American VS Continental/European Sports Car ~!?

Question

American cars used to be crude in the 60s and they are build with a single objective .... more horse power, faster and better timing and the most important thing in mind, to counter expensive and luxury Continental/European cars such as Ferrari and Porsche where they are famous for their power and also control and also comfort ~

Fast Forward to Present day .... how are the sports car from 2 different continent fare now ?? are American sports car still as crude and hard to control as the 60s ?? are the Ferraris doing any better or worse ?? you have your word ...

please do not quote from any auto magazines website or anyone at all ... own experience only ... true and genuine ~~ thank you ~

Answer 1

There is alot of blurring nowadays in terms of what you have offered... but also blurring as to what is an "American" or "European" car (with so much gloablization of manufacturing and design - ie: is it still a European car if it's designed in California and assembled in Canada from parts made in Brazil?).

But the fact remains, there are still some very different considerations about what is important to US and European consumers. Perfect example would be that it wasn't until 1998 (I think, give or take a year) when Mercedes finally added cup holders to their cars because of US Consumer expectations! Or even that almost every rental car I've had in Europe in recent years is still a manual transmission while I don't think I've ever had any other than an automatic while renting in the US.

There are far more small roads in Europe compared to the often long open straights of the US. Road courses and rallying is the dominant form of motorsport there, while stock cars around ovals and drag racing top the lists in the US. All of which add up to a slightly different list of priorities when a car is designed.

I don't know I would call any American sports cars "crude." And probably all sports cars dating from the 60s and 70s would be considered difficult to drive by modern standards (I regularly instruct at track events and personally drive an older sports car at these events). Looking at the modern cars, they are all more powerful, better handling, and more luxurious than their forebearers. But they all pretty much also have a similar list of priorities.

Answer 2

Reliability you say? Everyone knows that european cars have fallen way down in that area, especially BMW and Mercedes. The new vettes are the equal of almost any european sports car for much less money. There are some trade-offs, such as some interior material issues, but otherwise they are rock solid reliable. Plus the parts for any repairs are going to be less expensive.

Answer 3

Thats a tough question... but I think that the europeans have steped up in the past years. Their designs are amazing and the power they have is incredible.