I suppose this is a continuation of the discussion of what people will buy now that Saab is no more. Twenty years ago the difference between European cars and everything else was like night and day--there was no comparison. The fit,finish, materials, handling, ambiance and driving dynamics were a whole other world. Even Lexus didn't quite manage it and probably got more of their customers from Cadillac and Lincoln than they did from the Germans. But a lot has changed and everyone else has really caught up. I know I was pretty surprised how close my Subaru H6 was to an Audi in all categories. And it's not just sporty sedans--everything has gotten so much better--sportutes, minivans, economy cars. I guess what got me thinking about it was my employers just bought a new top of the line Lincoln sedan. As we were riding back from the airport the wife made the observation that it was every bit as nice as their Mercedes S class and damned if she wasn't right. But the difference is the Mercedes cost twice as much. The European cars have really cheapened up a lot in recent years while other cars have gone the other direction. If you could somehow do a "blind tasting" so to speak where people could drive and evaluate cars without knowing who made them and how much they cost, would the European cars really come out on top? I know the Mercedes was nice and fast and handled well, but other than the prestige of the name I can't see paying $100K verses some of the other cars you can buy for a lot less. Are European cars really worth the premium in price? How long will people pay a premium to get so little in return?

posted by 68.40.170...

• The European car as a concept, No Snaab, Tue, 3 Jan 2012 15:51:50 <-- Viewing This Message
  • A good case in point, No Snaab, Sat, 7 Jan 2012 14:59:57
  • What is European?, OKSaabs, Thu, 5 Jan 2012 06:31:55
  • Re: The European car as a concept, Bruce, Wed, 4 Jan 2012 12:24:06
  • European (foreign) no longer that different., Cary, Wed, 4 Jan 2012 06:05:34
    • Re: European (foreign) no longer that different., John in Bismarck, Thu, 5 Jan 2012 06:56:31
  • Agree. ...and this thread could get lengthy., Noel, Tue, 3 Jan 2012 16:41:26
    • rust, torque curves + gearing, handling, safety, ergo, James, Wed, 4 Jan 2012 22:08:57
    • Same thing happened to Cadillac and Lincoln, No Snaab, Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:43:26
      • You're right on the subtle dfifferences, Noel, Thu, 5 Jan 2012 08:01:03
    • The decline in European cars is almost a, poop deck pappy , Tue, 3 Jan 2012 17:02:25
      • Re: The decline in European cars is almost a, john in ct, Tue, 3 Jan 2012 18:32:21
        • Nice e34 choice, PGAero , Wed, 4 Jan 2012 10:11:53
          • Re: Nice e34 choice, Dan-O, Wed, 4 Jan 2012 12:50:34
  • American cars a still a POS, nwas, Tue, 3 Jan 2012 16:10:48
    • What have you driven lately?, No Snaab, Wed, 4 Jan 2012 09:34:58
      • Rated better? Maybe when new... not after 2 - 3years, nwas, Wed, 4 Jan 2012 16:26:46
    • Re: American cars a still a POS, Noel, Wed, 4 Jan 2012 07:06:32
    • Re: American cars a still a POS, Gary G, Tue, 3 Jan 2012 21:27:51
      • Avenger, Brian in MA, Wed, 4 Jan 2012 05:28:57
        • Re: Avenger, James, Wed, 4 Jan 2012 21:45:56
        • Apples to Oranges, Bruce, Wed, 4 Jan 2012 12:08:53
          • Re: Apples to Oranges, kkelley, Wed, 4 Jan 2012 20:07:14

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