Classics dwarfed by moderns
Discussion
NotNormal said:
Picture Harry Metcalfe posted in twit world
It's another picture where the modern car is parked further back to give the impression that it is much larger than the classic.The reality is:
Width: XJS = 70.6 in (1,793 mm) Mito = 67.8 in (1,721 mm)
Length: XJS = 191.72 in (4,870 mm) Mito = 160.0 in (4,063 mm)
Wheelbase: XJS = 102 in (2,591 mm) Mito = 98.9 in (2,511 mm)
Height: XJS = 50 in (1,300 mm) Mito = 56.9in (1,446 mm)
Apart from height, the Jaguar is the bigger car and is far from being "dwarfed" by the modern!
I think part of the "problem" is that modern cars are far more bulky than they used to be. If you imagine a shoe box shape with the outer dimensions of a certain car, the modern car will fill more of the space inside the box.
Besides, those two cars aren't comparable. The Mito is the modern iteration of, let's say, a Sud. The XJ-S should be compared to a, what? XK-R?
Besides, those two cars aren't comparable. The Mito is the modern iteration of, let's say, a Sud. The XJ-S should be compared to a, what? XK-R?
Styling trends make a difference to perceived size too.
I have an XJ40 which is still quite a large car. It is styled to hide its bulk, rather than to maximise/flaunt it. It frequently looks smaller than cars which are in reality quite a bit smaller than it is. The low slung height of the Jag adds to this illusion.
I have an XJ40 which is still quite a large car. It is styled to hide its bulk, rather than to maximise/flaunt it. It frequently looks smaller than cars which are in reality quite a bit smaller than it is. The low slung height of the Jag adds to this illusion.
DeanoX said:
A couple of my favourites of my Midget on this theme....
Wifes MX5 and the midget during some minor restorations a good few years ago
I was in a MX5 for the first time recently and thought how small is was. But 28 years ago when I bought a MG Midget, I did so in preference to the MGB, which I thought was a bit big. Wifes MX5 and the midget during some minor restorations a good few years ago
Red, Italian, sporty. 1983 meets 2012. 1983 is a roomy fast estate with comfortable seating for 4/5 and ample luggage space. 2012 is a nippy minicar with no room in the pimp-windowed back. It probably weighs more than the nimble and lightweight Lancia.
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 25th April 16:13
Breadvan72 said:
Red, Italian, sporty. 1983 meets 2012. 1983 is a roomy fast estate with comfortable seating for 4/5 and ample luggage space. 2012 is a nippy minicar with no room in the pimp-windowed back. It probably weighs more than the nimble and lightweight Lancia.
The 'little 500' almost looks as though it's been photoshopped in, even though I know it hasn't!Edited by Breadvan72 on Friday 25th April 16:13
The last time I was in the car park at P.Risborough station (about a year ago) there was a '60s 88inch Landrover parked end on to a Freelander 2 which dwarfed it.
dbdb said:
Styling trends make a difference to perceived size too.
I have an XJ40 which is still quite a large car. It is styled to hide its bulk, rather than to maximise/flaunt it. It frequently looks smaller than cars which are in reality quite a bit smaller than it is. The low slung height of the Jag adds to this illusion.
As demonstrated hereI have an XJ40 which is still quite a large car. It is styled to hide its bulk, rather than to maximise/flaunt it. It frequently looks smaller than cars which are in reality quite a bit smaller than it is. The low slung height of the Jag adds to this illusion.
Thought Id posted here already, but I cant see it.
This wasn't a small car when it was new. Lowish but larger than family saloon cars such as the Astra Belmont or the Orion and probably as large as a Cavalier or a Sierra.
Now it is dwarfed by politically acceptable Tax Band A vehicles!
This wasn't a small car when it was new. Lowish but larger than family saloon cars such as the Astra Belmont or the Orion and probably as large as a Cavalier or a Sierra.
Now it is dwarfed by politically acceptable Tax Band A vehicles!
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