Many of us own used cars, some of which, by the year of production, can be said to be considered quite old by today's standards. However, being able to buy myself, new car we continue to drive old cars as the best and most reliable compared to modern cars.
Operating a used car that is more than 5-7 years old and getting behind the wheel of a new modern car, many are amazed at how much.
But all the same, realizing this, many of us remain adherents and admirers of old cars, believing that new modern cars are poor in quality, low-powered and characterless.
Ours invites you to dispel the prevailing stereotype about modern machinesoh. We have collected for you ten misconceptions about modern cars.
1) New cars without character and ambition
As bitter as it may be for fans of old cars, on the contrary, they are equipped with various electronics and amazing gadgets.
Although we must admit that the new cars have lost some character and sense of mechanical technology. But compared to the fact that you have purchased new cars, you can forget about it.
It is also worth noting that the development of new automotive technology does not stand still. The evolution of the automotive industry will develop faster and faster every year, as the competition between manufacturers becomes more and more every day.
This confirms that these days the gap between the majority of car manufacturers has become very minimal. Eg Korean cars, which literally in some 5-7 years have done what many auto companies have been doing for 20-25 years.
2) Modern cars are not as sturdy as they used to be
The most common misconception of old car fans. Every automaker dreams of making his car the most reliable and safest from the very beginning of the car production of its line of cars. Back in 1970, a Hungarian company for the Mercedes company developed a technology that makes Mercedes cars one of the safest.
New cars are much safer than their predecessors, thanks to the use of special alloys in the body, a special body structure and thanks to modern airbags.
3) Diesel engines in modern cars are low-powered and noisy
The biggest misconception of many Americans who hate. Also, these engines are not very popular among Russian motorists.
Despite this, people's misconceptions that the diesel engine is dirty, noisy and low-powered are largely to blame. However, it is not. A new generation of diesel engines is installed in new modern cars, some of which sometimes exceed the power of gasoline engines. Most modern diesel engines became environmentally cleaner. Car exhaust running on diesel fuel on modern cars, it does not differ at all from gasoline engines. The sound of a modern diesel powertrain is not the same as it was 10 years ago.
4) Rear wheel drive is better
One of the most common misconceptions among older car owners is that new modern front-wheel drive cars are inferior in handling characteristics to old rear-wheel drive cars. But this is also not the case.
Fans of old cars with rear-wheel drive argue that rear-wheel drive, with good driving skill, is safer to drive through corners and the like.
Front Wheel Drive - Understeer. Rear drive - oversteer. If you lose control of the vehicle, you find yourself on the side of the road or in a ditch with any wheel drive system.
In new modern cars, there is a lot of innovative electronics that helps you not to be in a ditch when skidding or the like. It is noteworthy that in any drive, these systems make the car equally safe.
5) Modern cars are less adapted for winter
In new cars, as a rule, there are many electronic safety systems such as ABS, exchange rate stability system, traction control system, etc. etc.
Many automakers these days therefore recommend that owners use all season tires on their vehicles. Many old car enthusiasts argue that it is more dangerous to drive a car on all-season tires on modern cars than on an old car on studded winter tires.
But this is also another misconception among fans of old cars. Remember that even a four-wheel drive car with studded winter tires does not make you a winter rally driver.
The laws of physics have not yet been canceled. The difference between new and old cars is the presence on new cars of various electronic security systems that help you cope with unexpected skidding or emergency braking in the winter.
6) You need to buy only Russian cars
Oddly enough, but in our country there are many people who still remain adherents Russian cars, such as Lada, Volga, UAZ and others.
Despite the fact that most people who own used cars of Russian car brands can afford to buy a new one foreign car, they are still fans of the domestic car industry. Many of them think that in this way they support the Russian car industry. This is also a delusion.
By buying a new modern foreign-made car, you also support the Russian automotive industry, since most foreign cars sold on Russian market produced in our country.
Buying, for example, Korean, German, Japanese, you support the Russian car market, giving it an impetus for future development.
7) New cars are difficult to service yourself
Indeed many modern engines in new cars are sealed and covered with various panels from access to important vehicle systems. Access requires special tools.
But to check the oil level in the engine, in the transmission, to check the brake fluid and other vehicle systems, you can still do without special devices. The main thing is to timely and regularly service your car in accordance with MOT.
8) The manual transmission is more efficient than modern transmissions
It is more dynamic and efficient, but only in one case if you are a professional driver and know how to use it to all your possibilities.
But modern double-clutch transmissions, which are installed in many cars these days, are much more efficient, dynamic and reliable. Even a person who has difficulty driving a car can ride on this gearbox.
9) Young people don't want to buy new cars
Indeed, a large number of young people do not buy. But the reason is not that young people think that new cars are not reliable and bad.
The reason is a lack of funds or a lack of driving experience, because of which they do not want to damage it by buying a new car.
But as soon as young people gain experience in driving and find permanent jobthey are happy to buy new cars. Most often on credit, knowingly knowing that they are losing money due to overpayment on the loan.
10) New cars still need to warm up the engine
In many old cars, in order to drive, it is necessary to warm up the engine, especially in the autumn-winter period.
As a rule, heating takes place from 5 to 10 minutes. This is a crazy waste of time and fuel. (most) warming up the car to cold is practically not required.
New engines, new oil and new injections have allowed many automakers to recommend that buyers of modern cars not warm up the car, even in the cold season.
Even in very coldy, just turn on the engine, wait less than a minute and hit the road. The only limitation is engine speed, which should not be high until engine operating temperature is reached.
It's no secret that many motorists love and hate modern ones. And for good reason. Perhaps those times were a unique era in the auto industry, when the best cars in the history of the car market were created. And we are not talking about some separate models. For example, whatever your budget, from hatchbacks to fast supercars, in those years you could buy a huge number of models that became classics and are still considered the best in the history of the auto industry.
And the period from 1982 to 1997 can rightfully be considered time best cars in the world. As a result, according to fans of old cars, modern vehicles compared to old ones are a miserable semblance of automobile achievements. Let's find out the main reasons why many people think that old cars are better than new ones.
1. Styling (Modeling)
It is not often said that cars from the 1980s have a high point in auto design. Yes, in those years there were some amazing beautiful cars, which after years even today look stylish and quite modern. As the saying goes, these cars have stood the test of time.
But most of the cars of those years had a simple design with right angles and had the usual inconspicuous design that did not cause much feeling even then.
But, nevertheless, comparing the design of modern cars with old vehicles, many will surely still find many advantages of old cars. Especially in the uniqueness of the design of each model.
All automakers these days rely on design. It is design that drives trade in the automotive industry. That is, unlike old cars, in the production of which the main thing was to provide the consumer with modern technologies, in modern cars the main thing for companies is successful marketing design.
Usually, before designing and creating a car design, focus groups are created in each company, which, based on research, decide which design is needed for a particular model.
But since in the ranks of focus groups car companies there are basically the same people as you and me (ordinary consumers) as a result of the modern principle in the auto industry " good design - excellent sales "cars of different brands have become similar to each other.
The thing is that our whole world is subject to trends in fashion. Naturally, there is fashion in automotive world... Accordingly, consumers want to buy cars with certain design trends for a certain time. But, and since in our time the main driver of car sales is design, the modern car market has become similar to each other.
Look at modern cars on the road. Have you ever noticed that most of the new vehicles are really similar to each other? The most surprising thing is that many models can only be distinguished when viewed from close range.
Here's an example.
Can you tell in the photo above where the BMW 1-Series is and where the Volkswagen Polo is?
And what is disappointing, if you compare the BMW 4-Series Coupe to the Audi A5 Coupe, you will also find many similar design elements. The same goes for Ford and Kia cars, which are easy to distinguish only from the front or rear. If you look at many cars from the side, then you can really get confused which brand and model is in front of you.
Ford recently updated some of its models with a stylish Aston Martin-inspired grille. Agree the strange decision of the American brand designers. After all, all car manufacturers require modern ultra design from designers and designers. Why, then, did Ford designers choose to fit their cars with a radiator grille styled in the early 1990s?
Really similar grilles we've seen on Aston Martin cars. It is noteworthy that for the first time we saw such a style of grilles on cars of this brand in 1993 (on the Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish models). Also in the late 90s, some Jaguar cars also featured a similar style of grille.
Why in the 21st century Ford had to use old design elements in the exterior modern products? The point is that modern automotive design has led to the fact that many cars have become similar to each other. As a result, the American automaker decided to freshen up its new cars a bit with the help of old classic automotive design elements that are still relevant today.
But still modern ford cars with a new but classic grille, they did not really stand out from the mass of new vehicles, because in addition to the grille, old cars were not alike in general, unlike modern ones.
For example, old cars can be easily distinguished from each other at the first glance, which cannot be said about modern vehicles, the design of which has become narrow and homogeneous.
size 2
Remember the first generation Volkswagen Golf? It is one of the most influential and most stunning hatchbacks of its time. The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 was 3820 mm long, 1610 mm wide and 1410 mm high.
What do we see in the current generation VW Golf (7th generation)?
Dimensions of the new VW Golf:
Length: 4258 mm, Width: 1790 mm, Height: 1492 mm.
That is, over the past 35 years, the length of the VW Golf has grown by +438 mm in width by +180 mm , and in height by +82 mm .
As a result, it became so bloated in its size that Volkswagen was forced to create a smaller car - the VW Polo. But with this model, a metamorphosis took place, as a result of which the mini car has noticeably grown in size.
As a result volkswagen had to release another model, which is similar in size to the first generation of "Golf". This is the VW Lupo model.
Then the fate of gigantomania befell this car, which over several generations has noticeably increased in size. As a result, the world saw another mini VW Up model. The most amazing thing is that new model The VW Up is wider and taller than the first generation VW Golf. So, most likely, we will have another Volkswagen mini model.
And this development trend is not limited to lineup Volkswagen. This can be seen on cars of all brands.
For example, the latest model Ford focus much larger than the first generation. The same goes for most modern models.
As a result, modern city cars today are the same dimensions that were previously found in large vehicles for the whole family, and today family cars are sized like 90s luxury sedans.
Don't believe me? Check out the BMW 7-Series E32 and compare it to the fourth generation Ford mondeo.
On the one hand, there is nothing wrong with that, that cars have become larger. After all, thanks to this, modern cars have become more comfortable. But there is one problem. These are roads and parking lots. After all, they have not grown significantly in their size along with cars over the past 30 years.
For example, in the same parking space, today you can only place 48 modern Ford Fiesta (new generation), when, as before, in the same space in the parking lot you could place 63 cars of the first generation.
Also, the size of the garages has not changed. Getting a new Ford Mondeo into a garage is harder today than a big old SUV. Land rover Discovery.
And of course, you shouldn't forget about the roads, which in most cases have not become wider. The point is that cities are not rubbery and cannot expand along with highways. Respectively road lanes the highways can't get wider.
Taking into account growth road transport over the past 10 years, roads have been very difficult to cope with modern cars, which have become much larger. All this brings enormous inconvenience to all motorists who operate their cars mainly in the city.
Also, with the increase in size, modern cars, despite new platforms and technologies to reduce vehicle weight, inevitably become heavier. The reason is the increase in body size. As a result, carmakers, due to the increase in product size, cannot achieve a significant reduction in the weight of their models compared to the first generations of cars.
Why are modern cars heavier than their first generations?
After all, each new model that enters the modern market, as a rule, decreases in weight. Especially if you take into account all the car innovations lately. After all, you have heard reports from automakers more than once that they have managed to reduce the weight of the body by 50 or even 100 kilograms.
Yes it is. Many modern cars are actually getting lighter than their recent predecessors. But, unfortunately, most car new products are still heavier than their early counterparts. Why is this happening?
The thing is that over the past decades in the automotive industry, the requirement for the safety of manufactured vehicles has increased significantly. At the moment, there are a huge number of different standards and requirements for modern cars. As a result, manufacturers were forced to equip cars with various technologies to improve the safety of their products, which led to a significant increase in the weight of modern cars compared to old ones.
For example, modern car bodies are designed this way. To this end, many areas of the body are equipped with multilayer metal elements that allow impact energy to be diverted to the side, preventing it from having a serious impact on the driver and passengers. Naturally, much more metal has to be used to make modern cars.
Also, in recent years, the number of airbags has significantly increased in modern cars. All this has led to the fact that all cars in the modern car market have become significantly heavier than their earlier predecessors.
But why is heavy weight bad? Everything is very simple. The heavier the car, the more energy is required to move it. Accordingly, this affects fuel consumption. But that is not all. The heavier the car, the slower it accelerates. As a result, manufacturers racked their brains for a long time how to solve this problem.
As a result, at one time, manufacturers each time increased engine power by increasing the volume of power units. This led to a significant increase in fuel consumption. Then when the world realized that big engines this is evil for the environment (than more powerful motor, the more harmful substances in the exhaust), it's time for turbocharged engines. As a result, today more and more cars are getting turbocharged engines, many of which have been reduced in size. The main goal of the reforms is to reduce the level of harmful substances in the exhaust gases of vehicles.
This has led to significant reductions in fuel consumption in modern vehicles. At first glance, there is nothing wrong with that. But did you know that turbocharged engines have more problems than traditional powertrains.
As a result, owners of turbocharged cars can spend much more money on their maintenance. And it's not just about the unreliability of turbo technologies. The fact is that turbochargers have allowed automakers to significantly increase the power of most vehicles in recent years. But power doesn't always have an advantage.
The fact is that many components of automotive systems do not develop at the same rate as the development of turbo technologies. As a result, in many cars, the increased power due to the appearance of turbo engines affects gearboxes, suspension, etc. increased load. This often leads to faster wear and tear on many components in modern vehicles.
For example, did you know that, despite the amazing development of modern braking systems, many new cars have twice the braking distancesthan their earlier predecessors. Do you know what is the reason? In the great weight of modern cars.
The early generations of many of the amazing models weighed significantly less. As a result, despite simpler braking systems, older cars have more efficient brakes.
What about rubber. We all know how much progress car tire manufacturers have made?
For example, modern tires are two times more reliable and of better quality than rubber that was produced in the 80s and even in the 90s.
But in fact we have that modern rubber can last less (or slightly more) than the tires of those years. Why is this happening? Naturally the reason is the increase in power.
As you can see, vehicle weight is the main enemy of the cost of car ownership, power, safety and efficiency.
You see what the growth in the size of cars has led. So, in fact, we are paying for the comfort of modern cars with inconvenient parking, inconvenience on city highways, increased spending on maintenance and even its safety on the road.
3. Headlights
Many old car aficionados literally hate xenon or LED headlights.
Headlights play an important role in cars. The headlights allow us to see the road at any time of the day, and protect us from danger, and also protect all road users from an accident. Especially at night.
For optimal road illumination, there is usually a certain range of illumination. That is, the limit at which we should see the illuminated road. As a rule, this limit is based on the minimum amount of time within which we must see something on the road and have time to take action in case of danger.
Basically, the road should be illuminated by the headlights of the car so that we have time to react to the obstacle in front of the car. Moreover, we must react in such a way as not to provoke other road users not to any dangerous actions.
According to studies, in order to calmly have time to react on the road at night, it is enough for the driver to illuminate the section of the road that the car travels in about 5 seconds.
For example, at a car speed of 50 km / h, this is a section of the road approximately 69 meters.
It is approximately this section of the road that ordinary halogen headlights of many cars (60-75 meters) illuminate. According to research, there is no point in further lighting the road.
As you may have noticed, in the last ten years. Today, many cars have received both xenon and LED lighting for low and even high beam. As a result, the light of xenon or led headlights can be seen even from Mars.
Also, the brightness of the light of modern front optics, like X-rays, dazzle pedestrians when cars are at traffic lights.
Seriously though, modern LED and xenon optics are really very bright and, in fact, do not make much sense yet. The fact is that it has an increased illumination range compared to halogen headlights.
But as we have already said, the range and halogen optics are quite enough for the safe operation of cars in the dark.
Also, the main disadvantage of many xenon and LED headlights is their flickering, which at first glance we do not see. But in fact, there is flicker, and it has a very bad effect on our vision.
But sometimes this flicker can be seen in complete darkness. Especially in rainy weather. This is because moisture in the air refracts LED or xenon light. As a result, we will be able to catch an unpleasant flicker.
Including LED or Xenon light is very bright. It really blinds all road users. Moreover, even if the front optics have the appropriate safety features that help protect oncoming drivers from the bright light of LEDs or xenon, anyway, at a certain angle of the light beam on the road, at least for a short time, most oncoming drivers or pedestrians can be blinded. As you can see, the bright light of modern vehicles is not only harmful, but also unsafe.
But if at night it still has some advantages, then in the daytime these lighting technologies only disturb others.
Old cars in this regard annoyed us less with their lighting. Especially the ones with fold-down headlights, which not only looked amazing but had practical value. Unfortunately, these days these cars are not produced. Also, old cars with retractable headlights are very rare on the road.
Although some studies have shown that headlights turned on during the day reduce road accidents, nevertheless, xenon or LED optics that work during the day are very annoying with their brightness. Especially those who are true fans of old cars.
4. Driving pleasure and information content
If you carry out two test drives in a row on a track of two generations of cars (for example, you sit in and then into its old analogue), you will immediately notice several differences (in addition to exterior design and interior finishes).
First, you will immediately notice that the steering of a modern car is very light. I.e steering wheel can be twisted with one finger. On the one hand, this is good. But in an old car while driving, you will be much more confident behind the wheel, as you will feel the car much better.
The thing is that older cars have much better steering information than most modern vehicles. Do you know why? In older cars, the steering was connected to the wheels virtually directly without the use of many intermediate devices in the steering system, which is currently used in new cars.
Naturally, this gave the owners of old cars a special confidence behind the wheel. Today, modern steering systems are equipped, as a rule, electric amplifier steering wheel and other intermediate devices that influenced the information content of the steering.
In particular, in many modern cars, you will notice that brake system surprisingly on the same level as the old ones. Also, you can find old cars that are even better than some modern ones in terms of braking efficiency.
In addition, due to the large amount of electronics, modern cars have become literally stifled. For example, pressing the gas pedal on a modern car will immediately turn on traction control, which often upsets many experienced car enthusiasts.
If you brake too hard on the road, then various brake assist systems will turn on.
The power steering will not allow you to feel the true behavior of the car in a modern car, especially when the car may lose stability on the road.
So you can go on to list for a very long time about all the systems of modern vehicles that do not in the best way affect the driving experience for the sake of modern safety requirements in the automotive industry.
The saddest thing is that in the pursuit of the safety of drivers and passengers, our society has raised a new generation of drivers who don't really know how to drive a car without all kinds of safety and assistance systems.
They cannot really feel the gas pedal, the steering and the whole car in general. Yes, modern cars are literally stuffed with electronics, which constantly interferes with the operation of all systems, which allows even beginners to make minor mistakes. But, unfortunately, the laws of physics have not been canceled and they cannot always help on the road.
Among other things, do not forget that modern cars have good noise insulation, which has led to the fact that we often do not feel the speed while driving. That's what's dangerous, not old cars without various safety systems.
In addition, do not forget that excellent sound insulation prevents us from hearing how the engine, transmission, suspension and other components of modern cars actually work. As a result, owners often notice a malfunction in their car at the wrong time, which turns into unnecessary significant expenses for motorists for repairs.
5. Economy: New cars versus old ones
Recently, the topic of fuel economy has acquired a special meaning in the automotive industry. Especially when there were electric cars, which, according to some experts, should soon replace vehicles equipped with traditional powertrains. But most likely electric cars of this next temporary fashion, like crossovers.
After all, you must admit that they already tried to take a key role in the auto industry at the beginning of the 20th century. But, alas, electric cars could not withstand the competition over gasoline ones. Do you know why? It's all about the headroom and the lack of technology to store enough energy for long trips.
Today it is no surprise, despite modern technology, there is the same problem with modern electric cars. And mind you, more than 100 years have passed since the advent of electric cars.
Yes, of course, some electric cars have a significantly greater range than those produced at the beginning of the last century.
But in general, most modern electric cars have a very small range. And at the moment to say that very soon the capacity rechargeable batteries will become much more, it is impossible.
Apparently, even in 10-15 years, the world is unlikely to see mass production of cars with electric motorshaving a power reserve comparable to the power reserve on one tank of gasoline cars.
In the meantime, electric cars will not have a large power reserve, they are unlikely to become massively popular all over the world.
So, for at least another 20 years, the world will predominantly use gasoline and diesel vehicles.
This is naturally understood not only by automakers, but also by various regulatory bodies. different countrieswhich constantly tighten environmental requirements to the exhaust of modern cars.
As a result, automakers are constantly improving technology and updating their powertrains.
That is why turbochargers appeared, which, in fact, saved modern cars from losing power due to a decrease in the number of cylinders in many engines of well-known models.
Yes, of course, turbines have helped not only at least keep the same engine power while reducing the number of cylinders, but also reduce the fuel consumption of many car models.
But these savings are unfortunately not significant compared to many small and frail vehicles.
Also modern systems Purification of exhaust gases, together with a decrease in fuel consumption, made it possible to generally reduce the level of harmful substances in the exhaust of new cars. But, nevertheless, even with an expensive catalyst, all cars emit carbon dioxide. So the appearance of turbines is unlikely to save the planet's ecology.
Also, due to the trend to reduce the number of cylinders, many car models have lost their unique sound. Surprisingly, the trend of installing engines with fewer cylinders in cars has affected even the powerful sports models of popular brands.
For example, in order not to disappoint fans of powerful models, the company began to equip some of its cars with an engine sound amplification system and exhaust system by transmitting sounds to the audio system of the car.
Let's see how the engine changed
And so, the M5 in the back of the E39 had 400 hp, which was achieved by a V8 engine. Then the M5 in the back of the E60 entered the market, which was heavier than the E39 due to the V10 engine with 500 hp.
Then the M5 came to the market in the back of the F10, which instead of the V10, due to environmental standards, received a V8 engine with a capacity of 560 hp. Unfortunately, this model's engine and exhaust sound was artificial and not very aggressive. It was here that the engineers of the M-division of BMW came up with the idea of \u200b\u200bamplifying the sound of the exhaust and the work of the engine on the audio speakers in the cabin, so that the owners would not be disappointed in the modern M5.
Disputes about which cars are the most reliable in the world - German or Japanese - have been going on for more than a dozen years. The Japanese car industry, for example, Toyota, is reproached for producing boring cars, cars without a soul. In a relationship Toyota Land Cruiser or Rav4, the statement is correct. But Toyota invented the Scion FR-S sports car and Lexus lfathat have earned the love of the people for their dashing design, dynamics and performance. You cannot call them boring. And here german carsmobiles just break.
This article is not about Toyota. Let's discuss another myth that German cars are the most reliable in the world! We can say with confidence that this is not so, the Germans have forgotten how to make cars over the past 20 years. And let the adherents of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen shower us with hats, there is room for them to comment, you are welcome.
What's wrong with German cars? There is no more "spark" in them!
German cars have long ceased to be associated with the concept of "German quality". They have a design that goes with the times, productive and economical engines, technologies that make the trip in the car comfortable and safe. But there is one thing, BUT - all German cars, except for Porsches, have been breaking down for the last 20 years. Let's figure out if it's so reliable german cars, laid out on the shelves.
The lost reputation of German cars
The myth about the reliability of German engineering was formed due to the fact that at one time the German automakers earned such a reputation. When the "Initial Quality Index" and "Long-Term Vehicle Reliability Tests" tests were just started back in 1972, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz did not descend from the TOP. The quality of the humble VW Beetle outpaced the quality of the American monster models Jeep, Ford, Mercury and Pontiac, loyal followers of Henry Ford. The reason was that the Germans conscientiously approached the manufacture of vehicles, choosing the best, and the Americans were chasing money. The Americans had their own path, a path through synergy with the fashion houses of Gucci, Versace, Paul Smith, Pierre Cardin. Together they produced fashionable cars with the names of leading clothing designers mentioned in the names (see examples). American automakers were just making money, while their product was losing quality.
In the early 90s, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen quality swayed slightly, the cars began to break down, but the Germans still managed to stay at the top of the ratings. However, Japanese competitors did not sit with their skilful hands folded. And in the 90s, the title of the most reliable cars began to receive toyota models, Honda, Acura, Lexus, Infiniti.
"In the 80s and 90s, Toyota and Honda entered the market, which either guessed what the market lacked, or Japanese hard work played, but long-playing cars began to descend from their conveyors," said Sergey Stepanov, automotive engineer of the AutoVzglyad magazine. in charge of the publication for comparing cars in test drives.
Errors of German manufacturers and the coming era of the legend of "German quality".
In the late 90s. Mercedes-Benz launched the infamous, ever-breaking M-Class SUV, and the Initial Quality Assessment began to decline. Things were no better for BMW and Audi. From time to time, failed models were released, forming a negative attitude towards the brand among buyers. Even new technologies such as parking sensors did not help. Nobody needs smart car functionsif they break. And what more often breaks down in cars, read.
“The Germans are quick to adapt new technologies, but rely too much on suppliers who deliver these technologies. As a result, we see problems with rain sensors not working, pop-up errors indicating a problem with the wiring, dimming headlights in the middle of the road, burning fuses, ”says Stepanov.
According to Consumer Reports, Mercedes-Benz slightly raised the level of reliability of its models in 2011, but this did not help to reach the previous TOP, as competitors went far ahead. BMW, Audi and VW in the last 5 annual reports of Consumer Reports have performed above average in 2007. Since then, the figure has not risen above average. After that, can German cars be called the most reliable in the world?
In the classics, the reliability of a machine is judged by observations over three years of operation. Consumer Reports has a simpler method - the Initial Quality Index is based on feedback from drivers who have used the car for 3 to 12 months. The reviews reflect information about what was broken in the car and how much it cost.
Consumer Reports also has a report card. In it, automakers rank based on an average estimate of the refresh rate. lineup, reliability score and percentage of recommendations made by users to machines. The average score of German automakers in this report card does not exceed 68 out of 100 possible - below the average for the entire automotive industry, and, of course, lower than the result of Japanese competitors.
The state of affairs does not change, and the results of J.D. Power and Associates. J.D. Power made two comparisons in the premium car segment, where in both cases German brands were the underdogs. Mercedes received only four out of five possible points, which corresponds to the level of "Better than most". BMW and Audi got three points out of five, which corresponds to the level of "Near average". Volkswagen's score fell below average, the brand scored just two points, and J.D. Power categorized him as "Others". Mercedes-Benz was not the only automaker in this group to receive four points and earned the title "Better than most", Porsche joined him. Only one automaker has received five out of five possible points, and that is Lexus.
J.D. Power hasn't changed anything. Mercedes and Porsche scored four out of five, BMW and Audi each got three points, and only Volkswagen scored two out of five. Leading the rating again is Lexus, which was the only one to receive an assessment of five points.
J.D. Power is based on user surveys. The user is asked to rate 14 parameters of the car on a scale from 1 to 10. At the end, the pros, cons in text, data analysis, scoring, the rating is ready. The initial quality index is calculated after 90 days of vehicle operation. The vehicle reliability rating is based on the last 12 months of a three-year vehicle.
Reasons why German automakers did not keep the title of the most reliable cars in the world
"Some of the reasons why the Germans are rated so low by J.D. Power are trivial and have nothing to do with the actual quality of cars," said Karl Brower of the online publication Total Car Score.
“Unlike Japanese and American competitors, German car manufacturers did not offer cup holders in the 80s and 90s. And although it is not mechanical defect, in J.D. Powers and Consumer Reports' lack of cup holders was often cited as a disadvantage for buyers, which lowered the ratings of German cars, ”says Brower. “There is no German car on the market today without cup holders. This is because carmakers realized that by not offering them in their products, the overall brand assessment suffers. "
Reasons for the decline in the build quality of German cars or why they break
Sergei Stepanov of AvtoVzglyad magazine believes that German car manufacturers, by their personal admission, sometimes suffer great setbacks due to their performance orientation. If the Germans have to cut the budget, the first thing that will be affected is the quality of the parts. An inexperienced buyer may not even notice the hack. Making such "sacrifices" German auto companies predetermine the fate of future customers who cannot avoid expensive repairs and trips to their city.
“The Germans are sensitive to budget cuts and, in the hope that the client won't find out, they sign a contract with a supplier of poor quality parts,” Stepanov says.
What German cars are good at is their performance. One gets the impression that the Germans will pore for months to add a couple of horses to new engineinstead of thinking about how to keep this engine from breaking.
And yet German cars are insanely attractive
In a separate study, J.D. Power, which is calculated on the basis of the model's performance, overall performance, layout and customer experience, Porsche comes out on top with five points out of five. Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen received four out of five points. This study does not take into account the factor "how often the car broke down" - the Achilles heel of the Deutsche auto industry.
With the launch of the new 3 Series, BMW has set the bar for performance and performance for sports sedans, and the new Porsche 911 has once again established itself as the # 1 best sports cars... Both models entered the finals of the World's Best Car 2012 award ceremony. True, despite reaching the final, none of these models received a prize. But the prize went to another German product - the Victory was the fourth for VW in the last 5 years. Winners are selected based on shared merit, value, environmental responsibility, safety, relevance and emotional appeal.
We do not argue, in contrast to our arguments about the reliability of the car, you can give a bunch of arguments in favor of buying BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi. But if the list of requirements for future car reliability comes first, do not be fooled by the myth of the "German quality of cars", of the "genius of German engineering". Consider whether a German car is as reliable as the commercial is trying to suggest.
You never know what kind of accident will push you to new thoughts. This time my friend's illness was an accident. When I visited him in the hospital, he complained to me for a long time that he was getting sick more often, his body was letting him down, and earlier he could even go barefoot to celebrate the New Year on Red Square and not even sneeze. It has become less reliable.
Recently, I increasingly hear phrases from the people around me, the meaning of which boils down to the fact that the grass was greener before. I never liked this phrase. I believe that it is used by people who cannot enjoy the present, but live on past idealized memories. But what annoys me most is when people talk about cars like that.
Thousands of Internet specialists shout at every step that modern cars are unreliable, and manufacturers break their own cars so that you buy their parts and fill their wallets with gold. A worldwide conspiracy of car makers to sell you a car and make you buy parts. Pure paranoia. It so happened that we do not trust anyone, we always expect a catch, and those who are richer than us are necessarily deceivers and thieves. Is it funny? Yes, for me. It is easy to dispel such claims, which I will do, if you please.
Once, at a large auto forum, I came across a discussion of the need for car maintenance. Dozens of people shouted that it was pointless to carry out THAT, because it was just extortion. The arguments were great. The dirtier the filter, the better it filters. Change the oil? Why, if you can just top up when the level drops. Replace pads and discs? It is not worth it if the car slows down on old parts. Last time I laughed so hard at the hosts of the famous TV program Top Gear.
The saddest thing is that then such people complain about their car, because it began to drive slowly, the consumption increased, and it smells of burnt dust from the stove. This is how one of the myths about the unreliability of cars appears.
Another example is the experience of communicating with customers (the author of the article is an employee of one of the Mercedes-Benz dealerships, - editor's note). I will tell you one case from my practice. One day, a client told me about the unreliability of the front axle on the Gelenevagen. I was more surprised by this statement than the victory of a woman with a beard in a prestigious music competition. But the unreliability of the bridge turned out to be as delusional as the bearded man in female form. Cutting through the winter fields of our vast Motherland, my client managed to crash into a snow-covered stump at a decent speed. He was extremely indignant, because front axle became like a banana. As you can imagine, this "unreliability" is caused only by the incompetence of the car owner.
The third “pillar” of my defense against modern cars is that reliability is a loose concept, and everyone understands it differently. For some, a click in the cabin at a speed of 200 km / h is a malfunction, but for some, a muffler that falls off is the norm. My friend thinks that a malfunction is something that cannot be fixed on the track.
These were just three main reasons for the myth of the unreliability of modern machines, but in fact there are many more. Car services have existed for as long as the cars themselves, which means that cars have always broken down. There are still people who are surprised by the place of my work, because Mercedes, by all accounts, are super reliable.
Unfortunately, everything in our world breaks down, especially cars. Can you name me a thing that never breaks? Even an ordinary knife becomes dull over the years, and its handle can fall off. What could be simpler than a knife? You can object to me that you still have a thirty-year-old Soviet knife in your house, which you inherited from your grandfather. But I have another story: my wife, being "in position", managed to break an expensive, seemingly eternal German knife, which frankly scared me. Now I try to stay out of the kitchen.
Have you ever noticed that the same thing can serve one owner for years, and another will break it in a day? It all depends on a person's attitude to things. My wise father used to say that every mechanism has a certain amount of use. How long the mechanism will live depends only on our attitude.
People also break down - health often fails a person in his life. Anyone dies someday. It turns out ... A disposable person? But you don't get rid of your wife if she has frequent headaches, do you? So why then do we complain about the car when it malfunctions? It would seem that comparing living people to cars is reckless, but I was taught at university that diagnosticians-electricians live in their own world. So I talk to cars and consider them alive, so this comparison makes sense for me.
And try to ask yourself the question: do you really need reliability? You run to the store for a new phone model, although the old one is working properly, you change your clothes because you are tired of it and you are unlikely to be upset by a broken knife. I understand your indignation, because a car is several times more expensive, but why should a manufacturer make a car reliable when a new model will be released in two years and most people will run to fill the dealers' pockets?
It's time to open our eyes, we no longer live in the Soviet Union - the time has passed when one car was for life. Life and people change - cars change. Cars have become more complex, there are more devices, and the chances of breakdown are higher. We don't want a gluttonous carburetor anymore, we need an injector with a turbine and a bunch of electronics to provide comfort. Society demands new things, and fashion dictates its own rules. Disposable items are everywhere. Disposable dishes, clothes, razors, and even food. There is nothing wrong with that, this is how our world is built.
I waited a long time for my friend to get well. And you know what? He recovered and remained the same reliable partner for me. So it is with the car. Now think: Are you yourself reliable?
An article about the 10 most technologically advanced cars in the world. Their interesting features and characteristics. At the end of the article - a video about a trip across Russia in the most high-tech car!
The content of the article:
The modern car has long ceased to be just a means of transportation. Each manufacturer is trying to surprise customers with something, so they equip their cars with high-tech options and functions that ensure the convenience and safety of movement.
Modern cars, without exaggeration, can be called a computer on wheels. Moreover, technologies are developing at a tremendous speed and are becoming more and more perfect. What seemed impossible yesterday has become commonplace today. Therefore, carmakers constantly have to come up with something new in order to meet new realities.
Rating of the most high-tech cars in the world
It is difficult to say which machines are the most technologically advanced, and even more difficult to arrange them in a certain order. After all, those features that some drivers find innovative and convenient, others will seem useless. Therefore, the formation of any rating is a rather subjective exercise. But still we will try.
This car will appeal to those who want to obtain a harmonious combination of unsurpassed style and high technology.
Lovers of good sound will enjoy the built-in Bang & Olufsen sound system, which is customizable for each car. The sound quality is truly breathtaking - 14 speakers connected to a 505 watt amplifier deliver mesmerizing surround sound.
The car has a built-in Audi phone with Bluetooth-online interface. This device has a user-friendly screen that allows the driver to view the call log, phone book and select options.
Of course, the high-tech 3.0 TFSI V6 engine is worth noting. The acceleration will impress any driver. Motor power - 333 "horses". An innovative turbocharger is used, which is equipped with a mechanical drive, as well as an air intercooler. This allows the vehicle to deliver tremendous power with little fuel consumption.
The first thing in this car should be noted LED day lightsthat create a unique image. However, they are installed not only for beauty. The headlights of this car are equipped with an intelligent road lighting system. With its help, the headlight modules can be turned when the car enters a turn, and this significantly improves the illumination of the track at night.
A camera is installed in the rear-view mirror that monitors the level of illumination in front of the car (taking into account the headlights of oncoming cars), automatically turning on and off the high beam.
It is also important to note the Lexus safety system. The car is equipped with a variety of safety systems (active and passive), which reduce the severity of the consequences of accidents. Also, the car has an innovative driver assistance system that reliably protects all passengers.
But that's not all. The driver will be able to easily cope with any traffic situation that has arisen thanks to the vehicle dynamics control system and the “blind” zone monitoring system, which warns of all road users in the adjacent lane.
No one likes to stand in traffic jams. But owner Honda Odyssey is not threatened. After all, this car is equipped with an optional satellite navigation system with voice recognition, which will not only offer the most optimal travel route, but also report traffic jams in major cities.
Also, the Honda Odyssey is equipped with the HandsFreeLink Bluetooth system, which allows you to talk on the phone without touching it. Thus, the driver is not distracted from the road.
Odyssey has a USB audio interface that allows you to connect music from a flash drive or phone via a USB cable. You can control the volume using voice commands.
The car video system has an HDMI port, which allows you to connect any video device. The video will be displayed on a 16.2 inch display.
Manufacturers believe that their development in the future may be the highest technological car... But so far this is not the case.
Although it should be noted that the new Audi A4 is packed with various high-tech "bells and whistles". This car has a night vision system, an excellent head-up display, "smart" cruise control, Internet access, an automatic braking system.
In this case, the car can only drive on two cylinders, while spending a minimum of fuel. Newest motor with a volume of 1.4 liters, it is equipped with an innovative system capable of disabling two of four cylinders at low and medium speeds. With a quiet ride, 70% of the trip, the car will drive with disabled cylinders. This will significantly reduce fuel consumption.
This american SUV familiar to many motorists, but after the modernization, he received many exclusive trim elements and a high-tech trailer.
The car received a ventilated hood, special engine protection, and a modified false radiator grille. The concept crossover features a raised suspension and unique 16-inch wheel disksmade from light alloys.
But surely main feature This SUV, for which it got into this TOP, became a trailer.
This is a peculiar highlight of the SUV. The trailer is equipped with the innovative Connect Live system with a massive touchscreen display. This advanced system provides high-speed Internet access, Wi-Fi hotspot, and social media access.
All the best technical solutions of the Infiniti concern are realized in this high-tech car.
New infiniti version The Q50 has a European look. All Asian lines have disappeared, the body looks more aggressive, since a bumper of complex shape and a large radiator grill are installed. The head optics are equipped with bi-xenon. The headlights are provided by an intelligent light mode switching system.
The front seats are electrically powered. The driver can adjust in 8 positions. The car is equipped with a multifunctional steering wheel, which controls the multimedia system, transmission, climate control. The driver can change the position of the steering wheel, and while driving.
The on-board computer screen is installed on the dashboard, and on the center console there are 2 touch displays that allow you to control absolutely all systems of the car.
Infiniti Q50 is equipped with a hybrid 298-horsepower engine, which includes a naturally aspirated gas engine and a 50 watt electric motor. A seven-speed automatic transmission works in tandem with them.
To increase the appeal of the restyled Mustang, Ford Motor Co. Equipped the novelty with new technologies.
The model has a rear-view camera, push-button engine start, a cross-traffic alert system that informs the driver that there is a possibility of a collision when parking with other moving vehicles, a front collision alert system, and adaptive cruise control.
But that's not all. For the first time, the driver will be able to assess the pressure in all tires directly on the dashboard, as well as switch between different driving modes (there are 4 of them). This will allow you to select the optimal travel mode in various conditions.
In addition, the Mustang is the first Ford vehicle to feature the innovative AppLink smartphone connectivity system.
All technologies in the Mustang are focused on the convenience, comfort and safety of the car owner. Thus, the Track Apps system collects information on the performance of the machine and presents it in metric system... This system shows the driver how the car is behaving and informs when the car's performance decreases or increases.
If the above cars were simply equipped with different technological "bells and whistles", then the top three should include cars that in the future should replace the usual cars with gasoline and diesel engines. The leaders of this rating run on environmentally friendly fuels, therefore they do not pollute the environment. This is a new round in the automotive industry, so it is these cars that can be called the most high-tech.
The third place is taken by the first production hydrogen sedan Mirai FCV. This car is equipped with a hydrogen hybrid plant called the FC stack. When hydrogen interacts with oxygen, electrical energy is generated. All reactions in this machine take place without combustion.
Moreover, the maximum efficiency is 83%, which is unimaginable. Thus, steam is emitted from the pipe, not carbon monoxide. This is truly admirable.
By the way, Mirai is translated from Japanese as "clear future". The Japanese are convinced that such cars will be in demand in the near future.
Motor power - 153 hp The car will be able to drive 485 km without refueling. Filling the fuel tanks with hydrogen will take only five minutes.
In addition, the car is equipped with an innovative PTO power take-off system, which allows the car to be used as charging station for your home. Such a car costs 57.5 thousand dollars.
Google has long been working on a car that could drive without human intervention. And the first prototype of such a machine was successfully tested.
This car does not have the traditional controls (steering wheel and pedals). The car has only a button to start and stop the motor. The car is driven by a 64-beam laser light range finder, which is installed on the roof - it generates a volumetric map of the entire area. Then the electronics checks the resulting pictures with the views loaded into the car's memory. Thus, the car is oriented in space, avoiding all obstacles.
True, the speed of the car is limited to 40 km / h. The vehicles undergo rigorous testing, although the developers are confident that they have created the most technologically advanced vehicle.
However, unmanned vehicles did not become the leader of our TOP, since there are many questions to such prototypes. It is not yet clear how Google will legally register a car without a steering wheel, because even if a person wants to do something (say, prevent an accident), he does not have such an option. Who will be responsible in the event of an accident - the Google programmers who wrote the code, or the car owner? There are many questions so far.
This electric car was recognized as the most technologically advanced car. 5-door hatchback has leather interior, unique wheels and optics, sophisticated features of Maseratti and Jaguar. The adjustable sunroof allows you to change the blowing intensity.
The most advanced technology was used in the car. The dashboard has two displays. One screen shows detailed information on the state of the car in motion, including data from the ammeter. The second screen is designed to adjust the electronic systems of the car. This is a kind of independent mini-tablet.
Three options for assembling a car with different batteries are available to consumers. In general, the car can travel 450 km without recharging. The maximum speed is 190 km / h, and the engine power is 416 "horses".
When braking the car, the energy recovery system allows the motor to be used as a generator. Adjustable ground clearance and an innovative stabilization system allow you to move smoothly, without jerking and unpleasant sounds. The electric car is equipped with a one-stage automatic transmission.
You can charge the electric car at home from the mains (it will take 15 hours), from charger (up to 8 hours) or at a profile station (20 minutes).
Here are some more interesting features:
- A radio module is mounted inside the ignition key, which extends the door handles when the driver approaches;
- Update software possible via wireless wi-fi;
- In the event of an accident, the control systems are immediately disconnected from the batteries;
- Installed navigation maps from Google and navigation system promptly inform the driver about traffic jams;
- The newest climate package allows the battery to operate in severe cold (-25 ° C) and hot (+ 50 ° C).
Outcome
Most likely, in 5-10 years, the options of the above vehicles will not surprise anyone. After all, progress does not stand still, and more technologically advanced vehicles appear every year. But for now, these machines are admirable.
Video about a trip to Tesla Model S from Moscow to Minsk:
