RE: Naming schemes (WAS: Why They Didn't Build the Avus)

[Tom Haapanen <tomh@metrics.com>]

So currently we can agree that BMW's model names are only loosely based
on engine sizes, with a mixture of models like 318i and 318i Compact vs
others like M5 and Z3.

Historically?  Sure, the 1600 (a 1.6L 4-door), 1802 (1.8L 2-door) and
2000CS (2.0L coupe) made sense, but where did the "M1" come from all of
a sudden?  And wat about the older models, like the original 328?  Was
that consistent or logical?

Ignoring the oddball North American names of the 80s, Audi has had two
naming standards: since the mid-sixties, the models were named 50, 60,
75, 80, 90, 100 and 200 (plus V8 and quattro).  

Since the Great Renaming of, what, three years ago, we have:
    A3 - a compact car
    A4 - a midsize car
    A6 - a larger car
    A8 - a large luxury car
Replace the 'A' with an 'S' to get a sport model.  If greater accuracy
is desired, append engine size and "quattro".  What's so illogical about
this?

-----
Tom Haapanen -- Software Metrics Inc. -- Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
A Microsoft Solution Provider Partner -- http://www.metrics.com/


> -----Original Message-----
> Date: Sun, 10 Aug 1997 15:26:21 -0400 (EDT)
> From: Kwattro@aol.com
> Subject: Re: Why They Didn't Build the Avus (W engines exis
> 
> The Z3 is based on the 3 series platform, loosly.  the 318 started
> life with
> a 1.8, the 1.9 is a bored out version.  The 540I has a 4 liter v8, as
> does
> the 740.  The 750 had a 5 liter v12, although it's 5.4 now right?
> Anyways,
> what the hell does 4000 signify?  How about 100?  Where did S4 come
> from?  Is
> there an S3?   If you think about and follow history, BMW is most
> likely the
> most consistant, logical naming company.
>