The cars and bikes thread!

[Raza]

But you put that E39 M5 or '67 Mustang next to a modern car and it is still a damn good looking car.

For me, dated styling on a car is styling that I wouldn't buy if it is was a new car. Basically if Ford made an exact look like of a '67 Mustang new I'd love to buy it but if Ferrari made an exact replica of the 308 I wouldn't. It is kind of hard to explain what I mean. I mean the 308 is a good looking car but it definitely looks like it is from the late '70s and I don't mean that in a good way. The '67 Mustang is a good looking car that looks like it is from the late '60s but that isn't a bad thing in it's case.

Nah, see, you're still caught up in dated being a bad thing. It just isn't. Just because they look better than modern cars (which are by and large ugly) doesn't mean they don't look dated.

[geoffbot]

I know I talk a lot about buying a new car but I will do soon - I just got a new job and payrise. Ironically the new office is now 2 miles away so I probably shouldn't even drive there at all, and it will soon move to 1 mile away. Except that I'll want to drive to the gym after work so yes, and I still need a car. I drove a fair bit this Christmas period and need more power. I could get a polo gti with no options for less than I currently pay, but my current car has heated seats, armrest, cruise control etc so I'd want that... When spec'd accordingly it's suddenly 275pcm, whereas the m235i stock is 347pcm with a manual box so that's an absolute no brainer - especially as it includes some of the costly options on the polo as standard. And I have 5 weeks off so there's no way I'm not ordering something in that time.

I'm wondering if I should go stick or auto. The auto is £16pcm more and so much more convenient, and faster, but not as fun. Opinions? Raza need not answer as I know what he'll say.

[scottjc]

Manual all the way if you want to enjoy driving...

[geoffbot]

I'm thinking so...

[Raza]

Well, you know my answer already, clearly.

In other news, my brother's S4 had a button in the glove compartment that activates the valet lock. The valet lock simply locks the trunk. But it doesn't stop the seats from being folded down and accessing the trunk that way. A bit silly.

[Seriously]

Depends on the person obviously (and to a lesser extent, the 'quality' of the 'box - especially the auto's) , some like auto, some prefer stick..

You should try both for an extended T.D. and then decide.

..... or see if they do a DCT and just get that !

[Raza]

DCTs are just better automatics. They don't offer the same involvement or control as manuals.

[Larry]

The last manual I drove was a 71 Chevelle with a 4 speed. Due to unfortunate surgery back in 1982, I now have no choice but to drive with an automatic. Hey, I've adapted. I need hand controls and the ones shown here in my Hyundai Genesis coupe have a nice twist grip throttle like a motorcycle. Do I miss shifting? Sure, but I still have fun with my car.

[Raza]

The last manual I drove was a 71 Chevelle with a 4 speed. Due to unfortunate surgery back in 1982, I now have no choice but to drive with an automatic. Hey, I've adapted. I need hand controls and the ones shown here in my Hyundai Genesis coupe have a nice twist grip throttle like a motorcycle. Do I miss shifting? Sure, but I still have fun with my car.

Alex Zanardi had similar controls when he came back to racing.

[geoffbot]

Wow that's quite a mod. Really glad you are still able to enjoy driving! The genesis is a good car I hear.