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nice points, yet.... (m) (archive)
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Posted by kwillmorth on August 20, 2000 at 11:37:41:

In Reply to: Just some steam (and an opinion for KR3) - posted by David on August 20, 2000 at 07:33:44:

Only a small note: Nothing wrong with reading, as long as it is kept in some perspective. For example, the recent comparisons of the Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Honda, are actually comparing apples to oranges, just because they all hang from stems. The fact that they are all 2 seat roadsters as a basis for valid comparison is silly. And what about the Miata? Why not inlcude it? And the SLK? Where was it? Not the same class? or just lazy editorial process.

No, we don't drive reviews, but they can provide worthwhile insight, if kept in perspective.

In my own case, I wanted a 1966-67 Corvette, 427/435hp, or a Cobra, or an Austin Healy, or a 1967-69 Porsceh 911SC. Actually I REALLY wanted and still want a 1966 Ferrari 250GT Daytona. But I also want a NEW car, not a restored museum piece. I want a warranty and the support of a dealer network. I don't want to work hard (wrenching) to drive hard (enjoying). I also love the BMW inline 6. So, when the BMW M coupe came out, I freaked! It was so close to perfect, I couldn't believe it! When the magazines immediately blasted it for being odd looking, too nostalgic, comprised of obsolete technlogies (STA rear suspension), being a little bit strange to drive, when they all complained about the way it handled, yet pulled fastest laps in it, etc.... I knew it was exactly what I was looking for! The fact it's got some goofy detail problems actually enriches the experience for me (as long as it does not have major mechanical failures).

Problem is, the number of people who bought the car because it was a throw-back to the old days of honest to goodness, bad mannered, over-powered hot rods, is probably less than 2%. Everyone else likely expected BMW to deliver a state-of-the-art car with modern quality, handling and performance, which it doesn't. It lacks the refinement one should expect from the likes of BMW (which the Porsche delivers, and I do not want).

In this, I would say too few people read the magazines and purchased the Coupe expecting it to be something it is not - a thoroughly modern sports car, with a future. It isn't, it's a modern re-incarnation of a genre of sports car long gone, which for me, is exactly what I wanted!

Now, having said that, read my magazines, gone over the recent posts here, taking a shower, and putting on my driving togs.... I'm going for a 200 mile rip on some old mountain roads, to find what I seek - nervana! Yeeee Haaaaaw!


Don't get hung up on magazine tests.

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