The downfall of Volkswagen

[Rockwell]

That's a ridiculous statement.

The American car companies can't get squat out of an engine, that's true.  But the Germans clearly lead the way in efficient engine design.

585830340[/snapback]

I agree and disagree, while newer, lower priced cars are being taken over by Germans and the Japenese, I believe Americans had the tuning ability in 70's, 80's. Look at the 1970 Chevy Nova SS, one of the smallest muscle cars with a 396 that was one of the fastest factory production cars ever made. Not to mention any Yenko tuned vehicle. Americans once had the skills, now... its all luxury, gas mileage, and style.

[Darkluminaz34]

That's a ridiculous statement.

The American car companies can't get squat out of an engine, that's true.  But the Germans clearly lead the way in efficient engine design.

The Japanese make good, reliable engines, but the only way they get big HP numbers is by making engines like the Honda/Acura VTECs with a big bark (very high revving) but no bite (torque).

The classic example is obviously the BMW I6 engine.  How many Japanese 6 cyls do 340HP?

One of my best friends has an Acura RSX-S.  It's a fine car and I'd be happy to drive one.  But I'd much rather drive an A4 2.0T which has the same HP, waaaaay more torque (~210ft lbs vs ~127), and a vastly superior interior.

Regarding V8s... show me a Japanese V8 as impressive as Audi's 420HP 4.2L (from this year's RS4).  Or a V10 as impressive as their 5.0L that powers the Gallardo.  Or one that rivals the turbo W12 in the Continental GT.  Or the Audi turbo W16 in the upcoming Bugatti Veyron with over 1000HP.

585830340[/snapback]

Actually American car companies can get a lot of power from a V8 just as much if not more so than most German companies for a much smaller price. The Hemi line, The Vortec and LS line from GM. They use OHV technology.. Simple design, easier to maintain, cheaper to build and power when you need it. The LS7 in the Z06 vette makes 505 hp from 2 valves per cylinder N/A yet it's physically smaller than some DOHC v6's. Don't even get me started on japan.. They can't even build a N/A 400 hp motor...

[linsook]

Actually American car companies can get a lot of power from a V8 just as much if not more so than most German companies for a much smaller price. The Hemi line, The Vortec and LS line from GM. They use OHV technology.. Simple design, easier to maintain, cheaper to build and power when you need it. The LS7 in the Z06 vette makes 505 hp from 2 valves per cylinder N/A yet it's physically smaller than some DOHC v6's. Don't even get me started on japan.. They can't even build a N/A 400 hp motor...

585847903[/snapback]

cant? the japanese have no desire to build a large engine like what you 'dont want to get started about'.

[threetonesun]

Don't even get me started on japan.. They can't even build a N/A 400 hp motor...

585847903[/snapback]

Yeah, who makes the Honda/Toyota F1 engines again?

[JakeM741]

^ lol he has a point :p

Old Jetta > New Jetta in my opinion

[MulletRobZ]

And one thing I noticed strange is that in Europe, the design focus is on the New Golf, which has similar design as the New Jetta here in the US and Canada. An extra difference I noted was that VW doesn't sell the Polo in Canada, especially with the increase in demand for smaller vehicles. Still, the old Jetta is a better design than the new one; but I do like the display of the New Golf.