Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Well, that just about sums it up

[Rick Lindsay (rolindsay]

Follow on to previous note...

We all make decisions regarding our cars based upon
any number of parameters, none the least of which is
"what do we use the car for?"  Here are some of my
examples:

Daily driver: 2008 M-B C300 - confortable daily
driver, beautiful (eye of beholder), adequately
powerful for my daily driving style (228hp and
3500pounds).  Out of all my driving, my daily commute
makes up 80% of the total.  It's done on city streets
and in general, under 50mph with virtually no
opportunity for WOT acceleration.  Therefore, I chose
comfort and style (eye...).

Exotic toy: 1979 308GTB - I'd love to say that this is
my weekend toy but in reality, it is 90% garage art. 
I drive it once a month or so - and that's just to
keep the seals wetted.  Sad, actually.

Play toy: 1970 MGB Split-bumper Tourer - This is my
'release from the work day' toy.  I come home and
wrench on the MG for 30 minutes and I'm back to almost
human.  I have never driven it.

Others: 1996 BMW 740iL - at school with my son, 2003
Land Rover Discovery - wife's daily driver and dog
hauler, 1998 M-B SL500 - ex-daily driver, now sold
(but not delivered) to my brother.

I guess the realization I come to after writing this
note is that I am NOT the motorhead I once was!  You
probably know that gauged by the absence of my posts
here on the list.  Then again, I don't own a gun.

Regards,

rick

--- Rick Lindsay <rolindsay [at] yahoo.com> wrote:

> If there's anything I have learned in my tender 56
> years its that EVERYTHING in and on an automobile is
> a
> compromise.  I see any engine engineering work as a
> balance of:
> 
> how much torque - okay, horsepower, if you must
> where that torque is made (in rpm) - drivability
> engine speed - balance, rotating mass, etc.
> mass - A still equals F/M
> emissions - power gets you fun, clean makes you
> money
> reliability - can't always be in the shop for
> tune-ups
> cost - what will the buyer pay?
> obsolescence - it can't last forever or we won't buy
> new
> and other things - and on and on
> 
> Now, I have shared my two cents.
> 
> rick