RE: Bashing Detroit

[Don Muirhead <dmr@kwic.com>]

I'm not saying the "Big 3" doesn't deserve some bashing, but folks 20-30 
years ago the quality of Audi's, BMW's or VW's weren't that hot either and 
who in North America can remember even seeing a BMW in the '70's.  I bet 
there are oodles of folks in my age bracket that would tend to agree.

What the big 3 gave us was power and lots of it.  Tin cans and rust buckets 
yes, but for the price of the can you got what you paid for.  Even back 
then VW was notorious for their quality which is why sister's '66 bug has 
been used a planter in her garden since 1970 and why my first Audi (Fox) 
rusted out after only 3 years and couldn't keep up with a 6 cylinder Dart 
going down hill.

>From the Ford flat-head 8 through to the Chevy 283, the Chrysler slant 6 
and 318 were very dependable and inexpensive power plants to maintain. 
 Wanted a rocket then for a few bucks more you go for that hemi or 
high-output V8.  Lots of choices and power plants to choose from.  Even now 
they offer a ton of more choices than Audi, VW and BMW since they have a 
much greater market and price bracket to serve.

Life wouldn't be fun if the world only drove an Audi and I bet half of us 
on this list would be looking for something else drive if it did.

There - I've said my peace.

Don Muirhead
'99 A4
'96 S6
'86 CGT
'86 CGT

BTW - anybody interested in a slightly modified Mopar 426 elephant (750 - 
900 hp depending on set-up).  Only 16.5 hours on engine with a matched set 
of stock 4bbl carb's (never used), complete with extra set of 10.25:1 cr. 
pistons, cast iron dual plug street hemi head, blower, custom headers, fuel 
delivery system, electronics and much more. Complete with a custom Wilcox 
clutch and tranny (4 speed - no reverse), engine and tranny stand. Runs on 
extremely volatile fuel - could be refitted to run on premium if you buy a 
head with hardened valve seats.  Although not exactly street legal, it 
would fit nicely in any larger Audi with a few modifications - be a bit of 
a bitch trying to make that first "S" curve but your 0-60 time would be 
much better and your favorite tire retailer would be much happier.  Price 
negotiable, but I'm also named the beneficiary on your insurance if it's 
for an Audi engine swap.