"505 - morphine not found" (morphine500)
09/22/2016 at 15:48 • Filed to: Would you rather
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"505 - morphine not found" (morphine500)
09/22/2016 at 15:48 • Filed to: Would you rather | 1
| 14 |
Today is World Car Free Day, so it’s fitting that I spent it driving two gas-guzzlers. And I’m not sure witch one I would rather buy with my own money, because these two are very evenly matched, all things considered. Let’s battle!
In the blue corner, we have a Chevrolet Caprice Classic from 1991. It has the low-tech 305 L03 up front, with the four speed auto shifted from the column, and feels like it has one of the taller geared differentials in the back - pace is leasurly. The archetipical land-yacht from the USA, with huge bench seats front and back, questionable fitment materials and some silliness - like having the spare wheel right in the middle of the trunk. It’s one of the least sporty cars I ever drove, even though that includes a 45 HP Lancia Y10 and a 60 HP Opel Kadett. Not much of a looker either. So all in all, a cheap, and deservedly forgotten solution for you personal travel needs.
However, this particular example has been pampered for all of it’s 25 years, and has not yet passed the 50.000 mile mark - the SBC is barely broken in. It is basically in as good and original shape, as a 25 yo Chevy can get. If taken care of, this car might even work as an investment. Or at least let’s hope so.
But let’s see who’s in the red corner!
Oh yeah, right on baby. Here we have the finest from the Land of the Rising Sun, the original, the meanest, the baddest Lexus, the LS 400. This is a 1993 example, so the key still has the emblem from 24 carat gold, but the transmission is 3+overdrive and the superb 1UZ-FE pushes 250 HP through that, in the most peaceful manner imaginable. It still has the stance to turn heads today, and it’s still is the quietest, most cosseting ride you can shake a stick at, while handling very well.
However. This particular example has now passed 250.000 miles, and not all of that under the greatest of cares. The ‘box needed a swap, because the previous owner used the wrong fluid. The ignition needed a complete rebuild. So did the suspension - and these cost an arm and leg too, the value of the car has been spent on it twofold now. And the body is yet to come: there’s some rust, there are dings and scratches... And, because the price of petrol is high here, there’s a LPG system installed, with the extra fuel tank residing where the spare wheel was. Using LPG is a good way to save on the fuel bill of a V8, but it does dry out components in the motor, and it also means the car only has 190 HP, maybe.
So even though the LS 400 is a great car, it’s also very expensive to maintain after 23 years, and this one needs spending.
It’s your money. You pick. I know I can’t.
crowmolly
> 505 - morphine not found
09/22/2016 at 15:52 |
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Lexus, all day long.
That Caprice has a decent rear axle. That’s it. LOL03 is a pile of garbage.
DipodomysDeserti
> 505 - morphine not found
09/22/2016 at 15:53 |
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The Lexus, obviously.
Ash78, voting early and often
> 505 - morphine not found
09/22/2016 at 15:58 |
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Lexus, by I'm weird in that I want either period-accurate 15" alloys, or maybe the nice 5-spoke version from the early 2000s LS460. These appear to be SC430 wheels, if I'm no mistaken. They just don't quite work for me.
Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
> 505 - morphine not found
09/22/2016 at 16:00 |
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Lexus, because 1UZ FTW!
sm70- why not Duesenberg?
> 505 - morphine not found
09/22/2016 at 16:03 |
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Lexus, by a margin so enormous I’m not sure this is even a question.
FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem
> 505 - morphine not found
09/22/2016 at 16:10 |
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Caprice for me because I’m so edgy.
SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
> 505 - morphine not found
09/22/2016 at 16:15 |
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Shame that the Caprice isn’t a Roadmaster wagon or it would be so no-brainer as to be comical. I’d still probably lean towards the Caprice because it’s easier to fix and can tow more.
shop-teacher
> 505 - morphine not found
09/22/2016 at 16:31 |
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I’ll take the Caprice and swap the motor.
dogisbadob
> 505 - morphine not found
09/22/2016 at 17:22 |
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The Lexus, of course
Nimbus The Legend - Riding on air like a cloud
> Ash78, voting early and often
09/22/2016 at 19:55 |
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you are correct on the wheels, and your opinion of them...
wiffleballtony
> 505 - morphine not found
09/22/2016 at 20:09 |
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Probably the Lexus. I guess. Whatever.
ranwhenparked
> 505 - morphine not found
09/22/2016 at 21:31 |
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Well, the Lexus is clearly the better car, but I’d take the Caprice. I owned its Cadillac counterpart, and it is still my favorite out of everything I’ve had. They were just so relaxing and pleasant to drive - buttery smooth ride, acres of space inside to stretch your legs, excellent visibility, effortless power. Just a perfect highway car, all round. Fuel economy wasn’t terrible either, if I behaved, I could get mid 20s mpg on the highway without difficulty.
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505 - morphine not found
> Ash78, voting early and often
09/23/2016 at 04:30 |
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You’re not weird, I totally agree. And yes, those are SC alloys, the owner somehow likes them better. Luckily, they don’t ruin the ride, so no harm done.
RT
> 505 - morphine not found
10/18/2017 at 20:42 |
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Lexus.
It might have less novelty at first, but it’s built to last and has a hell of a story behind it. The Chevy would be fun for a day, but the Lexus is what you’d want to stay with.
Oh, and parking that huuuge Chevy in an English city - not going to happen.