cfishgo made some good points. I'll add that for me, a lot has to do with isolation. Many of the Japanese cars (and many new cars from every manufacturers) isolate the driver from everything; you are so disconnected with whats going on beneath you that you hardly perceive speed and road conditions.

Every time I drive my 1978 Alfa that isolation from newer cars becomes painfully obvious. The noise the car makes, the feel of the steering and brakes, and the clear, unobstructed view out of the pencil-thin a-pillars makes for a very sensory-filled experience. You just don't get the same feeling from a modern car due to consumer demands and government regulations.

The Japanese tend to make a car that is easy to drive with the least offensive ride. They want something that appeals to as many people as possible from first time drivers, to daily commuters, to those in retirement. Almost a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Some brands are worse than others but anymore, it seems every company is following this philosophy, Saab included (probably thanks in part to GM's recent control). More market appeal means more sales; in order to gain mass market appeal, you have to "dumb down" your product. The current (2009 and older) Saab 9-5 is a perfect example of a car that many consumers find unacceptable these days. Personally, I still love the 9-5 because it reminds me of a modern day version of my old Alfa; it's a little crude and has "personality" unlike the competition.

Even a "drivers car" brand like BMW suffers from this recently - drive a newer BMW and you'll see that while it may ride, handle, brake and steer well, it's a very disconnected experience. Almost as though you are driving a computer simulated game, not a 4000 pound car.

posted by 67.185.208...

• What is soul or character in a car?, Noel, Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:44:16
  • A lot of factors, No Snaab, Sat, 5 Sep 2009 22:59:42
  • A lot of factors, No Snaab, Sat, 5 Sep 2009 22:57:33
  • For me, it's isolation (sorry, it's a longish post!), CWilson, Tue, 1 Sep 2009 14:54:24 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: For me, it's isolation (sorry, it's a longish post!), Street, Wed, 2 Sep 2009 07:48:10
  • Re: What is soul or character in a car?, cfishgo, Tue, 1 Sep 2009 13:08:27
    • Re: What is soul or character in a car?, EGD , Tue, 1 Sep 2009 13:41:16
    • nicely written, thank you. n/m, JohnA , Tue, 1 Sep 2009 13:40:34

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