Originally posted by svtcarboy:
I'm rating each car when it was new, not based on current used conditions and prices. No, I have not driven all of the cars I have no interest in, but then I haven't driven a Ford Excursion either, due to lack of interest. My mom however does have a BMW Z3 2.8, which I have driven, and have also driven a Corvette.
It's interesting that you bring up a refusal to compromise, as you are far more willing to compromise than I am. You're willing to compromise everything to maximize one set of attributes. I'm not. I want a car that maximizes every set of attributes from acceleration and handling to comfort and low price.
The Volvo 850R doesn't measure up to the SVT Contour (new to new) in my ratings for the perfect car due mainly to high price, but it also loses points in the feel, styling, and handling departments.
Styling I know is personal opinion, but I personally don't think most of the exotics (and particularly Vipers) are really attractive cars. Then the Vette looks like the prosthetic penis it represents for most buyers. The SVT Contour's excellent proportion with lines that are classy, yet with a dash of attitude are superior.
Please, lets not turn this into a pissing contest. Comparing the CSVT to a corvette or pony car is like comparing a stock F-150 4x4 to the latest Bigfoot monster truck. Two totally different vehicles designed to do totally different things, and each performs their role excellently.
Its not that I don't like the SVT contour or think its a great car. You are right...it does everything well. Its just that I want a different feel. I want something that will perform on a wholly different level than the CSVT on the track. That's what I am into. I love my CSVT, but I love 13's even more. I don't need all that the CSVT offers, but I need more than what it will ever be able to offer in specific areas. I would also really enjoy having an open top vehicle for those nights out on the town.
I want a vette, but financing an older vette is way more challenging than financing a newer car. The credit parameters are totally different, and if you have negative equity in your trade then forget it. You really need to have about $5k down and no trade as most finance companies will not go but to 80 or 90% LTV excluding taxes.
Reconciling this challenge with my desire to have fun this summer in a V-8 car, I have decided to expand my search for a good quality used cobra or (hopefully) an LS1 Camaro SS. Both of these cas are beats, pure and simple. Although they may not look as good as a vette or have the sophistication I was originally after, I think I would get over it with a couple of quick 40' burnouts.
So, my ideal next car is one of the following:
1992-1994 Corvette (please work....please?)
1998 or newer Camaro SS (hopefully in black or that sweet hugger orange color)
1996-98 cobra...if I could find a triple black 97 cobra vert with low miles I would buy it tomorrow and end my search right there. Well, a 98 coupe may work too.
Any of these cars can be had in my price range. Any of these cars will run 13's and still look good enough for the ladies
. I just want to get back to what I like in performance....good ole american muscle.
So you see, its not ever about which one is the best....its about which one will best suit MY needs. That's what car ownership should be all about.
Worst case scenario....I keep the CSVT and continue to enjoy its finer qualities. And if that is the worst thing that ever happened to me I think I'll be alright.
