Wednesday, January 20, 2016

These Weren't All That Bad

8 Cars That Were Worse Than Their Predecessors

In a perfect world, each new car model would be better than the last. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world

2002 Subaru WRX

Lucky for Subaru the bug-eyed WRX was a stout performer, otherwise it may have died before designers had a chance to frantically develop a face lift for 2004. Still, the second-generation WRX was bigger, heavier, not as sharp in the handling department, and the two-door version everyone loved from the first-generation disappeared. And as far as the styling is concerned, even if you like the 2002 design, I question the visual acuity of anyone who says it looks better than a 22B.

2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII

The Evo VI is a very hard act to follow, so I need to defend the VII by saying it isn’t bad, just not as good. The Evo VII suffered some of the same issues as the second-generation WRX in that it got a little bigger and a little heavier, and as a result the proportions of the car weren’t as well adjusted as they could’ve been.

And for the first time the Evo was offered with a freaking automatic gearbox, which makes as much sense as using a mesh parachute to save weight. I understand Mitsubishi trying to broaden the Evo’s appeal, but I have to think that was a decision made by bean counters who have no concept of passion or performance.

Complete list (CarThrottle.com)

Luckily He Can Afford It

Mickelson loses $5K bet to 17-year-old Aussie amateur

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, during a practice round while trying to recruit 17-year-old Aussie Ryan Ruffels to Arizona State University where Lefty's brother Tim is the head coach, Mickelson proposed a friendly wager, and then promptly lost.

“We get on the first tee, it’s pretty early in the morning and he says, ‘I don't wake up this early to play for any less than $2,500,’” said Ruffels.

The 42-time PGA Tour winner gave Ruffels 2 to 1 odds, offering him $5,000 if he lost and letting the amateur defer his payment until he turned pro, decisions that proved costly considering the kid shot an opening-round 66 at last year's Canadian Open and made the 36-hole cut.

"I was a few down through nine but then I birdied six of my last seven to win by one shot and took his money, so that was pretty cool," Ruffels said.

Not only did Mickelson lose the bet, but he also lost the prospect. Ruffels has since turned pro and will make his first two PGA Tour starts on special exemptions at the Farmers Insurance Open and the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

(GolfChannel.com)

Did You Know - Rotary VS Piston Edition


(TFLCar.com)

Inside Of A Fire Alarm - That's It?


(Bits&Pieces.us)

I Want This One

Jerry Seinfeld is selling three rare and valuable Porsches



1974 911 Carrera 3.0 IROC RSR once driven by Peter Revson in the famous Roger Penske International Race of Champions. It should bring something north of $1m.

(AutoBlog.com)

Did You Know - NFL Edition

Factoids of the Week That May Interest Only Me

III

After a 37-year absence, the Rams will resume playing football games in the Los Angeles Coliseum next fall. The winning quarterback in the last NFL game played by the Rams in the Los Angeles Coliseum, in 1979?

Archie Manning.

Saints 29, Rams 14.

(MMQB.SI.com)

These Are Easy To Do

15 Tips And Tricks To Make Your Life A Whole Lot Easier
  • Make your sandpaper last ten times longer by putting duct tape on the back
  • Potatoes are cheaper than Ramen, have more nutritional value, and will keep you full longer
  • Enjoy tastier frozen microwaved foods by using your microwave’s power settings. Double the time and halve the power and you’ll notice a delightful difference in taste and texture
  • If you come across an unexpected increase in money, don’t go telling people about it
Complete list (CavemanCircus.com)

Say What?

Chunks of whale puke sell for as much as $150,000. After aging, the chunks become known as ambergris, developing a sweet musky smell. The material is highly sought after by high-end perfume manufacturers. (article)

(CavemanCircus.com)

Visiting A Piece A Heaven On Earth

Z Car Garage: Where Datsun Geeks Rule



(SpeedHunters.com)