Low Displacement Challenge

[Raza]

The closest things that come to mind are full-size lux cars like the 7, S, LS, XJ, etc. 

My car's seats suck and whenever I close the door, it sounds like the window is shaking around, there's a hallow sound, and something's probably broken.  Luxury, for instance, my car is not.

Well, considering I grew up around cars from the Mercedes heyday, "luxury" cars nowadays generally do not impress.  They're getting better, though.

[the Teuton]

Well, considering I grew up around cars from the Mercedes heyday, "luxury" cars nowadays generally do not impress.  They're getting better, though.

You mean the cars that were engineering first, cost second, if at all?

Those cars were just awesome.

The Lexus LS probably has the best sound deadening in the industry and definitely the best rear seats.  Fronts are anymore incredibly adjustable in all of these cars, but I might have to say the 7 has the best currently.

[Raza]

You mean the cars that were engineering first, cost second, if at all?

Those cars were just awesome.

The Lexus LS probably has the best sound deadening in the industry and definitely the best rear seats.  Fronts are anymore incredibly adjustable in all of these cars, but I might have to say the 7 has the best currently.

I don't think I've ever been in the back of the LS. 

[the Teuton]

I don't think I've ever been in the back of the LS. 

Recline it, heat it, and fall asleep in it.

[TBR]

The closest things that come to mind are full-size lux cars like the 7, S, LS, XJ, etc. 

My car's seats suck and whenever I close the door, it sounds like the window is shaking around, there's a hallow sound, and something's probably broken.  Luxury, for instance, my car is not.

Eh, my parent's Outback did that when it was brand new, it's just the frame less windows.

[Laconian]

Were you born before your dad got rid of his Rolls, Raza? I wonder how those would compare.

[Tave]

Luxury is defined by one of two things.  Excess and badge.  Yes, a GTI is a more luxurious car than the 1 series.  But it doesn't have the badge. 

Excess is often a function of the badge, but I don't think it's dependent on it. Theoretically, a no-name could put together a product which equals the best badges in quality and execution. Is such a product still luxury? The market thinks so; witness the rise of Lexus.

[Raza]

Were you born before your dad got rid of his Rolls, Raza? I wonder how those would compare.

Yeah, I rode in it a few times as a small child, but I don't really remember enough to compare it to current luxury cars.  But many people with formed memories and who were able to tie their own shoes back then say that the Germans had far surpassed the British, even at that point.

[the Teuton]

Eh, my parent's Outback did that when it was brand new, it's just the frame less windows.

Indeed.  It's what made a Subaru, a Subaru.  It's also a shame the only car they make anymore with frameless window is the Legacy.  I like it, but it does not make for a Teutonic-feeling car.

[MX793]

Luxury is defined by one of two things.  Excess and badge.  Yes, a GTI is a more luxurious car than the 1 series.  But it doesn't have the badge. 

I wouldn't consider the 1 series, or any BMW smaller than a 5-er, to be a luxury car.  Premium car, but not luxury.

[280Z Turbo]

The Focus?  I've ridden in a few and I agree.

It means it's not a luxury car.  Don't worry, I think the car got worse with the refresh in 2005.

What? No! The Focus doors shut with a solid, reassuring thud.

It's the Z that feels like a locker.

[SVT666]

What? No! The Focus doors shut with a solid, reassuring thud.

It's the Z that feels like a locker.

I agree.  The Focus doors sound better then the doors in my Mustang ever did.  My Mustang's doors sounded like they didn't actually shut.

[Raza]

I wouldn't consider the 1 series, or any BMW smaller than a 5-er, to be a luxury car.  Premium car, but not luxury.

Strictly speaking, I'd have to think about the 5 series even.  But for the purposes of this thread, it plays.

[BimmerM3]

Is such a product still luxury? The market thinks so; witness the rise of Lexus.

Wrong. Would any Lexus models have succeeded if they were branded as a Toyota? I seriously doubt it. Just because Lexus was a new luxury mark at the time doesn't mean they weren't a luxury mark.

[Tave]

Just because Lexus was a new luxury mark at the time doesn't mean they weren't a luxury mark.

[BimmerM3]

lol... that sounded better in my head.

My point is that they were still a luxury badge even if they were one that no one was familiar with. It all comes down to marketing.

[Eye of the Tiger]

lol... that sounded better in my head.

My point is that they were still a luxury badge even if they were one that no one was familiar with. It all comes down to marketing.

Marketing FTW

[Vinsanity]

Marketing FTW

2.0L engine...THERE'S my choice for a small-displacement luxury car!

[the Teuton]

What? No! The Focus doors shut with a solid, reassuring thud.

It's the Z that feels like a locker.

The Teuton was not incredibly impressed with the 2007 model he drove in last year, at least interior-wise.

I do like the pre-refresh car better, and I can't help but feel like Ford went uber cheap with the refresh.

[sportyaccordy]

My Accord's doors are a lot heavier than my Maxima's were. I suppose something's gotta give when the cars weigh the same, but the Maxima has 2 extra cylinders and about 3" more width. To its credit, on the same rate springs the Maxima had a much more planted ride which I'm supposing is owed to its stiffer chassis...

[Soup DeVille]

Ok, you have an unlimited amount of cash to buy a set of cars: However, you have a displacent limit. You can choose cars from all over the world.


Everyday Car/Commuter (1400cc limit)

7-seater/CUV/Minivan (2000cc limit)

SUV/Offroader (1400cc limit)

Cheap Speed/Track toy (1600cc limit you can be a bit liberal with this, but nothing over 1.8L)

Luxury Car (2000cc limit)

Everyday Car/Commuter (1400cc limit)



1970 Eldorado, 8200 cc

7-seater/CUV/Minivan (2000cc limit)



2008 Newell 45, 13,600 cc

SUV/Offroader (1400cc limit)



International CXT: 7600cc

Cheap Speed/Track toy (1600cc limit you can be a bit liberal with this, but nothing over 1.8L)



Viper ACr: 8277cc

Luxury Car (2000cc limit)



1976 Brougham Talisman: 8200cc

[hotrodalex]

My Accord's doors are a lot heavier than my Maxima's were. I suppose something's gotta give when the cars weigh the same, but the Maxima has 2 extra cylinders and about 3" more width. To its credit, on the same rate springs the Maxima had a much more planted ride which I'm supposing is owed to its stiffer chassis...

Doors can weigh the same and feel different. It depends on the hinges (I think)

[2o6]

Everyday Car/Commuter (1400cc limit)



1970 Eldorado, 8200 cc

7-seater/CUV/Minivan (2000cc limit)



2008 Newell 45, 13,600 cc

SUV/Offroader (1400cc limit)



International CXT: 7600cc

Cheap Speed/Track toy (1600cc limit you can be a bit liberal with this, but nothing over 1.8L)



Viper ACr: 8277cc

Luxury Car (2000cc limit)



1976 Brougham Talisman: 8200cc

Those restrictions are the MAXIMUM, not the minimum. 

[Laconian]

Way to creatively interpret the rules, Soup!

[Soup DeVille]

Those restrictions are the MAXIMUM, not the minimum. 

Oh, my bad.

Who wants a sub-1400 cc SUV anyways?

[sportyaccordy]

Doors can weigh the same and feel different. It depends on the hinges (I think)

Very good point... very very good point

206 must live in France where a 1.4L turbodiesel X5 is a viable possibility

[2o6]

Very good point... very very good point

206 must live in France where a 1.4L turbodiesel X5 is a viable possibility

What ARE you talking about?

[sportyaccordy]

What ARE you talking about?

If gas were $20/gal due to crippling tax laws I would consider a .5 L turbodiesel for my car

That said though here in the USA we have no reason to engage in that kind of masochism