rai

I'm talking about cars

Like the SL will always be above the SLK. Or a 911 is always above a Boxster etc..

In most instances a smaller car would be a better drivers car, and with similar power would be faster in most situations.

Is it mostly for status and "bling" that car makers will always be able to charge more for a bigger (perceived better) car?

Take for example an Elise. It's possible for me to imagine a car like this, not necessarly an Elise but a small car by Ferrari or Porsche for example able to run away from a 911 turbo or F430 but I don't think it will ever be built.

discuss

rai

BTW I think a car like the Elise gets looked down on b/c of it's size at least here in the US. Like people will look at it and think well it's small like a MR2 and it's got a 1.9L so it must cost around $20K (like a Solstice or miata etc..)

Note: I'm not putting down the Elise just saying why it'll be looked down on by most people and why Mustangs will outsell it 50 to 1 with ease. I know it's mostly the price difference, but even still if both Mustang and Elise were priced at $25K the Mustang would probably be thought of (by a lot of people) as the better car. Not by me, but just the way it seems a lot of people would think.

honda606

Don't bring it to anyone's attention that the smaller cars are better.

That will leave more Cayman's for the true enthusiasts to get their hands on.

rai

I've read the Cayman 290hp or 305hp is lapping the ring faster than a 911. What's to stop Porsche from dropping a 3.6L in one? Whats to stop Porche from making a 2700 lb Cayman CS (with ease) whan a 997 would be hard to impossible to make that weight?

s2kpdx01

Well, the 911 has more room then the boxster that is one reason people might like a bigger car. A larger car can make a better daily driver. All, things being equal they are usually safer.

PorkRind

A-f'ing-men! For driving enjoyment, I believe that smaller is almost always better. I'd probably still be motorcycle-only if it weren't for all the bozo drivers that were out to kill me. I'd own a Caterham if I thought my wife would ride in it.

Warren J. Dew

Small was a major consideration for me when I bought the S2000. It was about as big as I wanted to get; the Boxster was too big.

That said, bigger cars do tend to have better performance - more space for the engine.

UKXotics

That's not been my experience , though I do agree that in general smaller cars tend to be thought less of than larger cars.

skittzomaniac

this is america. everything is better when its supersized. or when you have tow people living in an 8000 sq ft house. everyone wants everything huge. ever get an "appetizer" at applebees? mystifies me too.

steve c

There is something about having your cake and eating it too. I never thought I would fall into this group -- but I love my 911 for the simple fact that I can enjoy a quick good handling car AND have room for my kid in the back.