Car Talk 6: Best of times and Worst of Times

[Melon2.0]

Is C&D just AI slop now?

It's definitely hit or miss but, it's always been that way.
I'm fine with the smaller screen but, the one in the CT5 would have been dope if it carried over.
The infotainment works really well, it's responsive and quick.

The Passport is legit, it's a tablet for android auto, the nav screen in the gauges will pull from Google maps on my phone. 10/10 integration.

[Gberg2119]

The best sports sedans include the BMW M4, MB CLE53 AMG Convertible, and the Lexus RC-F?



What kind of reasoning is that?

Is something missing ?

RS3 and M340i are definitely notable omissions. There's no way a C43 or S4/S5 are better drivers cars.

[MrH42]

The best sports sedans include the BMW M4, MB CLE53 AMG Convertible, and the Lexus RC-F?



What kind of reasoning is that?

Is something missing ?

Why is the list of best sports sedans filled with coupes and convertibles? What's the point of having a best sports sedan list if half of them aren't sedans?

[Melon2.0]

Is something missing ?

Why is the list of best sports sedans filled with coupes and convertibles? What's the point of having a best sports sedan list if half of them aren't sedans?

I think the reasoning is that chassis is available in sedan form.

[max225]

Is something missing ?

Why is the list of best sports sedans filled with coupes and convertibles? What's the point of having a best sports sedan list if half of them aren't sedans?

Ah yea that one was a bit odd... I think they tried to "disclaim" it initially but it still makes little sense.

[max225]

Is something missing ?

RS3 and M340i are definitely notable omissions. There's no way a C43 or S4/S5 are better drivers cars.

I think those two are notable call outs. I am also surprised they are including C63....
No M5 but perhaps it's a controversial vehicle

Is the Panamera not considered a sedan because of the back shape?

I think the WRX is missing as well...

[Gberg2119]

RS3 and M340i are definitely notable omissions. There's no way a C43 or S4/S5 are better drivers cars.

I think those two are notable call outs. I am also surprised they are including C63....
No M5 but perhaps it's a controversial vehicle

Is the Panamera not considered a sedan because of the back shape?

I think the WRX is missing as well...

I'd say the C63 is more controversial than the M5 due to the 4 popper. At least the M5 is a hybrid porker with a V8.

The RS5 sportback is there so no idea why the Panamera isn't.

Just a AI list for clicks like MrH said.

[max225]

We shall together

[max225]

In other "news" I am kind of thinking about a 4 Runner TRD off Road NON HYBRID. I initially kind of thought about TRD BRO tacomas or maybe a TRD BRO 4Runner... but the 70k price of entry is not worthy of (what is IMO one of the best colors for 2026 called wave maker, see below)

I have been doing some research on the new powertrain... and it seem like the "hybrid" doesn't work above a certain speed, and it adds 600-700lbs of weight ... reducing highway MPG etc. It also adds a shit ton of complexity without improving anything in the "real" world.. MPG same, price +4k, gloss black wheel arches that will chip to shit, rear cargo area reduced by 10cu feet... different brake system etc.

So there is an option for a TRD OFF ROAD in heritage blue... The price for the "premium" trim is a somewhat eye watering 57k.... yet I do feel more confidence here as it starts with a 5. The main competitor would be 's Passport... I'd be kind of curious how they stack up. The Passport has superior rear leg room, and possibly a superior interior... however it is built in the USA vs Japan and styling wise is a bit interior (IMO of course). They are both pretty good looking SUVs.

NEW COLOR (smurfy almost)




Current color on the off road named heritage blue

[Melon2.0]

4Runner will be more rugged being body on frame, but tit for tat, they're pretty comparable.
You're a Toyota fan, I'm more of a Honda boi, so no shame in admitting that either. You're right tho, the styling of the 4Runner is inferior.

Get a 4Runner in smurf bloo, let's go hit up some trails!

[max225]

4Runner will be more rugged being body on frame, but tit for tat, they're pretty comparable.
You're a Toyota fan, I'm more of a Honda boi, so no shame in admitting that either. You're right tho, the styling of the 4Runner is inferior.

Get a 4Runner in smurf bloo, let's go hit up some trails!

I think you spelled "mall" wrong. Kind of funny though, I haven't gone to a mall in probably 2-3 years.

I am probably more of a Honda than Toyota fanboy... Given I prefer say the Hype R to the Rolla etc. But this is a bit of splitting hairs given the vehicle at hand. I'd probably need to drive both to see what makes the most sense.
MPG is a big consideration here in $5.50 a gallon land... but I venture to say they are both similar. Availability despite Passport being brand new and 4Runner being out for a year now is surprising. It seems much easier to be able to find a Passport.

[Melon2.0]

I'm getting about 18 in the Passport in the city FWIW. I got about 22 driving to Houston. It does run on 87, which helps.

[Desertbreh]

https://www.caranddriver.com/rankings/b ... erformance

Your car is cool no doubt.

1. New C63 is overcomplicated beyond anything I have ever seen. Replacing the V8 with a four cylinder hybrid is DIABOLICAL. And, well, gay.
2. The RS5 is a looker.

[Melon2.0]

2. The RS5 is a looker.

[Melon2.0]

[max225]

I'm getting about 18 in the Passport in the city FWIW. I got about 22 driving to Houston. It does run on 87, which helps.

Kind of interesting. Pretty similar to my Tacoma which weighted about the same and had a similar engine.

V6+ suv is essentially 16-20 mpg

[Melon2.0]

About 2mpg lower than my GMC, which makes sense due to the Honda being AWD.

[Desertbreh]

About 2mpg lower than my GMC, which makes sense due to the Honda being AWD.

Who cares, you live in Lousiana. You get free gas with the purchase of cigarettes and pork jowls.

[golftdibrad1]

About 2mpg lower than my GMC, which makes sense due to the Honda being AWD.

Who cares, you live in Lousiana. You get free gas with the purchase of cigarettes and pork jowls.

its cracklin, and its the rind/skin still attached to the belly fat and bacon. The jowls get made into head cheese with the rest of the head. Details matter in the swamp even if you cant understand the pronunciation.

[max225]

About 2mpg lower than my GMC, which makes sense due to the Honda being AWD.

Did you run minivan tires on the truk?

[Melon2.0]

Who cares, you live in Lousiana. You get free gas with the purchase of cigarettes and pork jowls.

You're right, generally I don't
I still keep general track of MPG to see if there's a drastic change and while towing.

[Melon2.0]

About 2mpg lower than my GMC, which makes sense due to the Honda being AWD.

Did you run minivan tires on the truk?

I had Hankook A/S tires and then Continental A/S.
This is my driving too and I'm not light on the throttle.

[Melon2.0]

A/T (All terrain) not A/S tires, my mistake.

I ran these:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.js ... Crew%20Cab

Then these:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.js ... Crew%20Cab

[Melon2.0]

This is what is on the Passport from the factory:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSear ... rmance=ALL

[Desertbreh]

Who cares, you live in Lousiana. You get free gas with the purchase of cigarettes and pork jowls.

its cracklin, and its the rind/skin still attached to the belly fat and bacon. The jowls get made into head cheese with the rest of the head. Details matter in the swamp even if you cant understand the pronunciation.

I'll allow it.