OPPOinions: I Wrote A Thing!

"Thunderface" (thunderface)
12/13/2014 at 16:05 • Filed to: story time, ford model a, chevy ab national, comparo, yay english class

So, some context:

For an English class project we are supposed to make a newspaper (set in the late 1920's) full of relevant articles. The more, then better. Being me, I wrote a car comparison: Ford Model A vs. Chevy AB National.

This is what I wrote. It is not meant to be 100% historically accurate, and I even had to make up some info for the Chevy because Google failed me. I'm not even sure these cars were really competitors back in the day. It's more 'based on a true story.'

Anyways, please read it and tell me what you think. It's fresh off the press, and is probably full of typos.

1929 Ford Model A versus 1929 Chevy AB National

It is a question that I am often posed: Who makes the best motor car out there today? I, Charles Linhbottom, have spent the last couple weeks searching for the answer. I considered many an automobile, but eventually I was able to arrow my selection to two: the Chevy AB National and the new Ford Model A. For the sake of consistency, I will be testing the coupe version of each auto. Both automobiles are state of the art, and both come fresh out of Detroit. For the purpose of this comparison, I will take into account many factors, including speed, reliability, comfort, versatility and price.

Segment One: Speed

First things first: the Chevy is certainly not fast, as it weighs a portly 2,435 pounds. Powered by the tried and true 171 cubic inch General Motors 4-cylinder engine, the chevy makes a respectable 35 horsepower. While not fast, the Chevy is certainly good at something: stopping. This Chevy now includes 4-wheel brakes as standard, and boy are they great compared to the old front-brakes-only layout. To contrast the Chevy, the Ford Model A is a quick little devil. It weighs less than the Chevy, and has a 201 cubic inch engine that makes 40 horsepower. This gives it a top speed estimated at 65 miles per hour! Like the Chevy, The Model A has four-wheel brakes, providing good stopping. I would say that the Ford definitely wins the speed segment of this test.

Segment Two: Reliability

Neither motor car had mechanical problems while I tested them, but since the Ford is a brand new design, it may have some issues going forward. Since the Chevy has been available for awhile, Chevrolet has had a chance to iron out most of it's issues. Therefore, I'd say the Chevy is more reliable.

Segment Three: Comfort

Both of these automobiles are a joy to sit in, featuring comfortable and stylish interiors. Despite this, form still follows function. Each car can sit 5 people in comfort, and each features many dials and gauges, telling the occupants important information about the auto's internal systems. The Chevrolet's seats are a tad more comfortable than the Ford's, but the Ford's brand-new suspension makes for a smoother ride. I took a few random passers-by for rides in each auto, and asked for their opinions on which car, overall, they found more comfortable. The general consensus, as I had expected, was in favor of the Ford.

Segment Four: Versatility

This winner of category will be determined by only one thing: which automobile can serve the most different purposes? Hands down, the Ford wins this category. It is available in over 35 different body styles, including coupe, convertible, station wagon, pickup truck, panel van and town car. The Chevy comes in only coupe, coach, landau and roadster.

Segment Five: Price

The final portion of this comparison will be judged based on price. The cheapest Ford Model A, the Tudor, costs $500, and the most expensive Model A, the Town Car, costs an eye-watering $1200. The cheapest AB National costs only $450, but the most expensive AB National costs a mere $900. This is simply because the range-topping Ford is $300 better than the richest Chevy.

Conclusion:

After weeks of living with each automobile, I have reached my decision. If choosing between the Ford Model A and the Chevrolet AB National, the winner is... the Ford! While the Ford is a smidge for expensive, it is by far the better of the two. The Chevy is by no means a bad auto. In fact, it's great. But the Ford, overall, is better. It's faster, better to live with and more versatile. While more expensive and less reliable than the Chevy, the 1928 Ford Model A has set the standard for modern automobiles.

So yeah, please fill me in on any typos or otherwise bad stuff.

Thank you

DISCUSSION (5)

JGrabowMSt > Thunderface
12/13/2014 at 16:14

I don't understand the breakdown of using "Segment" in front of the segment name. I would get rid of that and it would probably look a lot better to me.

Otherwise, well written. I would have picked Chevy though. From today's perspective, something different. You rarely see a Chevy hot rod today.

Thunderface > JGrabowMSt
12/13/2014 at 16:16

Thanks. I'll get rid of it.

I'm a ford guy, what can I say?

 > Thunderface
12/13/2014 at 16:22

Not bad. Sounds like a modern article though. Maybe look through some 1920s writings and try to match the style?

deekster_caddy > Thunderface
12/13/2014 at 17:36

Everyone has heard of the Model A. I'd never heard of the AB before, and I'm a GM guy first, so clearly the Ford is the winner on this one!!

Thunderface > deekster_caddy
12/13/2014 at 17:48

Lol