[Shotimes] (OT) Do I still love my SHO?

[Ron Nottingham]

Not to belittle any vehicle used in the GRM "test" :-)  but have you ever
driven either a 356 or an XKE?

The 356 predates the 911 and if I'm not mistaken, the 356 utilized a "swing
axle" rear suspension, as used in the VW Beetle.  I haven't driven a 356 and
can only guess at the handling feel of one, but given it's 40+ year old
suspension design and tires (the test vehicle used reproduction Coker
Tires), it really isn't too much of a surprise the stock tired Odyssey kept
up with the 356, and  when shod with aftermarket 17's, handily beat the 356.
The 356 was saved from complete disgrace by low weight alone.

I have driven an XKE, and can comment on them.  While I would love to have
an XKE, the shape is pure unadulterated sex on wheels, the handling is just
this side of pathetic.  Given the fact that they handled a little better
than muscle cars of the era is not really saying much.  That I6 engine in
those cars is extremely heavy.  Even though the entire engine is behind the
front axle, trying to get all that weight to slow down and make a turn is an
exercise in futility.  The XKE is not a low speed handling car, but more of
a high speed handling car.  Get the XKE on a race track and away from an
autox course, it will shine.  At faster speeds, the XKE feels much better,
and it handles higher speed turns better than lower speed corners.  The XKE
does not inspire confidence in high speed, tight handling situations.  I
figured the 356 would trounce the XKE in an autox course, which it did, by 3
seconds.

What I would like to see, though, is a test between the Odyssey and
something like a Fiat X1/9, Porsche 914 or even a 924, Triumph TR8, TVR
Tasmin, or Lotus Elan or Europa.  Of all the sportscars GRM could have
chose, I think they stacked the deck by chosing the two challengers they did
(everyone knows an XKE is not an autox car, and the 356 would be happered by
it's ancient suspension design).

As minivans go, I would purchase an Odyssey before any other minivans.

Ron N. - Dalton, GA
90 SHO
89 325i
"It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile"

----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul L Fisher" <sho@paul-fisher.com>


> Grassroots Motorsports just bought an Odyssey and they love it. Actually,
in
> the last issue, they put it head to head against a Porsche 356 and a
Jaguar
> XKE. It quite handily spanked the two exotics in handling.
>
> They tested it 0-60 also and it was at 8.2 seconds. Not too bad for a
brick
> on wheels.
>
> I would seriously consider one myself.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mark Matthews" <mash4@pacbell.net>
>
>
> > Sable would be cheaper to operate. Odysseys have a really high resale
> > value so you probably won't get a deal on it.
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
> >
> > So, my dear old mother calls me today, and asks me how much I know about
> > Tauri and Sables.  I tell her quite a bit.  She says a friend of my
> > grandmother is getting a new car today and is either trading in her '96
> > Sable or selling it for the trade-in price the dealer quoted: $3500.
> >
> > Anyway, it's a '96 with a bunch of options.  24V Duratech, 16" rims, red
> > with tan leather interior, EATC, moonroof, etc.  Pretty much loaded, and
> > it has but 49k miles.
> >
> > I have been feeling a bit jealous that she found this deal.  I keep
> > thinking that I wish I could buy this car.  Am I cheating on my SHO?
> > Would I really be any happier driving around this Sable around?  I don't
> > know.
> >
> > I just need some support right now...some people to tell me that's it's
> > okay that I'm still driving my old SHO around.  It is, isn't it?  I
> > mean, look at what my SHO could become if I dumped $3500 into it today.
> > A whole new paint job and some fresh black leather inside would make it
> > absolutely beautiful again, and far more enjoyable than some Sable.
> >
> > On a brighter side, this same older couple may be selling their 2001
> > Odyssey with only 19k miles.  If it's anywhere as good a deal as the
> > Sable, my wife (with our first child on the way) may soon be an official
> > member of the "Soccer Mom Club".