[pwd72s]

Guys, we fled to German cars back in the 60's and 70's because they offered better quality than the domestics. Sadly, that's no longer the case.

If it's long life without hassles today, better look to Japanese first, domestics (thinking Ford) next, then Germans. Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes seem to be trading on past reputation.

I'm basing this strictly on the utilitarian value of the automobile as the appliance it really is. Not factoring in driving thrills, status appeal, and other reasons Porsche is chosen. So..you pay your money and make your choices.

In the case of my '09 Bullitt model, I'd call it a compromise car. Surprisingly, it's performance numbers of 0-60, 1/4 mile, G forces it's capable of, are all very similar to my old '72 911S, probably a hair superior. One bit of fun I had was outpulling a Boxster S up the Salem hills of I-5, watching his expression change from "I got this" to WTF?" But the overall feel? More isolated due to more weight, power steering, the stick rear axle, other factors.

Comfort? Hooboy, much better than the old S. Seating alone, since the Bullitt models were given the same leather as the Mustang GT500 of the same year. Toss in great air conditioning and a pretty good stereo, and it's a luxury car by comparison.

Problems? None in the 26,000 miles I've driven. Not anticipating any, since others with stock Bullitts on the Bullitt board have gone well past 100,000 with little more than routine service. I've replaced the original battery with an optima, and I'm on my 2nd set of tires (Conti SWS 06 all season) and that's it. Those who have done blowers or even more extensive power adding mods have the problems, but not me.

Exciting? Nope, not really. There are tons of S197 'Stangs out there, so nothing exclusive. It's definitely no Porsche. But at this stage of my life, I consider that a good thing.

Flame away...