Thinking Too Deeply About Cars: With Age Comes Wisdom

"Tom McParland" (tommcparland) 10/28/2013 at 08:56 • Filed to: TTDAC, Thinking Too deeply about cars, articles

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(Welcome to “Thinking Too Deeply About Cars.” This is a column where I over analyze my thoughts about cars and possibly get a little too sentimental. I encourage you to do the same or call me a total nut-job in the comments).

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! Despite my irrational critiques, my progressively acquired automotive knowledge has enabled me to appreciate machines that I previously did not. Like many of you, my automotive tastes have evolved over time. Unfortunately, I was not always so open minded; here is a sampling of some of my backwards thinking over the years-

Anything less than 8 cylinders is a waste-

It is hard to imagine this mindset now, but there was a time when I dismissed anything without a large displacement engine. M3- Bah...why have that when you can get a Vette. GTI- W hat kind of econo-box crap is that? 911-... Meh, overpriced Beetle, Porsches suck unless it is a 928 . I think about that last one and try to block it out of my memory. Really, the only Porsche I liked was a front-engined V8? What can I say, I was young and ignorant. There will always be a place in my heart for muscle cars, but I now love a car world beyond small-blocks

MOAR POWER!!!!-

Once reality set in and I ended up driving a Japanese sport-compact, I got over my “V8 only” backwards world view. There then came a point where the only thing I cared about was horsepower figures. And because of this, despite being a Honda owner, I dismissed two of Honda’s greats the S2000 and the NSX. Then I got to drive a friend’s S2000 and it totally changed my world, the revs man, the revs! And that shifter! As far as the NSX goes, today it is on my bucket list of cars to own one day.

Newer = Better

Part of this mindset was a bit of carryover from the “moar power” days, you see I had assumed (wrongly) that most the newest generation of a car would be technically better than the previous hence making the “old” car obsolete. When I did get into German cars I only cared about the most recent model. The E90 M3 has to be better than the E46, and while yes on paper the E90 was a better performer, I think there is a character about that that E46 that remains timeless. The same goes for Porsche, screw the 996 the 997 is here! That is all changed. While I currently think the 991 is brilliant, there is a part of me that would much rather own a 964.

Faster = Better

Once I understood that horsepower wasn't everything I became more concerned with what car could reach 60 faster or its "Ring" lap-time than the “real world driving experience.” I used to see the Miata as nothing more than a cute, girlie car. Then I bought a Mazda, not a roadster a 2010 3s; I tossed the black hatchback into a few corners and I began to understand the cult of Miata. While the Veyron and the GT-R where once on the top of my fantasy list because of their mind-boggling numbers, they have since been replaced by other choices. Don’t get me wrong, I still love those titans, but rather than spend the 2+ mill on the Bugatti I think I would rather have something along the lines of: E30 M3, 2.7 RS, Delta Integrale, RS2 Avant, and many others in my massive garage that I don’t have because I am broke. Of course this is just speculation (but we all do it), who knows, if I ever did become filthy rich my mind might change again.

The point is I let a limited scope of what makes an automobile “cool” close me off to some of the GREATEST CARS IN THE WORLD! There are enthusiasts much younger than I am who already love a great variety of autos without preconceived notions. But thanks to Top Gear, Jalopnik, my fellow bloggers on Oppositelock and other sources, I am constantly finding new cars to get excited about. So maybe wisdom doesn't come with age, it comes with exposure. Exposure to people not cars, people who have a passion for what they love but also an open mind to understand what you love.

See I told you I would get too sentimental; anyway thanks for reading and feel free to share your journey below.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 09:00

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I used to think American or nothing, then I bought a cheap BMW.

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 09:10

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In total agreement on the "Newer = Better" assumption. I bought my Mini (R56 2013) ultimately after driving a number of R53 Minis in various states of forced induction. Brand purists will argue that the R53, being a smaller and nimbler car, is best. However, one thing we can all agree on, is that the bloated models they're coming out with now, as well as the R56's replacement, are all too large and loaded with too much tech that may dull the Mini driving experience.

My next car? E46 M3.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 09:18

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I used to dislike Japanese cars. But one day...

Also, I noticed the NSX you posted :)

Tom McParland > Carl (@stuffcarlsays) 10/28/2013 at 09:29

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I would love to have an E46 someday. :)

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 09:32

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Don't get me wrong, the exhaust note of the E9(x) M3s is blissfully ethereal... but for my hard earned dollars, that 6-cylinder is what's ultimately calling my name.

Averyrm - GTI YUP > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 09:34

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I had many of the same misgivings.

I thought Japanese cars were not worth owning, so I bought a jeep. In 50k miles it required a new engine, new brakes x2, a new exhaust, and was rusting incredibly. I then got a corolla. In 100k miles I replaced the front brake pads once.

I then thought cars that didn't break down were the way to go. Until I sold the Corolla and bought an old diesel Mercedes. The Benz also taught me that I'm the kind of person who appreciates a thumbs up from fellow enthusiasts now and again. I never thought I'd like the attention.

I thought forums and internet opinions were the way to choose a car. Then I bought an Elise and found out you have to pick and choose who you listen to. That car was a singular experience and easily the most fun I've had in a car. It didn't break down, and was totally fine as a daily driver (for me).

Along those same lines, I learned to ignore the crowed associated with a car and choose what worked best for me. So now with a family, I bought an RX8 so I can share my love of cars with my son. (can't put a carseat in the lotus)

My new conceptions are:

I won't own a car that bores me.

Everyone has a car for them. Even though I won't get a minivan, I won't judge yours.

There is such a thing as zen and the art of vehicle maintenance.

Two less expensive cars is always better than only having one.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 09:37

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To right, exposure is everything...also knowing how to put the biases away, else you'll spend most of your time saying to everything your exposed to that doesn't agree with your view. I try to find the plus about all cars (at least all cars that have that plus) and Jalopnik has helped a lot. Its almost like an Organic Wikipedia, always evolving, gaining more and more info on the most random things that contain any semblance of man and machine.

Even still a wagon always completes me...until I can afford to have many cars I rather stick to what fulfills my wants to go fast and my need to haul wife, kids, dog and what ever other shit I encounter.

Tom McParland > Averyrm - GTI YUP 10/28/2013 at 09:38

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"I won't own a car that bores me" yeah I don't think I will ever give that one up. :)

Averyrm - GTI YUP > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 09:45

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I got the Corolla because of the need for repairs on the jeep. It was a 3 speed auto and the most thoroughly boring car I've driven. It got acceptable gas mileage and was reliable, but so very boring.

Learned my lesson

getchapopcorn > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 09:53

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This feels obligatory:

Tom McParland > getchapopcorn 10/28/2013 at 09:55

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Next time....next time.

desertdog5051 > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 11:12

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*Whispers to friend sitting next to him* (That guy is a total nut job). :)

Volvosaurus-Rex > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 11:19

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So what are your current assumptions?

I would say something I think now is:

- I refuse to own an SUV when a wagon will suffice

- Mid-size sedans are the devil

- American's who hate hatchbacks and buy their stupid-looking sedan counterparts have been brainwashed by THE MAN and don't know what's good for them

- I am bothered by everyone's need to "sit higher"

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 11:30

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I had more than a few people ask me after I bought my Z4, why on earth I didn't buy a Z4M.

My response is that there would be nothing left to want. Let me explore this normal BMW first. And I did. The 3.0si on a track is slower than a ///M, but the best part is realizing that you. Just. Don't. Care.

The Machine! It's got soul!

I've also had my diesel Merc for 3 years now. After just one track day with the Z4, I'm thinking it might be sold or traded for an E46 M3 or if I feel particularly silly, an E39 M5. Slow, diesel, E Class Merc to an M5. They are polar opposites! But why did I have the Merc in the first place?

The Merc will always have a wonderment to it. It was the car that taught me "It's not how fast you drive, it's How you Go Fast." Sure it's from the Mercedes quality control Hell years (W210 body), its slow, and I'm stupid for liking it. But the characteristic power delivery and locomotive determination on the interstates is something hard to find.

I'll always have a place for it. What a car! What a machine!

Most people don't understand what the Jalops and Oppoites realize: that this collection of metal, rubber, oil and petrol is far more than the sum of its parts.

It's a machine, one that no matter what form it takes: pickup, SUV, coupe, wagon, sedan, beige, fixed roof or convertible, has the capability to move you, and thrill you in ways you could never imagine.

Get in. Enjoy the drive.

Milky > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 12:08

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Sometimes the person in the back, is having the best time.

Tom McParland > Volvosaurus-Rex 10/28/2013 at 12:16

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Hmmm what are my current assumptions? Good question. To be honest I don't know what I "assume" anymore. Mazdas will be the most "fun" car in their class maybe?

Volvosaurus-Rex > Tom McParland 10/28/2013 at 12:20

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That will probably turn out to be wrong soon too...

But then, what will the answer be? I'm guessing it will confound us all.

ozkar0rtiz > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 10/28/2013 at 15:33

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The same happened to me, i always liked mopar muscle cars mainly because of my dad. Early this year while looking for my first car, I found a $700 w126 4.2v8 and i fell in love. Now I'm a 18 year old with a Mercedes S-Class

Casper > Tom McParland 11/05/2013 at 12:38

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These are all very true. I hate getting sucked into arguments about which is better based on arm chair statistics of cars. For some reason when it starts down that path I feel I have to try to educate people.. which just isn't possible without dragging them down and making them actually drive the cars in question. Nothing written on paper tells you how a car drives. I have found a lot of great cars that don't look good on paper as well as many that are terrible despite good paper numbers.... here's looking at you C6 Corvette.

Maturity played a big part in improving my driving pallet, but I think riding motorcycles played nearly as large of a role. Arguing about 2/10's of a quarter mile time difference seems so pointless when you have experienced significant speed differences. If performance what the critical component to all decisions, everyone would ride bikes.

Ian Duer (320b) > Tom McParland 11/05/2013 at 14:44

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Very nice article. I think a lot of car people go through this.

A big one for me was never go NA if you can have turbo and more power is better. I only understood power in terms of a number rather than in the way it was delivered. Later I stopped focusing on max power and at some point I decided that cars under 3000lbs with around 1 hp/15lbs of car were the most fun(to me) because if you got your entry speed right you could still get the tail to step out, but they did not have enough power to "make up" for inept driving when a straight opened up. Much later I realized that some of my favorite vehicles were some of my early cars, some of the same one's that didn't "tick all the boxes". The sorts of cars a budding gearhead often "makes do with." A decent number were light, simple, and chuckable. The sorts of cars that don't necessarily put the fastest lap-times down on the track, but are forgiving enough (even with no electronic nannies) to gather things back up if you overreached the car's limit in the real world.

Today I look at the overall feel of the car. Does it FEEL heavy or unsettled too easily? Is the gear-change vague or accurate, does it seem to almost leap out of your had towards the next gear or does it feel like a spoon in cold molasses? Does the engine rev freely and drop revs quickly enough to make for easy rev matching? Are the pedals conveniently placed for heel-toeing? Ultimately what is the like to actually DRIVE? I think that's my main criteria these days.

 TT > Tom McParland 11/05/2013 at 15:49

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hell anything under 8 cylinders IS a waste **unless there's a turbocharger involved**

Tom McParland >  TT 11/05/2013 at 15:52

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True but I've come to really love the N/A 6cyl motors from BMW and Porsche.

JR1 > Tom McParland 11/05/2013 at 16:50

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Well done sir... Well done

JR1 > Tom McParland 11/05/2013 at 16:50

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Well done sir... Well done

thatmacfast > Tom McParland 11/06/2013 at 15:37

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When I first started driving as a teen in the late 90's I thought anything that had 4 doors was stupid and for old people. In '97 I bought a 1995 Impala SS and started questioning my assumption. I have since owned some pretty cool cars (I think) and only one of them had 2 doors. Funny how that works.