QOTD: Itching for a Comparo?

by Steph Willems

Published: September 26th, 2019

Just the other day, Bark told us why he loathes comparison tests — those splashy smorgasbords of contemporary metal, each one resulting in a ranking that probably won’t sway a single new car shopper.

Like many of you, this author’s youth was at least partly spent devouring such tests in the glossy pages of Car and Driver and Motor Trend, with a teenage Steph eagerly awaiting those publications’ findings. Would the Ford Contour beat out the Chevy Lumina? Can the Chrysler LHS really hold a candle to the Cadillac Seville? My God, the titillation.

Great entertainment, as Bark said, but most new car buyers only read a review to see if any glaring deficiency plagues their pre-existing first choice. Basically, they already know what they want, and they’re looking to see that decision reinforced. Performance minutiae or minor gripes need not sway the new car buyer.

All of that said, comparos of three, four, six, or twelve vehicles make for fun reading, even if you’re not remotely interested in buying a vehicle from the segment undergoing testing. It could be even more enjoyable to read a comparo of vehicles that time has passed by. How else to explain the ascending views on old MotorWeek test videos? It’s not just the bitchin’ early ’80s ensembles worn by John Davis that’s attracting hits to these YouTube archives.

The question today is: what crop of vehicles, new or old, do you want to see go head to head, on film and on video? It can be any segment from any era. Pick a year, pick a market — if comparison tests are generally no more than just entertainment, this is your chance to be entertained. Personally, I’d be tempted to see some land barge action from the early ’70s, but I’m always up for that.

Acceleration, handling, braking, and pylons galore. Now’s your chance to arrange a little viewing fun.

[Image: Ford Motor Company]

#ComparisonTests #QOTD #QuestionOfTheDay

Steph Willems

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3 of 33 comments

Mackey on Sep 26, 2019

Agreed- 1970s big barge comparos. Ford LTDs, Caprice convertibles, Buick Riviera boat tails, and all of the glorious body - rolling whales of the era! Oh, and I'd take a Rockford Files 'Esprit' ( or pseudo-Esprit, as it were) ANY DAY!

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- 28-Cars-Later on Sep 26, 2019
  
  Please don't forget the glorious Lincoln Continental Marks III, IV, and V.
  
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Acd on Sep 26, 2019

1930 American front drive challenge: Cord vs Ruxton, which is best? Let’s settle this once and for all.

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