Are Enthusiast Magazines Credible?

[Pete Kraus <Pete_Kraus@Emory.Org>]

eliot sez:
 
>not that i have much regard for Crap & Drivel's top ten lists anyway.
>so many mediocre cars have been there that they have no credibility
>whatsoever, even if genuinely good cars make it.  are hondas still
>there year after year after year?

How can I put this gently enough not to start something inflammatory? 
Probably can't.  The list gets periodic comments such as eliot's, and
everyone's entitled to an opinion.  It pains me to hear it from car
enthusiasts because they risk missing out on a lot of interesting
automotive stuff.  C&D, R&T, CAR in England (most entertaining
automotive writing in the business in my opinion), etc. purport to be
enthusiast magazines. I won't speculate as to whether they have other
agendas. They do try to be sensitive to context, i.e. is the vehicle
they're evaluating good at what it's supposed to be, how does it
compare with its competitors, etc.  Different cars appeal to different
enthusiasts.  Personally, I want to know why someone who likes cars
is gung-ho about a model I've never thought much about.  I might learn
something and have a lot of fun in the process.  Even if the car turns out
not to be my cup of high-test, I may still respect its hold on others.

Cars not designed strictly for enthusiast drivers may nonetheless rate
highly for other top-10-worthy reasons.  To use eliot's example, I have
no current longing to own a Honda, not even an NSX.  But I recommend
them unhesitatingly to people who want reliable, competent
transportation and might otherwise buy something less so out of
ignorance or lack of interest.  Unless they are receptive to learning
about the benefits of Quattro ownership, it may be better that such
people not own cars like Audi, because they are likely not to
understand or appreciate their idiosyncracies.  My problem with BMW
for the past few years is not with the product but with those who drive
them solely as status symbols (Controversy Alert).    

Back to an Audi thread.  My '85 4KSQ speedometer reads just under
65 mph at 3000 rpm with 195x60 tires on standard Ronal 14" wheels. 
Don't know the final drive ratio, but I'd be curious to compare revs to an
unmodified '84's at similar speed.  Can someone help?

Pete
Pete_Kraus@emory.org
Stone Mountain, GA
'85 4KSQ
'89 F250 4x4 diesel
'95 Z28