to VW Canada only 28% percent of Cabrio buyers are male. And open-top cars attract exhibitionists, those who don't mind being seen/ have good body image. 2 + 2 =...
That said, I hope to bear the torch proudly for we male and homely owners of chick cars. Give me your old, your fat, your misunderstood eccentrics...
[quote]Originally posted by tmp:<strong>
My only tip for you is to be really, really careful about spilling liquids on the beige upholstery. My friend spilled water on hers and they stained. After the seats had been scotchguarded.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Ruined by water? Well, that certainly doesn't sound very Honda-like.
Actually, I'm a little incredulous that car warranties aren't longer. VW makes a big deal that its warranty is vastly improved this year, but four years bumper-to-bumper is nothing to shout about in 2002.
[quote]Originally posted by spaceman_spiff:<strong>
I like Cabrios and I'd be happy to own one - chick car or no.</strong><hr></blockquote>
You jumped the gun. Looks like Volkswagen might finally release a worthy GTI. Take a look at the <a href="http://www.vwvortex.com"; target="_blank">Golf R32</a>. New AWD drive system, big torquey 3.2, 240hp. Yummy. If they sort the suspension it'll be a like a Impreza but discrete instead of over-the-top -- nice. Perfect for the gravel path... hehehehe.
Hmm... that Golf R32 looks very interesting, Matsu. Previously, VW had no intentions of exporting the 4Motion Golfs to the States. I wonder if this one will make it, as the article doesn't state one way or the other. I guess I'll have to wait for my Autoweek to get to me, as I can't get my girlfriend to read the German car magazines to me.
A 140mph top speed is almost fast enough for autobahn travel.
The rest looks like guess work, I've read other sites that peg the top speed closer to 150Mph. But VWV is a good site for VW news and they're probably right. With about 240 hp and lbs-ft with the weight of a typical Golf, it's Cd (~.32), and a 6 speed. It should pull a little better than 140 -- it's probably just a matter of gearing. Personally I think that's seriously fast even for the autobahn (about 225Kph). If too many Germans are going much faster than that I'd have doubts about their safety. Here in Ontario we may see the speed limit rise to 130KPH (or 80MPH) which means that you could probably cruise along an open highway at about 150KPH (95ish MPH) without offending all but the strictest cop. A modest Golf with lightly tinted windows and non-flashy rims, no idiotic loud exhaust, or silly peel and stick ground effects, ought to be a good vehicle for speeding along the highway. Safe (if you're attentive) and NOT attention grabbing -- exactly what I want in a car. Good for a Sunday blast through farm country too.
Volkswagen, if you bring it, I will come... er, you know what I mean.
If too many Germans are going much faster than that I'd have doubts about their safety. Here in Ontario we may see the speed limit rise to 130KPH (or 80MPH) which means that you could probably cruise along an open highway at about 150KPH (95ish MPH) without offending all but the strictest cop.<hr></blockquote>
I'm a native Detroiter, and 85 mph highway driving is typical there. Over here, my girlfriend will drive 100 mph without batting an eye. When I had my "real" car here, I could go 125 mph, and that was just cruising as well for that car.
Now, with my current car, the squirrels in the engine are huffing and puffing to get to 100 mph, and it seems fast (and loud). But at 125 mph, I'm still getting seriously blown away.
The big Mercs and BMWs take no prisoners. And Porsches love making big Mercs and BMWs move over. Audis are like the middle child, trying to prove themselves. Then there's the occasional Ferrari, like a red speck that flitters in your rear view mirror, and is beyond the horizon before you realize it.
Yes, Germans are crazy drivers, although not as bad as the French. Americans are probably the worst.
If there's someone cruising the left lane around here, oblivious to the fast traffic, it's either an American or an Austrian that forgot their in Germany.
<strong>I have black leather and my air conditioning just broke! Damn British! Possibly the worst combination possible. Good thing I didn't install that moon roof like I was planning on
Anyhoo, the Porsche 928 kicks ass. Ridin' around in one of those would be awesome. You'd be like that dude on Scarface. Also, the 968 kicks ass too. Not many people have ever seen a 968 but they do indeed kick ass.</strong><hr></blockquote>
968 = underpowered and too heavy, plus bad weight balance. A VW corrado could nearly keep up with it.
Actually, the 968 is a chick car. It came in a convertible auto version, and every 968 I've seen isone of those. . . driven by a woman.
The 928 had that tasty 4 liter V8.
As for turbos, yeah, they can suck down gas fast. When I really, really slam down on the 7 it gets about 8mpg. (Please guys, don't try this at home. I'm talking between 6.5 a 8k rpm the whole time)
[quote]Looks like Volkswagen might finally release a worthy GTI. Take a look at the <a href="http://www.vwvortex.com"; target="_blank">Golf R32</a>. New AWD drive system, big torquey 3.2, 240hp.<hr></blockquote>
Well, that sounds very fine - although I was looking for a different type of car...
If anything from the VW roadmap interests me, it would be the upcoming revised TDI with a slightly higher redline, more torque at lower RPMs, and improved mileage and emissions. Nice. The TDI engine is a very clever piece - too bad the Diesel's miserable reputation is still so deeply ingrained around here.
Sorry-- I feel compelled to defend the 928/944/968 a little bit.
[quote]Originally posted by Splinemodel:
968 = underpowered and too heavy, plus bad weight balance. A VW corrado could nearly keep up with it.
<hr></blockquote>
This is generally true, but a near 50-50 weight distribution is bad balance? Like the 924/944, the 968 had the tranny in the rear (also like the C5 Corvette). The problem with this setup is a high polar moment of inertia. That means, as long as you don't spin, it's very stable. If you do spin, forget about it.
My friend's "stock" 944 turbo puts 290+hp at the rear wheels. In club racing, "stock" NA 968s walk away from him in a straight line. Also, the 968 Turbo S never made it here, but that's a really man-ly engine.
[quote]
Actually, the 968 is a chick car. It came in a convertible auto version, and every 968 I've seen isone of those. . . driven by a woman.
<hr></blockquote>
Unfortunately, this part is mostly true.
[quote]
The 928 had that tasty 4 liter V8.
As for turbos, yeah, they can suck down gas fast. When I really, really slam down on the 7 it gets about 8mpg. (Please guys, don't try this at home. I'm talking between 6.5 a 8k rpm the whole time)<hr></blockquote>
By the time it died, the 928 was up to 5.4 liters, with 345 hp.
What's cool about turbos is that I can get 24+ mpg highway when I don't get into it, and dip as low as 10 when I really hammer it.
The late 1980s-early 1990s Porsche was a bit like the Macintosh. They were overpriced for the what you got on paper. My car originally retailed for $48,000 in 1989, when Corvettes were less than $30,000. Their quality control was atrocious.
Corrados can be just as fast, as I've seen on the track. Hondas can beat me at the light. Corvettes are the best performance/value out there.
But drive a Porsche on the track. Hammer the gas. Stomp on the brakes. Over and over again. That's what this car was designed for. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. This was not for cruising Woodward Ave.
(Actually, the 3rd gen RX-7 was the other car I was considering. Curb weight of 2800lb without an aluminum body like the NSX is amazing.)
But would you settle for a 2nd gen RX-7 Turbo? Exactly.
Sorry, Mark. I'm just a Boy Racer with a computer.
Not only is Michelle Doria a great racer she's a real hottie, with incredibly stunningly beautiful massive blonde hair down to her feet too. She should have won a prize for her stunning beauty and amazingly beautiful hair too.
Just look at this picture of her.
Just look at that hair of hers, and how beautiful, long and massive it is. From what I hear her hair is as long as she is tall. I'm so glad she won. Who wouldn't be happy that such a drop dead gorgeous girl with such beautiful long massive hair won. Except maybe for girls that are jealous of how beautiful she is. I would have loved to have been there or been able to see that race, and see her beautiful floor length hair dance and sway around as she walks. I only wish I could find more pictures of her and her beautiful superlong super beautiful hair. And good pictures that show all of her, not just part of her. unfortunately this is the only one I could find.
Not only is Michelle Doria a great racer she's a real hottie, with incredibly stunningly beautiful massive blonde hair down to her feet too. She should have won a prize for her stunning beauty and amazingly beautiful hair too.
Just look at this picture of her.
Just look at that hair of hers, and how beautiful, long and massive it is. From what I hear her hair is as long as she is tall. I'm so glad she won. Who wouldn't be happy that such a drop dead gorgeous girl with such beautiful long massive hair won. Except maybe for girls that are jealous of how beautiful she is. I would have loved to have been there or been able to see that race, and see her beautiful floor length hair dance and sway around as she walks. I only wish I could find more pictures of her and her beautiful superlong super beautiful hair. And good pictures that show all of her, not just part of her. unfortunately this is the only one I could find.
Comments
Cons: Not much legroom in back; base engine a little noisy and not very zippy (1.8T would be a better choice); cupholders suck; optional CD changer is trunk-mounted.<hr></blockquote>
What were you doing in the back of your girlfriend's ca... oh.., uh, never mind.
Cupholders: Germans don't use cupholders in the autobahn. That's why almost all German cars have crappy cupholders. I'm pretty sure America leads the world in cupholder technology.
[quote]Originally posted by Splinemodel:<strong>
You're a TA you say? What department? All of the engineering TA's I know are motorheads.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I've taught English, Art History and Philosophy. I could be an engineer if sandwich-making qualified.
[quote]Originally posted by GardenOfEarthlyDelights:
<strong>I just toured the Mazda plant in Hiroshima a couple of months ago, and I have a better appreciation for Mazda. Usually, when I work with an automotive manufacturer, I want to avoid their cars after seeing how they engineer or assemble them.</strong><hr></blockquote>
My best friend used to work at the GM Autoplex in Oshawa; the horror stories he would tell. Drive something Oshawa-built - a 1990 Lumina, for example - and it should be no surprise that things were seriously wrong. He said the most frustrating thing was that there really were talented people working for the company, a great deal of potential - but GM is a disaster nonetheless. And a billion dollars spent on the (overdue and outclassed) Saturn felt like insult to injury.
[quote]Originally posted by Shanny:<strong>
My gf has the same car. White, black top, black interior, all 114 hp. It's a bullet. I can see why you wanted a pocket rocket like that.</strong><hr></blockquote>
It's actually 115HP. Zoom zoom!
I don't mind the Cabrio's pedestrian moves; it's purpose in life is to leisurely cruise around town. The only thing I really wish it had is room for cargo, but this is probably an unreasonable request as well. That's what friends are for, right? <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
You know what's fun, cheap and low on ponies? An old GTI 8V or second-generation CRX Si. A VR6 Corrado is a blast to drive, but (still) somewhat overpriced. That's about as exotic as I get.
[quote]Originally posted by Thoth2:
<strong>my friends and I have the same running tab. Something like 80% hotties in VW cabs. We don't note the same in bugs and passats and jettas. I think the comment about 10% body fat is right on!</strong><hr></blockquote>
Apparently, according to VW Canada only 28% percent of Cabrio buyers are male. And open-top cars attract exhibitionists, those who don't mind being seen/ have good body image. 2 + 2 =...
That said, I hope to bear the torch proudly for we male and homely owners of chick cars. Give me your old, your fat, your misunderstood eccentrics...
[quote]Originally posted by tmp:<strong>
My only tip for you is to be really, really careful about spilling liquids on the beige upholstery. My friend spilled water on hers and they stained. After the seats had been scotchguarded.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Ruined by water? Well, that certainly doesn't sound very Honda-like.
Actually, I'm a little incredulous that car warranties aren't longer. VW makes a big deal that its warranty is vastly improved this year, but four years bumper-to-bumper is nothing to shout about in 2002.
[quote]Originally posted by spaceman_spiff:<strong>
I like Cabrios and I'd be happy to own one - chick car or no.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Ditto.
Cheers,
Mark.
[ 06-26-2002: Message edited by: Mark ]</p>
[ 06-26-2002: Message edited by: Matsu ]</p>
A 140mph top speed is almost fast enough for autobahn travel.
Volkswagen, if you bring it, I will come... er, you know what I mean.
If too many Germans are going much faster than that I'd have doubts about their safety. Here in Ontario we may see the speed limit rise to 130KPH (or 80MPH) which means that you could probably cruise along an open highway at about 150KPH (95ish MPH) without offending all but the strictest cop.<hr></blockquote>
I'm a native Detroiter, and 85 mph highway driving is typical there. Over here, my girlfriend will drive 100 mph without batting an eye. When I had my "real" car here, I could go 125 mph, and that was just cruising as well for that car.
Now, with my current car, the squirrels in the engine are huffing and puffing to get to 100 mph, and it seems fast (and loud). But at 125 mph, I'm still getting seriously blown away.
The big Mercs and BMWs take no prisoners. And Porsches love making big Mercs and BMWs move over. Audis are like the middle child, trying to prove themselves. Then there's the occasional Ferrari, like a red speck that flitters in your rear view mirror, and is beyond the horizon before you realize it.
Yes, Germans are crazy drivers, although not as bad as the French. Americans are probably the worst.
If there's someone cruising the left lane around here, oblivious to the fast traffic, it's either an American or an Austrian that forgot their in Germany.
<strong>I have black leather and my air conditioning just broke! Damn British!
Anyhoo, the Porsche 928 kicks ass. Ridin' around in one of those would be awesome. You'd be like that dude on Scarface. Also, the 968 kicks ass too. Not many people have ever seen a 968 but they do indeed kick ass.</strong><hr></blockquote>
968 = underpowered and too heavy, plus bad weight balance. A VW corrado could nearly keep up with it.
Actually, the 968 is a chick car. It came in a convertible auto version, and every 968 I've seen isone of those. . . driven by a woman.
The 928 had that tasty 4 liter V8.
As for turbos, yeah, they can suck down gas fast. When I really, really slam down on the 7 it gets about 8mpg. (Please guys, don't try this at home. I'm talking between 6.5 a 8k rpm the whole time)
Who, me?
[quote]Looks like Volkswagen might finally release a worthy GTI. Take a look at the <a href="http://www.vwvortex.com"; target="_blank">Golf R32</a>. New AWD drive system, big torquey 3.2, 240hp.<hr></blockquote>
Well, that sounds very fine - although I was looking for a different type of car...
If anything from the VW roadmap interests me, it would be the upcoming revised TDI with a slightly higher redline, more torque at lower RPMs, and improved mileage and emissions. Nice. The TDI engine is a very clever piece - too bad the Diesel's miserable reputation is still so deeply ingrained around here.
Cheers,
Mark.
ARGHARGHARGHARGH.
(Pants heavily, slightly red.)
[quote]Originally posted by Splinemodel:
968 = underpowered and too heavy, plus bad weight balance. A VW corrado could nearly keep up with it.
<hr></blockquote>
This is generally true, but a near 50-50 weight distribution is bad balance? Like the 924/944, the 968 had the tranny in the rear (also like the C5 Corvette). The problem with this setup is a high polar moment of inertia. That means, as long as you don't spin, it's very stable. If you do spin, forget about it.
My friend's "stock" 944 turbo puts 290+hp at the rear wheels. In club racing, "stock" NA 968s walk away from him in a straight line. Also, the 968 Turbo S never made it here, but that's a really man-ly engine.
[quote]
Actually, the 968 is a chick car. It came in a convertible auto version, and every 968 I've seen isone of those. . . driven by a woman.
<hr></blockquote>
Unfortunately, this part is mostly true.
[quote]
The 928 had that tasty 4 liter V8.
As for turbos, yeah, they can suck down gas fast. When I really, really slam down on the 7 it gets about 8mpg. (Please guys, don't try this at home. I'm talking between 6.5 a 8k rpm the whole time)<hr></blockquote>
By the time it died, the 928 was up to 5.4 liters, with 345 hp.
What's cool about turbos is that I can get 24+ mpg highway when I don't get into it, and dip as low as 10 when I really hammer it.
The late 1980s-early 1990s Porsche was a bit like the Macintosh. They were overpriced for the what you got on paper. My car originally retailed for $48,000 in 1989, when Corvettes were less than $30,000. Their quality control was atrocious.
Corrados can be just as fast, as I've seen on the track. Hondas can beat me at the light. Corvettes are the best performance/value out there.
But drive a Porsche on the track. Hammer the gas. Stomp on the brakes. Over and over again. That's what this car was designed for. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. This was not for cruising Woodward Ave.
(Actually, the 3rd gen RX-7 was the other car I was considering. Curb weight of 2800lb without an aluminum body like the NSX is amazing.)
But would you settle for a 2nd gen RX-7 Turbo? Exactly.
Sorry, Mark. I'm just a Boy Racer with a computer.
Speed Thrills!
Just when you thought the retro trend had peaked with the New Beetle, New Thunberbird, New Mini, and upcoming New GTO...
...A New Microbus????
<a href="http://www.vwvortex.com/news/06_02/06_11/index.shtml"; target="_blank">http://www.vwvortex.com/news/06_02/06_11/index.shtml</A>;
Cheers,
Mark.
[ 06-27-2002: Message edited by: Mark ]</p>
The Ultimate Chick Car, is of course a Corvette, like in this picture:
The lady in the middle, Michele Doria, drove this car up to 231 mph in the same Pony Express race I mention above.
That would give in my book, <a href="http://www.emansworld.com/CARS/cars_fr-pony96pics1.html#michele"; target="_blank">Michele Doria</a> the title of Ultimate Chick.
Not only is Michelle Doria a great racer she's a real hottie, with incredibly stunningly beautiful massive blonde hair down to her feet too. She should have won a prize for her stunning beauty and amazingly beautiful hair too.
Just look at this picture of her.
Just look at that hair of hers, and how beautiful, long and massive it is. From what I hear her hair is as long as she is tall. I'm so glad she won. Who wouldn't be happy that such a drop dead gorgeous girl with such beautiful long massive hair won. Except maybe for girls that are jealous of how beautiful she is. I would have loved to have been there or been able to see that race, and see her beautiful floor length hair dance and sway around as she walks. I only wish I could find more pictures of her and her beautiful superlong super beautiful hair. And good pictures that show all of her, not just part of her. unfortunately this is the only one I could find.
Not only is Michelle Doria a great racer she's a real hottie, with incredibly stunningly beautiful massive blonde hair down to her feet too. She should have won a prize for her stunning beauty and amazingly beautiful hair too.
Just look at this picture of her.
Just look at that hair of hers, and how beautiful, long and massive it is. From what I hear her hair is as long as she is tall. I'm so glad she won. Who wouldn't be happy that such a drop dead gorgeous girl with such beautiful long massive hair won. Except maybe for girls that are jealous of how beautiful she is. I would have loved to have been there or been able to see that race, and see her beautiful floor length hair dance and sway around as she walks. I only wish I could find more pictures of her and her beautiful superlong super beautiful hair. And good pictures that show all of her, not just part of her. unfortunately this is the only one I could find.
I sense a fettish.
Moe
I sense a fettish.
I sense a 4.5 year old thread.
Is it just me or does that girl look kinda goofy? All I can say is I hope it's just the hair on the head that's that length.
Mmm....
Haha at Marvin. I hope so too. I'd feel sorry for her.. and her man... o_o