This was posted in the "other cars" section, so I thought I would also post here in case you missed it. Colin will be happy with this article!

http://secure.grubbs.com/cardriver.pdf

 

Wow, I just read it. That's as decisive a victory as I can recall from an auto test magazine.
Colin what an awesome machine. I don't think I'll line up with you on the drag strip or in the twisties.


Deane

 

Yeah, it looked like it was a very commanding win for the M. Also, it is nice to see BMW finish in 6th place out of 8 cars too!!

 

it would be nice to see them remove the price cap and compare apples to apples. i love infiniti... but articles like this just annoy me. they have some vehicles with larger v8 engines go up against smaller v6 engines and then make comments like the vehicle felt a little under-powered. wonder what would happen to the line-up if they threw in the e500 and 545i. not to cause controversy with this thread... but more of a curious note. otherwise, nice read.

 

Interesting point, however I personally think that having the price caps are quite beneficial actually. If you don't have any type of price cap, you could be comparing a $50k Infiniti to a $75K+ BMW....that's not exactly apples to apple either. The fact that you can get an M45 with a V8 for less than a BMW or Mercedes with a V6 speaks volumes.

 

Today 12:04 PM

Giddyup69
You make a valid point about their comments on under powered etc. I guess they are really obligated to state that as a fact however given the comparison is about "comparably priced" not "comparably equipped" within a particular vehicle class. I expect if there was an Infiniti vehicle with a 10-15k higher price tag to compete with the e500 and 545i the performance standards would reach another level though as well.


I pretty much have to agree with you that the comparison has to have some price parameters to compare fairly. If that wasn't the case we might compare the G to a Hyundai Tiburon or to a 911S which would hardly be reasonable.

 

maybe... but i'd still rather see them add another point scale for pricing... and judge it that way. most of these reviews revolve around performance aspects anyway. why not have a truer comparo? i mean they go and compare mustang to corvette and ferrari to porsche... yet those have fairly large pricing differences. makes no sense to me. maybe it's all my mba marketing classes coming back to haunt me.

 

Fair or not, it's a great feeling to be in some pretty heady company, not to mention being in the car itself.

Thanks for the headsup on the article, Shane. I've printed a keeper.

C.

 

Ahhh. The MBA guy. I got mine from the school of hard knocks so I shouldn't really get into a battle with you! I did manage a marketing credit or two but mostly rely on my 20+ years working in the advertising business.

I don't know if you'll agree but here's my take on it:
I expect the reason for a comparo with such price diversity is there are not enough different makes/models in that category and each price range to compare multiple vehicles. How many different performance coupes are in the range of the viper, the corvette, the 911 etc? I suppose they group them for a large enough competive field and because most are considered exotics overall. Most anyone would then factor in price on their own and make a decision within their budget knowing a bit more about each car.
In the case of the M comparo they group them by price range to maintain a fairer comparo and to be consistant with how it is likely most people would buy them. That seems to be the way all of their other lower priced comparos work too. Different engines but similiar price ranges.


Deane

 

Did anyone see the great write-up on the M45 Sport in the Thursday (Apr.14) Megawheels section of the Globe & Mail.
Another thumbs up for the M.
Don't worry Colin . I saved a copy for you in case you missed it.
Wayne

 

Wayne, Much obliged...I did miss it.
Hurry home, I have to see that.....

C.

 

I love the final statement.

"The M45 rocks. Game over."

 

Higher priced BMW's in the comparo or not it rocks. The fact that it trounced everything out there for the $ and that they give you a v-8 for that same $ is the point. Why waste your cash unless you need the badge is what i get from this. OF course "they" used to say you get bimmer ride quality and handling for the extra 20-30k. Now what will people want you to percieve you "they" are paying for?