weight and abuse....

[E38Ross]

Hear me out here....LOADS of people on PH always yap on about how newer cars are too heavy and are rubbish because of it, they're getting softer etc etc yet this isn't the case for every car.

2 classic points - a mk2 seat ibiza weighs considerably less than a mk4; yet having driven both, the mk4 is better in every way, including fun. but it weighs a good 15+% more i believe.

also - people moan the E92 M3 is soft BECAUSE it weighs too much; yet the difference in weight is a passenger. i haven't, however, heard a single person claim the E46 M3 becomes a fat lard arse and too soft the moment 1 single passenger steps inside.

i agree, that a lighter car will stop quicker, accelerate quicker etc, but to simply say it'll be dull because it's too heavy as so many do on here is, IMO, utter horse st.

rant over and i'll get ready for some abuse

[kambites]

Agreed. Modern cars are rubbish because they're too heavy and because they're over-sprung, under-damped, over-assisted, over-wheeled,...

Family cars have generally got better though. They aren't designed to drive well and they mostly don't and mostly never did; but they are designed to carry stuff and people in comfort and they've got better at that.


I think modern hatchbacks/saloon/other shopping cars are as fit-for-purpose as ever. It's modern "sports cars" that make me despair.

Edited by kambites on Friday 20th July 16:08

[E38Ross]

fair points kambites; surprised no-one else has commented on this to be honest.....

[mph1977]

i have to agree with both the OP and the other poster so far ...

[Nedzilla]

A lighter car will only go faster,stop faster, corner better etc than a heavy car if all other things ie power,brakes and suspension are the same.
True,modern cars are much heavier but have more power,better tyres,brakes and suspension and in general ARE better than old cars.