jeffm@tekecs.UUCP (Jeff McMeekin) (08/31/83)
Recent references to CAR magazine's quick sum-ups of all the car models available in Britain prompted me to quote a few examples. Interesting: BMW 318, 320i, 323i. For: Suspension grip now good, better balance than previous model, fine drivetrains, build quality, performance (top models especially) Against: Outmoded shape, rear still cramped, indifferent aerodynamics Sum-up: Far better car now - quick chuckable and fairly frugal even when you go fast Mazda 626 LX, GLX, Coupe For: Clean Styling, European handling, ride qualities, equipment Against: Rear room down on rivals, plasticy dash Sum-up: Exceptionally good fwd mid-ranger for Japanese maker Morgan 4/4 1.6 2str, 4str, 4/4 TC 2str, 4str, Plus Eight For: Marvellous looks, brisk performance with economy, exhilaration per mile Against: Bone-shaking ride, general suspension incompetence, vague steering, slowness over distances Sum-up: Classic lines, wind-in-the-hair fun; design refinement zero Golf (Rabbit) GTi For: Pace, handling, sheer panache Against: Not much Sum-up: Here's hoping GOLF II GTi (September) is as good! Adequate Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, Spur lwb, Corniche conv, Camargue For: Aristocratic bearing, quietness, comfort, soft ride Against: Extreme thirst (for tyres as well as fuel), cumbersome handling Sum-up: Last Edwardian motor car, glorious for rear occupants; now at least has predictable cornering and my favorite category Boring Cadillac For: Exclusivity, quietness, equipment, limo-appeal Against: Poor resale, minimal spares back-up, chintzy Sum-up: As flash as a rat with a gold tooth Datsun 280 ZX 2+2 For: Equipment, reliability, smooth six Against: Size, weight, cumbersome handling, for 'sports' car Sum-up: As we said before, 280ZZZZZZX Skoda (Czech) For: Cheap Against: Crude in everything Sum-up: Very possibly the worst new cars sold in Britain
jeffm@tekecs.UUCP (Jeff McMeekin) (09/01/83)
And here are a few of my favorites from back issues
of the British magazine CAR.
Don't blame me if you disagree.
Boring
MG Midget (1979)
For: Handling, economy, price
Against: Ride, grip, fittings
Sum-up: Arthritic
MGB, GT (1979)
For: Unburstable mechanicals
Against: No grip, nasty nose, awful ride
Sum-up: So old, so tired
Morris Mini (1981)
For: Roomy for its size, sharp handling, reasonably priced
Against: Sharp ride, noise (less than it used to be, though),
poor luggage space, outdated dash
Sum-up: Decrepit curiosity
Triumph Spitfire (1979)
For: Open cockpit, reasonable looks
Against: Ride, seats, noise
Sum-up: O death, where is thy sting