Iceman427, a special thanks for your wonderful narrative. That brought back some memories! You capture what I’d call the simplicity (or maybe straightforwardness) of the SVO, that modern cars have evolved out of. As you say:
“In no way, however, would it compare to a newer performance vehicle in either comfort, quietness, quality, or performance. With all the vehcile being offered since that part of the 1980's, I wouldn't go back to that car... “
To me, that’s a dilemma. I appreciate comfort and quietness, but at the time, long for the elemental experience of those earlier cars. That’s the appeal of the 911. From behind the wheel, there’s no mistaking that your there to drive the car; not to tune the stereo or enjoy the quiet.
Are modern cars/Mustangs so very good at everything, that it detracts from their personality?
Zeke, Legion, 996AE Of the cars mentioned, I find the Mustangs most appealing and started reading about them last night. I really like that 1999 SVT and don’t quite understand why Ford would discontinue the IRS in the car and not bring it back again until 2015. Weird.
There seem to be so many Mustang ‘versions’ and monikers that, ‘you can’t tell the players without a scorecard!’ I have trouble keeping track of them, but I find the 1999 SVT and the 2009 Bullitt particularly attractive.
What about the balance of these later Mustangs? The 2.3 liter turbo in 1988 SVO was so much lighter than the 5.0 V8 that the auto magazines extolled the ca's balance on the track. Could someone elaborate on how the more recent Mustangs perform, in this regard?
The Pontiac G8 got my attention. They seem to command healthy $$ for an American car that age. It struck me a being a large and powerful ‘executive’ GT – which is a little more than I need at the moment.
BerretaFan, OneWhipped, The Lincoln LS surprised me! I read that it had some bugs, but I like it a lot! Even found this one in Ohio:
https://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/d/2000-lincoln-ls-1-owner-rare-5-speed/6844502270.html
I’d like to write more, but my daughter is home for the weekend, with her boyfriend. I’ve gotta start dinner, so we can talk about cars!
Thanks again!!