Okay, so I'm an amateur car enthusiast. Translation? I love beautiful cars, but I couldn't quote engine stats on every model since old Henry started rolling them out. However, I do feel that most cars project a certain image, and listed here are my (I repeat, my) definitions of some of the top brands on the road today. Note: If I quote stats on any vehicle, I probably got my info from either caranddriver.com or kbb.com. All cars are owned by their respective brands, and I do not claim any ownership, monetary rights, etc. for these vehicles.
1. BMW - While some models are prettier than others, and most are decently powerful, to me a BMW screams NEW MONEY. Usually these are up and coming yuppies who have gotten their first big time paycheck, and want to show it off. Now let me clarify by saying that the higher end models such as the 7 series, M3, and M5 are usually exceptions to this rule for obvious reasons. (Even up and coming yuppies can't usually afford these models.)
2. Mercedes - Although I believe that Mercedes are easily one of the most datable (as in, just by looking you can guess the model year) cars on the road, I believe they are a car of those with QUIET CLASS. You know, those people who have money, have had money, and will never need money. They are comfortable with their wealth, and feel no need to show it off. The exception here is the middle aged man driving that ridiculous yellow two seater convertible with the equally ridiculous yellow haired trophy on his arm.
3. Lexus - Let me start by saying I despise Toyotas which, by extension, means that I would never get caught driving a Lexus. Toyotas (no stones please) are one of the most vanilla cars in the world. It is basically an appliance. No different than your toaster or DVD player. Its function is to get you from point A to point B, and it does it pretty reliably every time. However, I'm pretty sure that statistics have shown that almost 10 people die every year in their Toyotas from sheer boredom. So, to me, the Lexus screams TRASH WITH MONEY. From the fake gold badges outside to the fake gold and wood inside, the Lexus is a vehicle that says you have money but no idea how to spend it. For example, with the same amount of money you spent on that incredibly tacky Lexus, you could get one of the following vehicles. Let's compare states (thanks http://www.kbb.com/):
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged ($73k); 390hp with 12/18 mpg; less passenger capacity but more room in the second seat; weighs about 300lbs. less; with shorter length and height those parking garages won't be a problem; and finally, it's a friggin' Land Rover!!
Audi Q7 QUATTRO Premium Sport ($60k); slightly less hp at 350 vs. 383; slightly better gas mileage at 13/18mpg but a larger gas tank; seats seven; and finally, it's almost $20k less than the Lexus which means you can get the Audi SUV for Mom and have enough left over to get Junior that used Mustang he wants.
Cadillac Escalade HYBRID V8 ($76k); okay, here's where it gets simple - here you have a giant luxury SUV that seats 7, will tow your boat or rv, and will actually leave you with some spending money in your pocket when you leave the gas station.
Lexus LX 570 WT 4WD ($76k); decent hp and torque but notice how high the rpm gets before they kick in, not so good for that city traffic mommies get stuck in; seats 8; very heavy and large which makes parking at the soccer fields difficult if you don't want to get nicks in the paint; and finally, it has fake gold all over it!!
I'm going to stop here since I could have listed more (Mercedes, BMW, etc.), but you get my point. To me, a Lexus is parked in front of that big house that is still decorated with the same taste you decorated your trailer before you hit it big time. You know, cattails in fake gold vases, hotel paintings in fake gold frames, and enough flowers on the wallpaper to make even Queen Victoria get a little queasy.
There are definitely more cars out there, and I will continue this list next time with Lambos, Ferraris, and Hondas. I think I've started enough riots for now.
Please feel free to leave me your comment below on how wrong my stats are, how stupid I am, or anything else. Just remember to be nice. Everyone has there own opinion, and I am open to yours. All I ask is that you be open to mine.
See ya next time!!
