20th Jan 2013, 10:37
First of all, why are you comparing a 1978 Lincoln Continental to a Chevy Cruze? The two brands are in totally different areas of the market. There's no competition.
Again, a Chevy Cruze is great for commuters who have to drive long distances to get to work. But if you think that car is going to take over the world, then be prepared for disappointment. Sure, it might take over for the lower and middle class, but try convincing Ben Bernanke to drive one; won't happen.
By the way, what good is a fast car in speed restricted North America?
The bottom line is that what modern people think are cars today, are actually nothing compared to what our wealthy elites drive. Hell, they probably make jokes about the types of average cars they see on the road today. Back in the 1950s to the 1980s, the gap between rich and average in terms of vehicle quality was actually comparable; nowadays it's not even mentionable.
By the way, the EPA actually does indirectly control the size of car engines and dimensions. By imposing fines for every 0.1 gallon under their current CAFE standards on each car produced, they can effectively limit and influence what kinds of cars will be developed. Trucks and SUVs escape these standards, but cars are easy prey for the EPA and their financial backers.
20th Jan 2013, 06:48
Anybody watch Barrett Jackson last night? It's not about MPG for the huge collector market. I drive a boring new SUV vehicle all week. On weekends I like the nostalgia, taste and styling. We have run the EPA topic into the ground on this 70s review. I work extremely hard all week. I have cool hobbies. I have an older 27 Fountain that gets 2 1/2 MPG. That's right, I checked it for fun. But everyone chips in 100 plus bucks each that comes along. Doesn't cover it all, but no one leaves sad and depressed. I likely perform very well at work, as I am upbeat and passionate with my weekend hobbies. A friend of mine isn't into cars etc, but went out and bought a 800 dollar bicycle. Seemed kind of a waste until I saw his demeanor since. You can scrimp and save, and have zero fun.
It seems many over analyze every nickel, and fret over every aspect of what vehicle is going to give them the maximum dollar later. I have seen some that I would hate to even look at, let alone own. It seems the wind tunnel and designing space inside comes before the outside of the vehicles in the econo class. Obviously I am not just MPG. I want room, some performance and a nice ride. If you buy a fun weekend driver, you will not regret it.
Some put down some of the late 70s big cars. I never fault someone, no matter what they drive, that has restored a nice vehicle. I know what it takes to do so. Keeps you young, healthy and in a great mood! I do not sit parked in front of a TV and on a couch all weekend. I attribute it to the above.