Memory Lane

It's funny, this is. I remember when I was younger (I'm 22, so not that long ago!!!) when everybody drooled at the sight of an XR4x4 (well I did!). It was a real hooligan's car, really macho. I mean, who'd heard of an engine bigger than a 2.0 (and not diesel, and not the Rover SD1!!!) in a family hatchback?! This is what appealed I think, it was almost maverick, bringing 'power' to the masses. So let's look over the spec: 2.9 OHV V6 putting out 150 bhp @ 5700 rpm, and 172 lb/ft @3000 rpm (according to carfolio.com). 150 bhp? Now think about this: my present car (Saab 9-5 2.0 'Eco'power) also produces 150 bhp. From a 2.0 engine!!!! The Accord Type-R can produce 212 bhp from a 2.2 engine, without any turbo, supercharger, anything. Purely naturally aspirated!!!! It's just when you think about the cars of yesteryear, how butch they seemed, and how quick they were, and yet, we're squeezing nearly 150 bhp out of little 1.5 engines ( and if you don't believe me, Mitsubishi Colt CZT :-D). It's amazing. But makes you think doesn't it...why did we rave about such cars!?!??! What made them so great? I guess it's a nostalgic thing though, it must be. As I go back to my 309 (see 'My First Car' post), I loved driving it! That's when I really enjoyed driving. And that was the secret I think. Those cars made you feel great, because the whole experience, of being scared, not knowing if you'd get back home in one piece, and just playing around made it all worth while! Yeah you can have your 250 bhp hatches (Mazda 3 MPS), but they're so well controlled and efficient, that you think, it's just missing that 'thing', the 'golden touch', almost. Those days are gone. What a shame...

Which Car Should I Get?

I have a dilemna. Not a life threatening one, but one that I want solving. And to be happy with the decision. Here it is: changes in my 'situation' mean that I am soon going to be requiring a car that is much more economical than the one I presently own. This will involve a 200 mile round trip each month to Hertfordshire, and possibly a 20-mile round trip to work each day. What I want from the car is: Economy (of course!). Safety. Durability. Enough 'oomph' to get past dawdlers and lorry drivers. And finally, something that'll be fairly cheap!!!! My budget will be no more than £1500, that's where the difficulty comes in I guess. I've singled out three in particular: a VW Golf TDI Mk3 (apparently, does 50mpg round town and 58 mpg on the motorway, according to wisebuyers.co.uk!!!!), a Mondeo 1.8 TD, or an Audi A4 1.9 TDi. I've been in love with Golfs since day 1, and the economy figures speak for themselves; it's that to which my heart points. But Mondeos do tend to be cheaper, and I rather have a soft spot for the Mondeo, I think they're great cars. Cheap parts too I'd imagine. And the Audi is shortlisted because it's such a classy motor, and you can't argue with Teutonic build quality - it's fantastic, to say the least. So people, I ask your opinion: what should I get? Any other suggestions are welcome, because although I've shortlisted three cars, I would, of course, look at something else if there's a very good case for it! Cos I'm reasonable :-D Thanks again.