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You mean "what do I actually want", or "what does the automakers' advertising make us think we need?"
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It seems that we want new cars to have the following attributes.
1) Increasing number of features. In three years, I still haven't used
half the features of my 9-5, but the feature set included in the 9-5 is
considered dated.
*** I want FEWER features. I want a simple vehicle that I can service myself when it's ten years old. I don't want electronics that cost a bazillion dollars every time they break. I don't want power automatic everything and a six-way sunroof with holographic navigation display. I don't want four wheel drive to eat up more power and gas. I want the best possible seats, 5 point seat belts, a roll cage, but no air bags. I want gauges for everything PLUS a big red light that comes on when something goes wrong (to remind me to check the gauges). I want it light in weight and cheap to operate and repair, with great handling, decent ride, good acceleration room for 5, and lots of luggage space. I want rear wheel drive for better handling. I want a car that I can drive, not one that drives me. (Really, I want a stripped, simple, reliable RWD version of the 9000 Aero...) And I want a good cupholder for each seating position.
2) Increased performance. Three years ago 250HP was high performance.
Now it is just so so.
*** 250 hp with a wide torquey powerband is lots, unless you're towing something heavy. Then 250hp with an even torquier powerband is better. Where can you even use that much power? If the damn things didn't weigh 4000+ lbs you wouldn't "need" 300hp.
3) Increasing Reliability. Automobile reliability in the 50s was not
even close to what it is now, but we are increasingly picky about quality.
*** Should be dead solid bulletproof reliable.
4) Up to date styling. I'm sure in a few years, the slab-sided Chrysler
300C look will be rightfully considered the eye sores they truly are.
*** Yes, they are pretty awful: if I wanted a gansta car, I'd buy a gangsta car. Up to date doesn't mean attractive. Look at the new Mustang - classic 60's style with 21st century mechanicals. Nice car.
5) Fun factor, whatever that means.
*** Think this is covered in light, simple, good handling, and 250hp.
Of all these new car attributes, what do you value most? Would you
trade away reliability for more features or performance?
posted by 142.160....
, Tue, 27 Sep 2005 04:47:27
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