The Car Thread ... !

[bunnspecial]

The next thing I know, you all are going to tell me that VHS is an outdated technology!

Anyone know what car will interface with my PocketPC?

 

[A.Goldberg]

What's this?

 

[0388631]

That's different than the ones I had. The ones I had had this hollow plastic like box with notches for shelves and you put the discs in like that. Easy stuff. That looks more complicated than what I remember being available.

 

[A.Goldberg]

That's different than the ones I had. The ones I had had this hollow plastic like box with notches for shelves and you put the discs in like that. Easy stuff. That looks more complicated than what I remember being available.

I think that one is the same concept, either the CDs are put in on the left side or the right side that you can't see- where you set the CD in notches and then just pull them out to remove. I also remember ones that had sliding shelves/drawers that the CD's sat on and vaguley another style where CD trays rotated out of the device and then rotated back in... I can't seem to find a picture of the latter.

These things had their fare share of problems with the magazines getting stuck or not ejecting from the CD player. It's funny @bunnspecial mentions preferring the CD changers- my Grand Cherokee's OEM audio had a 1 disc slot load in the dash + 9-10 CD changer in the trunk. Eventually the slot load failed, and then maybe a couple years later the changer failed. At that point the car was nearing 9 or so years old and it was time to move on. I miss that thing.

I will say having a 6-disc in-dash is a lot more convenient than having to deal with CD changers in the trunk or under seats. But fortunately thats a thing of the past now... at least for most of us.

 

[0388631]

I think that one is the same concept, either the CDs are put in on the left side or the right side that you can't see- where you set the CD in notches and then just pull them out to remove. I also remember ones that had sliding shelves/drawers that the CD's sat on and vaguley another style where CD trays rotated out of the device and then rotated back in... I can't seem to find a picture of the latter.

These things had their fare share of problems with the magazines getting stuck or not ejecting from the CD player. It's funny @bunnspecial mentions preferring the CD changers- my Grand Cherokee's OEM audio had a 1 disc slot load in the dash + 9-10 CD changer in the trunk. Eventually the slot load failed, and then maybe a couple years later the changer failed. At that point the car was nearing 9 or so years old and it was time to move on. I miss that thing.

I will say having a 6-disc in-dash is a lot more convenient than having to deal with CD changers in the trunk or under seats. But fortunately thats a thing of the past now... at least for most of us.

The one I had never failed, even when driving on incredibly bad roads. Simplicity made more sense for these units than complex holding systems. Though your post reminds me of some of the crazier stuff I had in the 90s. You might be old enough to remember those neat 25-30 disc changers you would use at home with a custom sound system. Jeez, those were the days! Aside from that, the craziest other hardware I had was a 5, 8 or 10, maybe 12 disc DVD changer by Sony for our main TV in the living room. If you wanted to veg out on movies, it was easy to load it up with your favorites for the day.

OTOH, you could load DVDs with music on them, and it was a blast to have hundreds of songs on a DVD disc and hook the unit up to the speakers system and let that go through the list. Granted modern tech is cool and simpler, but sometimes that old stuff was way more impressive.

Of course, my changer I bought then was really basic for a Sony product. At that time they made audio and DVD changes with 50-500 disc versions.

 

[A.Goldberg]

The one I had never failed, even when driving on incredibly bad roads. Simplicity made more sense for these units than complex holding systems. Though your post reminds me of some of the crazier stuff I had in the 90s. You might be old enough to remember those neat 25-30 disc changers you would use at home with a custom sound system. Jeez, those were the days! Aside from that, the craziest other hardware I had was a 5, 8 or 10, maybe 12 disc DVD changer by Sony for our main TV in the living room. If you wanted to veg out on movies, it was easy to load it up with your favorites for the day.

OTOH, you could load DVDs with music on them, and it was a blast to have hundreds of songs on a DVD disc and hook the unit up to the speakers system and let that go through the list. Granted modern tech is cool and simpler, but sometimes that old stuff was way more impressive.

Of course, my changer I bought then was really basic for a Sony product. At that time they made audio and DVD changes with 50-500 disc versions.

Well, I would imagine you can still play DVD audio in your car if you really wanted. Most luxury cars that still have a CD drive still support DVD audio. I believe my 5-series plays DVD audio, but then you run into the trouble of file formats. I doubt it likes AAC.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Starts at 50650€, not that I see the point in wasting that much on such a boring car.

I’m sure the Mustang is more fun to drive but muscle cars are not hugely popular all over the world. Give me a boring BMW that doesn’t cost me £500 a year to tax any day of the week lol. American cars seem to fail here for some reason. Dodge, Chrysler, Cadillac, Chevrolet etc have all launched cars for the European market and they’ve always been dreadful tinny plastic versions of what you get in the states. Fords are perhaps the most popular here but they are built in the UK and Spain.

I do think there is a vast taste difference with car styling and perhaps that has prevented American brands becoming popular here.

 

[0388631]

Well, I would imagine you can still play DVD audio in your car if you really wanted. Most luxury cars that still have a CD drive still support DVD audio. I believe my 5-series plays DVD audio, but then you run into the trouble of file formats. I doubt it likes AAC.

Did not know that. To be quite honest, I've sat in a lot of new cars in the last year and often can't find the CD slit anywhere in the center console.

I’m sure the Mustang is more fun to drive but muscle cars are not hugely popular all over the world. Give me a boring BMW that doesn’t cost me £500 a year to tax any day of the week lol. American cars seem to fail here for some reason. Dodge, Chrysler, Cadillac, Chevrolet etc have all launched cars for the European market and they’ve always been dreadful tinny plastic versions of what you get in the states. Fords are perhaps the most popular here but they are built in the UK and Spain.

I do think there is a vast taste difference with car styling and perhaps that has prevented American brands becoming popular here.

Honestly, having test driven the new 5 twice now, I rather like it. I could very well see myself making a cross country drive in it or drive it in mainland Europe. It's utterly comfortable. As is the E. It reminds me of older Lexus vehicles before Lexus began focusing on firmer suspension. Just not a fan of the discotheque lighting in new luxury cars.

 

[cube]

I’m sure the Mustang is more fun to drive but muscle cars are not hugely popular all over the world. Give me a boring BMW that doesn’t cost me £500 a year to tax any day of the week lol. American cars seem to fail here for some reason. Dodge, Chrysler, Cadillac, Chevrolet etc have all launched cars for the European market and they’ve always been dreadful tinny plastic versions of what you get in the states. Fords are perhaps the most popular here but they are built in the UK and Spain.

I do think there is a vast taste difference with car styling and perhaps that has prevented American brands becoming popular here.

Most of the cars Ford of Europe sells have been largely designed here for the European market and that's why they succeed.
[doublepost=1555746107][/doublepost]

Hmmm, here I am confused again. I thought we were talking about the 520d. And how is it’s engine comparable to a mustang?

Which European country are we talking about? If I’m not mistaken prices can vary considerably depending on taxes.

The other poster would prefer a more expensive M140 instead of the Mustang. For me that is too expensive when it is that small and for about the same price you could get a 520d. Then you said the Mustang was quite cheaper on the street. In that case, for even less money you could get a 320d, which is a nice European car. It was never about the engine for me.

I used Germany as a baseline, which has an average VAT rate.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Most of the cars Ford of Europe sells have been largely designed here for the European market and that's why they succeed.
[doublepost=1555746107][/doublepost]
The other poster would prefer a more expensive M140 instead of the Mustang. For me that is too expensive when it is that small and for about the same price you could get a 520d. Then you said the Mustang was quite cheaper on the street. In that case, for even less money you could get a 320d, which is a nice European car. It was never about the engine for me.

I used Germany as a baseline, which has an average VAT rate.

320d still is not a comparable car other than maybe price (depending on what EU country we’re talking about, though I suspect I won’t get an answer for this or at least a consistent one). A 2dr (as he specified) M140 with 0-60 in 4.8 sec designed to be more sporty than comfortable is a lot closer to a Mustang than a leisurely BMW diesel.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Did not know that. To be quite honest, I've sat in a lot of new cars in the last year and often can't find the CD slit anywhere in the center console.




Honestly, having test driven the new 5 twice now, I rather like it. I could very well see myself making a cross country drive in it or drive it in mainland Europe. It's utterly comfortable. As is the E. It reminds me of older Lexus vehicles before Lexus began focusing on firmer suspension. Just not a fan of the discotheque lighting in new luxury cars.

Mines in the glove box. As is the SD card readers.

 

[0388631]

Mines in the glove box. As is the SD card readers.

That I know. Audi does the same or did.

 

[Apple fanboy]

That I know. Audi does the same or did.

I rarely use it so it’s not a biggie, but not a great design idea.

 

[0388631]

I rarely use it so it’s not a biggie, but not a great design idea.

How's the SD card work though? Just any normal SD card? I'd imagine it'd be easy to grab a 500 GB card now and load it up with FLAC or MP3s.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Honestly, having test driven the new 5 twice now, I rather like it. I could very well see myself making a cross country drive in it or drive it in mainland Europe. It's utterly comfortable. As is the E. It reminds me of older Lexus vehicles before Lexus began focusing on firmer suspension. Just not a fan of the discotheque lighting in new luxury cars.

I drive the new 5 Series weekly with work and I have to say it’s a great drive too. I owned the predecessor and they are solid cars. 🙂

Most of the cars Ford of Europe sells have been largely designed here for the European market and that's why they succeed.

I know yeah, I work in that industry.

 

[cube]

320d still is not a comparable car other than maybe price (depending on what EU country we’re talking about, though I suspect I won’t get an answer for this or at least a consistent one). A 2dr (as he specified) M140 with 0-60 in 4.8 sec designed to be more sporty than comfortable is a lot closer to a Mustang than a leisurely BMW diesel.

VAT will change for all cars. The Mustang could end up more expensive in some countries because of emissions, consumption, power, or because it is larger than 2 liters.

My point was not about racing, but just shopping for a nice car.

I look at km/l and g/km, not acceleration.

 

[0388631]

I drive the new 5 Series weekly with work and I have to say it’s a great drive too. I owned the predecessor and they are solid cars. 🙂

I know yeah, I work in that industry.

Ah, so I can rant to you then. 🙂 Kidding. Thankfully you can shut it off from what I remember, but selecting white and taking the brightness way down is peaceful. It would be hard to decide between the 5 and the E, to be frank. Both are wonderful drives for long distance. Spacious but also has a warm cozy feeling. Even if the new ones are like space ships inside. It shouldn't happen, but both cars remind me of their much older siblings from over 20 years ago. They drive with grace. Definitely some black magic stuff going on there.

 

[Apple fanboy]

How's the SD card work though? Just any normal SD card? I'd imagine it'd be easy to grab a 500 GB card now and load it up with FLAC or MP3s.

Just a normal SDcard. You have two slots. One for the maps, one for music etc. I’ve never really bothered with it as I tend to listen to DAB radio or BT from my iPhone.
It’s certainly a step up from my previous car. FM radio and a 3.5mm aux Jack!

 

[0388631]

Just a normal SDcard. You have two slots. One for the maps, one for music etc. I’ve never really bothered with it as I tend to listen to DAB radio or BT from my iPhone.
It’s certainly a step up from my previous car. FM radio and a 3.5mm aux Jack!

Our transition to pure digital radio has been very slow. 🙁

Oh, I can beat you on that. I once hired a car years ago and drove about 900 km in mainland back and forth with authorization to cross borders. Decent Peugeot, IIRC, but its cassette player (dating it here) wasn't working well and I was stuck with radio. That was a miserable road trip. Just imagine all radio stations playing 80s and 90s eurodance on any non foreign frequency. Fun times. There was a good 100 km stretch where all I could guide to was cheesy Italian music and I was far from Italy. Or stay at an inn whose owners were obsessed with the now late Russos whose career was still blossoming then.

 

[cube]

Our transition to pure digital radio has been very slow. 🙁

Oh, I can beat you on that. I once hired a car years ago and drove about 900 km in mainland back and forth with authorization to cross borders. Decent Peugeot, IIRC, but its cassette player (dating it here) wasn't working well and I was stuck with radio. That was a miserable road trip. Just imagine all radio stations playing 80s and 90s eurodance on any non foreign frequency. Fun times. There was a good 100 km stretch where all I could guide to was cheesy Italian music and I was far from Italy. Or stay at an inn whose owners were obsessed with the now late Russos whose career was still blossoming then.

Not a fan of FM being shut down.

Even worse, some countries are shutting down DTT. I don't think they realize it is more useful for vehicles than homes.

 

[44267547]

N.Y.A.S 2020 Other debuting models:

Lincoln Corsair

Toyota Highlander

Cadillac CT-5

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Sonata

Kia Stinger GTS

Mercedes AMG-CLA 35

Subaru Outback XT

 

[bunnspecial]

These things had their fare share of problems with the magazines getting stuck or not ejecting from the CD player. It's funny @bunnspecial mentions preferring the CD changers- my Grand Cherokee's OEM audio had a 1 disc slot load in the dash + 9-10 CD changer in the trunk. Eventually the slot load failed, and then maybe a couple years later the changer failed. At that point the car was nearing 9 or so years old and it was time to move on. I miss that thing.

I think we can probably agree on the fact that CD players in cars are just an inherently unreliable device, regardless of what form they take.

I will say that over the years I've had better luck with single slots than anything, and better luck with remote changers than in-dash. Still, though, they do seem to all have problems.

As for comparing the Mustang to a very different car-can we just acknowledge the fact that not every car appeals to every buyer? Yes, some folks care about gas mileage above all else, or at least hold it in high consideration. If that's you, a Mustang or pretty much any other muscle or pony car isn't for you.

On the other hand, plenty of us in this thread DO enjoy higher cars, whether fast in a straight line, good handling, or both. This usually comes with a sacrifice in fuel mileage. Trying to compare a Mustang(in any trim) to something that's only similar in price is frankly a ridiculous comparison as the cars are intended for very different buyers. That's the beauty of having choice. BTW, one thing that Pony cars from the big American makes have always been about really is inexpensively putting a lot of power to the wheels....

 

[cube]

Trying to compare a Mustang(in any trim) to something that's only similar in price is frankly a ridiculous comparison as the cars are intended for very different buyers.

As shown above, a European petrolhead does not like the entry level Mustang because it is not V8. This version appeals both to non-purist budget racers and people searching for a good looking reasonable car.

Referring to a more classic look for the non-racer. As it is now, it seems to lack elegance.

But when you compare the Mustang to an M240i or 440i it looks like a gas guzzler, so 2.3l is not reasonable in reality. So the general perception of American cars being lacking is reinforced.

 

[A.Goldberg]

As shown above, a European petrolhead does not like the entry level Mustang because it is not V8. This version appeals both to non-purist budget racers and people searching for a good looking reasonable car.

Referring to a more classic look for the non-racer. As it is now, it seems to lack elegance.

But when you compare the Mustang to an M240i or 440i it looks like a gas guzzler, so 2.3l is not reasonable in reality. So the general perception of American cars being lacking is reinforced.

BMW M240i/M340i = 22/30mpg. Mustang 2.3L =21/32.... Relative gas guzzler? Two very different classes of cars, back to talking about cars that cost 1.5-2x as much, goalposts constantly shifting, so this is just going in circle.

There's a lot of "American Petrolheads" who don't like that the base Mustang isn't a V8 and would only buy a V8, at least historically. That said the new 4 and 6cyl engines power and efficiency has convinced some people otherwise. That said, the base Mustang has never had a V8 if I recall (@D.T. can correct me if I'm wrong). I'm not sure anyone has ever really bought a V8 powered car for fuel efficiency either, at least in the past 40-50 years. The Mustang has always been marketed as an attainable car at the lower end, unlike the Corvette which aside from the first generation that offered an I6, hasn't had anything but a base V8 since.

I think we can probably agree on the fact that CD players in cars are just an inherently unreliable device, regardless of what form they take.

I will say that over the years I've had better luck with single slots than anything, and better luck with remote changers than in-dash. Still, though, they do seem to all have problems.

As for comparing the Mustang to a very different car-can we just acknowledge the fact that not every car appeals to every buyer? Yes, some folks care about gas mileage above all else, or at least hold it in high consideration. If that's you, a Mustang or pretty much any other muscle or pony car isn't for you.

On the other hand, plenty of us in this thread DO enjoy higher cars, whether fast in a straight line, good handling, or both. This usually comes with a sacrifice in fuel mileage. Trying to compare a Mustang(in any trim) to something that's only similar in price is frankly a ridiculous comparison as the cars are intended for very different buyers. That's the beauty of having choice. BTW, one thing that Pony cars from the big American makes have always been about really is inexpensively putting a lot of power to the wheels....

I agree. Changer > In dash single > In dash multi.

No, I cannot agree with you because I prefer to keep moving the goalposts..

Mustangs are better than M-series BMW's because Mustangs are horses and horses are majestic. In fact the most majestic animals, dolphins coming in at a distant second. When I buy any thing the top 3 factors are 1) How majestic it is 2) how whimsical it is and 3) how closely aspects of the car's design aligns with phi aka 16180339... aka the golden ratio.

 

[cube]

BMW M240i/M340i = 22/30mpg. Mustang 2.3L =21/32.... Relative gas guzzler? Two very different classes of cars, back to talking about cars that cost 1.5-2x as much, goalposts constantly shifting, so this is just going in circle.

I see:

- M240i 3.0: 7,8l/100km, 179g CO2/km, 340HP
- 440i 3.0: 7,4l/100km, 172g CO2/km, 326HP
- Mustang 2.3: 9,0l/100km, 199g CO2/km, 290HP

35K euro vs 42K euro

That it is a bit cheaper does not make it an acceptable car when you look closer.