Peak platform variation

[12,000 RPM]

Sorry for the shit title.... callout over the Z and my experience with some rentals recently got me thinking about this.

Here is an example of what I'm talking about. I rented the new Golf and the new Beetle. IMO the Golf was better in every way. Based on that I would say peak MQB VW is probably the GTI. Most practical body shape (beats A3/S3/TT), available stickshift (again beats out Audi MQBs), Golf R not worth $10K more based on numerous trusted journalists (particularly with performance package).

Peak Nissan FM is easily the stickshift G35/G37 sedan. Z is not a bad car, especially now or with the Z32, but mine was kind of like the Nissan Thunderbird. G sedan gave up very little to it dynamically for way more comfort/usability. Shit like the vague steering and shitty clutch/shifter were forgivable in the G but not a full on sports car.

Etc. etc. I'm trying to think of some other platforms. Peak Camry? Peak GM Alpha? Peak 3 series? There is definitely a value or driver's pick for most platforms.

[Rich]

Chevrolet Lumina EuroSport - Peak W

[12,000 RPM]

Chevrolet Lumina EuroSport - Peak W

Did that come with the Luggage Rack™?

[Eye of the Tiger]

G8 GXP

did I do it right?

[CALL_911]

I agree with the GTI. I might call peak Camry the Venza AWD V6- I never understood the hate for that car.

[Rich]

911 Platform? For dd'ing and I was a rich dude probably a non S regular one and had other cars to enjoy on track.  If a 911 was my single outlet of money and I had to squeeze accounts to make it happen, I'd go S or GT3.

[Rich]

Peak MINI is the base 3cyl 2dr hardtop

[12,000 RPM]

I agree with the GTI. I might call peak Camry the Venza AWD V6- I never understood the hate for that car.

I was gonna say Avalon, simply because I got thrashed by one at a stoplight in the Z 

Venza has an ugly interior too.

[SVT666]

Shit like the vague steering and shitty clutch/shifter were forgivable in the G but not a full on sports car.

I can't speak to the shifter and clutch, but the G's steering isn't vague at all. It's best in class.

[Eye of the Tiger]

I built peak Accent. The new ones have electro numb steering, so they are out.

[12,000 RPM]

I can't speak to the shifter and clutch, but the G's steering isn't vague at all. It's best in class.

They may have fixed it with your generation. I test drove a 370Z but I didn't get to put it through its paces. In any case my Z and generation of G did not have great steering. My Civic, with an electric rack, mind you, has way more feedback.

[Cookie Monster]

I can't speak to the shifter and clutch, but the G's steering isn't vague at all. It's best in class.

It feels great for a sport sedan but if that's all the feedback I got in a sports car I'd be disappointed.

[MX793]

Chevrolet Lumina EuroSport - Peak W

Grand Prix GXP with the V8 was peak W.

[2o6]

Grand Prix GXP with the V8 was peak W.

Impala 3.6

[Payman]

Peak K-Car.

[Laconian]

They may have fixed it with your generation. I test drove a 370Z but I didn't get to put it through its paces. In any case my Z and generation of G did not have great steering. My Civic, with an electric rack, mind you, has way more feedback.

That's a fuckin' economy car, come on. Contemporary BMW steering racks are dead and overly firm.

[Laconian]

I agree with the GTI. I might call peak Camry the Venza AWD V6- I never understood the hate for that car.

Speaking of bad steering, the Venza's is abominable! I swear they sourced that overboosted POS from Buick.

[MX793]

Impala 3.6

Definitely not.  The vague steering and sloppy handling was downright scary in those cars.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Definitely not.  The vague steering and sloppy handling was downright scary in those cars.

The brakes are worse then a Camry, too.
What about the V8...?

[Eye of the Tiger]

Peak K-Car.

GLH-S, or LeBaron turbo?

[12,000 RPM]

GLH-S, or LeBaron turbo?

I was going to say any 2.2 turbo K-Car is peak K-Car but since this has it I gotta give this the crown. Close second is the Caravan turbo.

[MX793]

The brakes are worse then a Camry, too.
What about the V8...?

The GXP was better than the SS.  Better suspension tuning, less understeer.  They actually fitted it with wider tires up front to better handle the extra power, unlike the SS.

[2o6]

Definitely not.  The vague steering and sloppy handling was downright scary in those cars.

The sport suspension does notably make it better. The ones without it are kinda horrible, I agree.

[12,000 RPM]

Better tuning and less understeer is relative. My God... did they send those LS4 cars out with open differentials? Those front tires must have been as wide as oil drums Im imagining gassing a GXP out of a turn to sound like a pack of dying hyenas

[Laconian]

LOL

[Eye of the Tiger]

Better tuning and less understeer is relative. My God... did they send those LS4 cars out with open differentials? Those front tires must have been as wide as oil drums Im imagining gassing a GXP out of a turn to sound like a pack of dying hyenas

IIRC, the tires were staggered, wider in front.

[shp4man]

Not sure if this qualifies, but peak platform variation of the small block Chevy engine (1955- 2002) in my mind is the mid 60's 327. I've always wanted to build a "perfect" one, all rods balanced, pistons all weighed, perfect clearances on all the bearings.
Maybe to put in an old '57 Chevy pickup or something similar.
Now there are some that would vote for the later model 350, but for me, 327 Turbo-Fire 300 Horsepower.

[12,000 RPM]

Ha

They just made the gearing long AF.... looks like 2nd gear tops out past 100

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWs_ocXTVWQ

[12,000 RPM]

Peak Maxima



Peak Accord

[Eye of the Tiger]

NO