If you had to choose just one brand...

"SmugAardvark" (SmugAardvark) 01/11/2018 at 15:03 • Filed to: None

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Let’s say that, hypothetically speaking, you could only drive one brand of vehicle for the rest of your life. What vehicle maker would you ultimately choose?

Here are my informal rules (feel free to break them if you choose, I suppose):

The vehicles have to be sold specifically under that marque. No badge-engineered choices or subsidiaries (meaning, if you pick VW, you don’t get all the other brands they own).

They can be any vehicles: cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, tractors, airplanes, boats, jet skis, nuclear-powered unicycles, etc...as long as they are from your chosen builder.

Money is not an issue. We’ll imagine that you just have free rein of the entire fleet.

Post an example of what you would likely use as your daily driver from your chosen brand.

Hopefully we get some good variety here. I’d hate if everyone just unanimously picked Alvis or Tatra...

Nerd-Vol > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:20

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I’m going BMW. I think they have the most nice cars that would enjoy driving.

I was considering Chevrolet if I was not taking fit and finish into consideration. Practicality wise they are great as would be Ford.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:20

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Bugatti :D

Party-vi > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:23

4

Maserati, so I could get my filthy dickbeaters on an A6G

EL_ULY > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:23

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Ford

They literally sell every type of thing.

EDIT: except a proper luxury executive car (RWD and LWB)

Die-Trying > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:24

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do i get to do cool cross brand engine swaps? chevy in a ford kinda stuff?.......

diplodicus > Nerd-Vol 01/11/2018 at 15:26

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Ya same, plus all their dope ass old motorcycles. Since money is no object I’d daily an e28 M5

While googling that image I discovered that the e28 touring is a thing I never knew about. I guess they were coach built.

https://drive-my.com/en/blogs/entry/ultra-rare-bmw-535i-touring-e28.html

Future next gen S2000 owner > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:27

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Do rental’s count? Like in another city or a home depot truck?

SmugAardvark > Die-Trying 01/11/2018 at 15:27

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Ehhhh....I’d say no. But with the right shop, you could do swaps within the brand (like maybe an LS1 in a Chevette, which definitely would not result in a premature end for you.)

Dasupersprint - base trim is enough > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:29

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Free reign of the entire fleet?

Porsche!

SmugAardvark > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/11/2018 at 15:32

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Still has to be the same brand. Better hope that when you take that vacation to Siberia, they have your choice laying around in the snow somewhere...

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:32

3

Ford is probably the best bet. Followed by Chevy, then Toyota. Get myself all 3 generations of GT, a F6 50, an Expedition , a Focus RS, and obviously most importantly... an Edge ST.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough 01/11/2018 at 15:32

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This is the correct answer.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:34

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I would pick Lamborghini even though I’m a Ferrari fanboi haha.

DD an Aventador

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:34

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I would choose Ferrari. The FF would be my daily in the winter and an F12 would be my summer daily.

Casual sunny weekend car would be a 250 GT Lusso

And my car for doing partical things in impractical cars would be a LaFerrari. In other words, I would pick up the Christmas tree with the LaFerrari.

Oh, and the F2004 for the track. Although I’d be a giant chicken and would never be able to go full throttle for longer than a few seconds.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:35

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Porsche, then Honda (because jet), then Mazda, then Ford.

This would work:

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:36

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Ford, hands down. The mustang, the GT, the st/rs line, the F series trucks, the expedition and excursion, the airplanes they made in the 30s and 40s, the tractors and tanks. the only thing they havent made (that i know of) is motorcycles and im ok with that. the literally have everything you could ever think of

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > EL_ULY 01/11/2018 at 15:38

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or motorcycles but meh to that

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > EL_ULY 01/11/2018 at 15:38

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I could daily an old GT...

One of the only cars I like in yellow.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Nerd-Vol 01/11/2018 at 15:38

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BMW was my initial instinct as well, so long as we can (theoretically) have our pick of any/every car they have made or will make. Think of the options!

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 01/11/2018 at 15:39

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and a tractor!

CKeffer > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:39

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Realistically? Mazda. I’ve loved every one of them I’ve owned, have had nothing but good experiences with them, and the have pretty consistently had good looking cars. Also, a Mazda6 turbo, preferably in deep crystal blue, will likely be my next DD when the FoST begins having issues. Plus they have made a bunch of really fun cars to choose from for toys.

Pie in the sky, anything goes? Porsche. Though I have never driven one personally, I love the designs, and their product range means they have something for pretty much any occasion I’m likely to find myself in.

3point8isgreat > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:40

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I feel like Ford or Chevrolet would be easy go-to choices since they have so much variety under one name. In which case I’d probably go Chevrolet just because I’ve been a Corvette fan ever since I first got into cars.

Are modifications allowed to vehicles? If so I think I could work with Mazda as well. That way I could build the higher power Miata that they refuse to make.

bob and john > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:42

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BMW.

they made the M cars, AND they make some pretty kick ass motorcycles too. (this is assuming unlimited moneys)

if limited moneys, then probably honda. their cars and bikes are a lot more affordable to me then the BMWs are

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/11/2018 at 15:42

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I meant to mention that but forgot. I could also get myself a Ford Trimotor if I felt like dying.

SmugAardvark > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:44

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I forgot to toss in my choice. I actually think I’d go for Honda.

They have made nearly every type of land vehicle imaginable. The only thing I’d be losing out on is a heavy-duty truck. But I imagine I could get by just fine 99% of the time with a Ridgeline (or Acty) to haul stuff. Plus, over the years they’ve made wonderful motorcycles, quality riding mowers, zodiac-style boats, plenty of race cars, and of course the HondaJet.

Mercedes Streeter > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:44

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I can turn a smart into anything else you can find on the road, so smart!

Or, I could just “obtain” some one-off smarts.

Here’s a 1 of 2 smart formore.

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:45

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Well it has to be Honda, right? You get cars and SUVs, a truck, motorcycles, jet skis, four wheelers, side-by-sides, outboard engines, generators, and lawn equipment.

crowmolly > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:46

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The correct answer is Hyundai. Yeah, Sonatas and Velosters.

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut

punkgoose17 > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:51

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I give up. I pick Tatra.

T600

T805

T.101

So Shiney. So Chrome! So Frunky > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:54

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Honda: I could have cars, light trucks, motorcycles, dirtbikes, and a private jet!

DD: Honda S660

Carpool day: N-box

Weekend cars: NSX (New and Old)/ S-2000 / Civic type R

Family car: Another Civic Type R but with vinyl seats and floor drains because children

Because I can: CBR600RR, Honda side by side, Africa Twin, a Ruckus, that weird one wheeled scooter thing, a Motocompo, and finally the Honda Jet

Future next gen S2000 owner > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:55

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Aston Martin. I can hire drivers if I need anything else.

Die-Trying > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:55

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thats kind of a deal breaker there. i gots to have me a good quirky swap going on..... and outright brand loyalty is for guys without imaginations...... cant just quit, or retire, gotta go out with STYLE.....

Pickup_man > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:56

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This is really difficult because I love big pickup trucks, especially old Ford ones, so I want to say Ford, but I also really love motorcycles and Ford hasn’t ever made any motorcycles....

I think I have to go Honda, I’ll be giving up the full size pickups which I adore, but a Ridgeline will still do most of my truck stuff I guess, they have good sports cars, and lots of cool classics, plus then I get access to their entire line of bikes. I would also get to keep my 3 wheelers, and Honda makes riding mowers and lawn equipment as well. So, Honda.

With no money concerns here’s my stable.

Cars/Trucks: Ridgeline, NSX, Pilot, S2000, other fun Honda cars (I don’t know Hondas very well)

Motorcycles: Goldwing, Z50, XR650R, CRF250R, VF750F, SOHC CB750, Fury, CB450 scrambler, CB1100.... basically all of them, Honda has never made a motorcycle I don’t like.

3 Wheelers: All of them, 250R (all gens), 350x, 200x, 250sx, ATC70, US90, ATC90, ATC110, etc. etc. etc.

4 wheelers: TRX450R, Rancher, etc. etc. etc.

Side by Side/UTVs: Pioneer 1000, Pilot (the UTV, look it up) Odessey (the UTV, look it up)

Riding Mower

I get the appeal of some sports car brand like Porsche, but seriously, if you want to do literally everything you gotta go with Honda.

Edit: They also make boat motors, they’ve made racing boats so I get access to those (I could totally chop up a racing boat to make a fishing boat) and they make PWCs. You just can’t go wrong here.

Azrek > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:57

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There is a part of me that immediately screams LOTUS...so I can get access to all their crazy designs, but then...I think...Ariel as I can have all the Atoms I want and the Nomads in case I want to go offroading.

Hmm.............................

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 01/11/2018 at 15:58

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i always loved using the trimotor in flight simulators just because it was a ford haha

Pickup_man > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 15:59

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This. Honda makes literally everything, cars, trucks, boat motors, jets, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, riding mowers, watercraft... everything.

itschrome > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:06

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Probably just Cadillac I suppose.

Urambo Tauro > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:08

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Probably Chevy. But only as long as I can keep buying used cars.

RPM esq. > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:15

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With money no object, it has to be Mercedes, which I never would have thought I’d say...I’d be sad to give up the old BMWs I love so much. However:

My current daily driver...

Something for winter and the outdoors...

Some ‘80s homologation cool...

A timeless, graceful classic...

And a motherfucking yacht.

fintail > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:15

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I’ve been driving MBs since I was 18, haven’t legally owned another brand, so that question is answered. It has such a broad lineup too, that there’s a car or truck or van or bus or tractor for every occasion. If cheating is allowed, also bikes built during the now-failed AMG-Ducati/MV Agusta link.

New cars or old cars for a DD? I could pick a vehicle a day and not have something identical for ages.

Random sleeper, S210 Brabus E73, V12 wagon, can’t go wrong:

Mid Engine > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:25

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Porsche comes first in my mind, all of their vehicles handle well, are well appointed, and extremely reliable. Second choice would be Toyota because new Supra and their trucks are awesome.

Saracen > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:25

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Porsche.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:28

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I will say Porsche with the twist that my daily would not be a current car but instead a 964 targa

punkgoose17 > So Shiney. So Chrome! So Frunky 01/11/2018 at 16:32

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I feel like Honda is the best choice because they make cars, trucks, motorcycles, and an airplane. But, I do not get enthusiastic about Hondas.

ToyotaFamily > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:33

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Toyota, hands down.

I’d DD a 4Runner TRD Pro

Weekend car is a 2000GT

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:49

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Money no object? Mercedes, they make everything.

Money a factor? Either Ford or Chevy, they make almost everything lol

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nerd-Vol 01/11/2018 at 16:49

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I could be pretty happy driving BMWs the rest of my life (even though I couldn’t care less about their current lineup, except the M2).

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > punkgoose17 01/11/2018 at 16:51

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Even old Hondas?

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > RPM esq. 01/11/2018 at 16:52

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Motherfucking yacht. Now you’re talking.

CaptDale - is secretly British > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:53

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Tough choice. Aston overall, but if I couldn’t afford that then Holden

promoted by the color red > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:55

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Are we allowed to pick from the lineup starting in 2018 or are we allowed to access the historical lineup?

If we can pick from the historical lineup, Honda for sheer diversity.

If we can’t, Mazda.

loki03xlh > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:55

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I’d go for Chevrolet. I can DD a truck like I do now, drive a bitchin’ Camaro on the weekends, and have a C7R for the track.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 16:57

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It would have to be Ford for me. Pony cars/hot hatches/fast S-CUVs/trucks with nice interiors (Platinum or King Ranch)

punkgoose17 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 01/11/2018 at 17:41

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The old S600 and NSX are cool, but that is as close as it gets.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > punkgoose17 01/11/2018 at 17:46

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No S2000 love?

Aero > SmugAardvark 01/11/2018 at 18:49

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Gotta be Ford. Not only do you get the automotive line, but the machinery and aircraft as well. They even made B-24 Liberators at the Willow Run plant.

B_dol > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 01/11/2018 at 19:04

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Finally got to drive a 1M. It is immensely better than the M2 in almost every way except being a newer, warrantied car. It seems the used market agrees hah.

So long story short, zero new BMWs interest me for enthusiast driving but I would love a 3 or 5 series wagon!

punkgoose17 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 01/11/2018 at 20:47

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No I could not even remember the S2000.

pip bip - choose Corrour > SmugAardvark 01/12/2018 at 07:20

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Dacia or Lada

So Shiney. So Chrome! So Frunky > punkgoose17 01/12/2018 at 08:28

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I suggest you drive more of them. I’m by no means a Honda fanboy but they would provide me with so many ways to have fun in this scenario. I mean 15,000 rpm on a CBR is pretty fun.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > punkgoose17 01/12/2018 at 09:01

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Well, it’s pretty great.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > B_dol 01/12/2018 at 09:04

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Did you watch Everyday Driver’s “Icon”? I assume the biggest difference is the feel you get with a good old-fashioned hydraulic rack. What else stood out to you? I’m not planning to give up my E90 any time soon!

SmugAardvark > Aero 01/12/2018 at 10:03

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I wouldn’t mind commuting in a Tri-Motor from time to time...

SmugAardvark > promoted by the color red 01/12/2018 at 10:05

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Full line-up, from 2018 back to whenever the company first started producing vehicles.

SmugAardvark > RPM esq. 01/12/2018 at 10:08

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This is a thoroughly proper answer.

SmugAardvark > Urambo Tauro 01/12/2018 at 10:10

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Yes, you can buy as many mid 80's Chevy Celebrities as you want.

SmugAardvark > Pickup_man 01/12/2018 at 10:14

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That was my thought process as well. Over the years, they’ve really made a vehicle for practically every need.

SmugAardvark > punkgoose17 01/12/2018 at 10:15

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Hooray Tatra!

SmugAardvark > 3point8isgreat 01/12/2018 at 10:19

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Mods are absolutely allowed. Build that 800hp Miata you’ve always wanted, then spent your life savings on tires within a week or two.

B_dol > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 01/12/2018 at 11:59

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I still need to watch that film, will check it out this weekend perhaps.

As far as standouts, the short wheelbase and square setup really makes the car handle well. It dug into turns and felt like it had grip for days compared to my Z4M (non-square). The size is just right and the exhaust note is definitely louder and throatier than modern BMWs. The twin-turbo character is evident: torque down low is nice, mid range it doesn’t seem to be as responsive as an N/A car and then near redline the boost is pretty nuts. It’s fast no doubt, but I prefer the way the S54 puts the power down and really screams towards redline - feels punchier and more responsive as it should.

I would say the M2 wins in the battle of the seats, the ones in the 1M did not feel special in any way. The 1M looks a lot better in person, pictures do not do it justice - coming from someone who dislikes the 1 series “aesthetic”.

I am not sure I fully talked myself out of buying the car... if it had an S54 I would have bought it on the spot.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > B_dol 01/12/2018 at 12:17

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From the rear and the side, I definitely prefer the 1M, but I really dislike the front design and would give the M2 the win there all day. Overall, I think I prefer the looks of the M2. Also, I know I’ll never own a 1M because I’m not a collector. I’d want to drive it regularly, and that would just kill its value.

And... now I’m listening to Chris Harris’ comparison video of the two. =)

B_dol > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 01/12/2018 at 13:12

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The 1M definitely is a bit more dated and could use some tweaking on the front, yes. As far as driving, collection be damned the 1M spanks the M2 in smiles per mile.

I still could not justify replacing the Z4M with a 1M which was the ultimate goal of the 1M/M2/Z4M/M3 comparo. Not sure how the new M2 CS and GTS editions will change that game... only time will tell.

RT > SmugAardvark 01/16/2018 at 14:42

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If I were just limited to cars - and had infinite money, it would have to be one of these three: Lancia, Alfa Romeo and Maserati.

But you said it can be any vehicle, right?

Honda has: bikes, a private jet and the NSX - but I can’t drift Hondas.

Don’t worry, I found a solution. This company made private jets in 1978.

Nowadays, they make a bigger jet plane.

They make a jet fighter. And a licensed F16. And a licensed F15.

Helicopters and light aircraft more your thing? They’ve got all sorts.

How about tanks?

Yeah, forget that. How about loads of satellites and space rockets instead?

Yachts, submarines, trucks, trains, WWII warships, forklifts. You name it.

Ah, I almost forgot, they used to make some nice cars a long time ago.

No idea if they still make them though

What’s this company even called again? Oh well.

SmugAardvark > RT 01/16/2018 at 15:21

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Magnificent answer.