Audio equipment and cars...enthusiast thread...

Triode,
I didn't mean to insult your sensibilities. What is laughable,though, or rather, ironically sad, is grossly overspending money for the sake of prestige, be it a "fine german automobile" or a "giant killer" audio equipment.
But then, to each one his own...

You're making generalizations based on badges instead of looking at what the cars actually are. They are in no way comparable. Saab is a front wheel drive, touring car. M3 is a rear wheel drive sports car. Please point me to the sports car that Saab makes? How about the RWD car that Saab makes? Perhaps the reason I own my car is that it will run to 60 MPH in 4.7 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.3 at 107. Don't know anything about "prestige"; though I doubt you would be feeling any of you ran up against an E36 or E46 M3. (Disclaimer - I am in no way condoning road racing.)

The E46 M3 is one of the closest things to a street legal race car as it gets besides the new Corvette. The M3 sure has come along way since the E30 chassis and the E36. When I went to Skip Barber DS they were still using E30 instruction vehicles and those cars sure would take a beating.

Anyway, Viggens were cool for a SAAB but are definately not a match for most M cars even on a good day with a strong wind behind it..

(Disclaimer: Road Racing is fun!)

Matti,

I'm your huckleberry...

All in good fun!

Chris

I think the key here is the balance of power and practicality. While certainly the RWD and the stiffest chassis possible married to a gas-guzzler of an engine have an appeal in theory, and 0 to 60 digits impress the "little boys" inside of us, and sure make the girls swoon... your kidneys will beg for mercy, rear seat passengers(if you can squeeze any) will do the same and your wallet,unless its bottomless, will cry out loud due to sky-rocketing cost of maintenance.Tried to commute in a street legal race car? Carry your groceries? Go on a thousand mile trip with your family?
Unfortunately, it is just like an audio hobby where a lot of people over-emphasize one feature or purported advantage, throwing around some meaningless numbers while leaving out a bigger picture. Hence, I keep noticing the same "flavor of the day" and "giant-killer" items recirculating again and again while changing hands of those who bought into meaningless or one-sided hype.

I never understood the whole "my car is better than your car" attitude.

There are plenty of cars out there that will outrun my 04 Mustang GT.
Let em.
It makes no difference to me.

Im just proud to be a part of the american icono-classic legacy of Muscle Cars. I love driving it.

You should enjoy the ride for the ride. Be proud of your car and take good care of it.

There are many types of car guys, but these are what i think are the most common.

A) Those who like thier fast car end enjoy the ride and the experience. They do all thier upgrades and work on it because they enjoy it. They have a special relationship with thier car and and really dont give a rats ass what anyone else thinks of thier car. To them, she isnt a posession to boast about, but a friend to cherish. The Car and Driver work together as a team. An adreneline fueled dance between man and machine. They love to talk about cars, but seldom boast or brag.

B)Then there are those who like thier fast car, the experience and all of that, but feel the need to rip on other peoples cars. They dont have a relationship with thier cars like type A, but regard her as property and use her as an extention of themselves and it makes them feel more than what they are. These types also love to talk about cars, but normally just thier car.

There are various shades of driver,

Personally, im Type A.
I avoid street racing, I feel that the other car and driver are trying to interfere with my quality time with the Stang. But sometimes ill go for it. I got in a quick 150-200ft race last night with a suped up Nissan RX-7. I won, it felt good. Not because we beat the other car & driver, but because my car diddnt let me down. I treat her well and she treats me well in return. :)
That sure was a nice RX-7 though, i talked with the owner at the next light for a couple minuits. Nice kid, great attitude.