2010 Honda Civic vs 2010 Toyota Corolla

Introduction
Both the Civic and Corolla base sedans seat up to five passengers in front seats and a rear seat. The Corolla offers slightly more cargo room in the trunk at 12.3 cubic feet compared to the Civic's 12 cubic feet. The Civic boasts more front legroom with 42.2 inches compared to the Corolla's 41.7 inches; however, the Corolla offers nearly two more inches of rear legroom with 36.3 inches compared to the Civic's 34.6 inches. The Civic does have a longer wheelbase than the Corolla at 106.3 inches and 102.4 inches respectively. The Corolla is able to haul up to 1,500 pounds, while the Civic's towing prowess has not yet been rated.

Performance
Both the Civic and Corolla are equipped with a 1.8-liter 4 cylinder engine, but the difference is in output with the Civic putting out 140 horses compared to the Corolla's 132 horses. The Civic steps up to a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-4, while the Corolla bumps up to a 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-4. Perhaps one of the greatest differences that separate the Civic from the Corolla is its 113-horsepower, 1.8-liter inline-4 natural gas engine option. The Civic's available transmissions include a five-speed automatic, five-speed manual and six-speed manual, while the Corolla's engines can be mated to a four-speed automatic, five-speed automatic with auto-manual shift and five-speed manual.The Civic's paddle shift is not even comparable.

Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to fuel efficiency, both the Civic and Corolla are at the best of their class with similar EPA estimated ratings. The Corolla ranges between 22-26 mpg in the city and 30-36 mpg on the highway, while the Civic can achieve between 21-26 mpg in the city and 29-36 mpg on the highway. If you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, both the Civic and Corolla emit 6.3 tons of carbon annually.

Technology Features
Both the Civic and Corolla have a long list of optional technology offerings, including a navigation system with voice recognition, Bluetooth capability, USB audio interface, a power moonroof and XM satellite radio. However, where they differ is audio system offerings. While both are standard equipped with a six-speaker AM/FM radio with a CD player, the Corolla can be upgraded to a premium 440-watt JBL sound system. The Corolla also offers optional heated front seats.

Safety Features
As for safety, the Corolla comes away as the winner with more standard safety offerings than the Civic. Both are equipped with a full compliment of airbags, active front head restraints and antilock brakes (with electronic brake-force distribution on the Civic). However, the Corolla offers standard electronic stability control and traction control across all its models, while the Civic only makes electronic stability control standard on its upper trim levels. In NHTSA crash test data, the Civic beats the Corolla in front passenger impact and side rear-seat impact with a perfect five starts, compared to the Corolla's four stars. However, the Corolla beats the Civic with five stars in side front-seat impact. The Civic has not received crash test data from the IIHS.

BMW Z4 2009

Performance

2,996 cc 3.0 liters in-line 6 front engine with 85.0 mm bore, 88.0 mm stroke, 10.7 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder

Premium unleaded fuel 91

Fuel consumption:city (mpg): 19, highway (mpg): 28, combined (mpg): 22

Multi-point injection fuel system

14.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 12.1

Power

: 190 kW , 255 HP SAE @ 6,600 rpm; 220 ft lb , 298 Nm @ 2,600 rpm

Handling

ABS

Brake assist system

Cornering brake control

Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs

Electronic brake distribution

Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management

Immobilizer

Driver selectable responsive suspension electronic

Stability control

Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

An all-new LS9 motor produces 620 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 595 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm, delivering 100 horsepower per liter, the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 is a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox with a new high-capacity clutch designed for the increased power. The twin-disc 260mm design provides plenty of clamping power, while maintaining a relatively easy clutch action.

GM has not disclosed specific performance numbers, but the company admits a top speed of 200 mph. In terms of acceleration, the ZR1 most definitely beats its Z06 counterpart,all because of the 115-horsepower output advantage. Since the Z06 rockets to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, it's a safe bet the ZR1 will be much closer to the 3.0 seconds.ZR1 clearly beats Z06 in this area.

"It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1’s is exceptional," said Chevy's Ed Peper. "Better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph."That is like 320 km/hr.

GM used the Z06 chassis as a starting point, but further tuned the front and rear independent suspension to work with the ZR1's ultra-wide tires for increased grip. According to GM, the car achieves 1g cornering grip.

Astonishing Looks and materials

The use of carbon fiber is pretty extensive throughout the ZR1. The wider fenders are made of the material, as are the hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings.

The roof and front fascia splitter have a raw carbon fiber appearance with a protective clear coat. The hood is painted like the rest of the car, but the underside is exposed carbon-fiber-weave for increased novelty,which makes the car look stunning.

Another standout feature of the hood is a clear polycarbonate "window" that provides a view of the top of the engine’s intercooler, with embossed "LS9 Supercharged" lettering.

Suspension

The ZR1 comes with GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC) suspension system. The MSRC shocks are automatically adjusted based on driving conditions and vehicle dynamics (cornering, braking, etc) for optimal handling. The system is adjusted every milisecond to provide sharp handling during spirited driving, and a smooth ride while cruising.

While the ZR1 is overall a more aggressive sports car than the Z06, it is actually less harsh over bumps, because of the MSRC technology. “The damping control of MSRC allowed for front and rear springs that have a slightly lower rate than the Z06, which enhances the car’s ride quality,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer.

Interior features

There is very little optional equipment on the ZR1. Aside from the aforementioned chrome wheels, the only other optional equipment is a premium interior package. The kit includes power-adjustable leather-trimmed sport seats, leather-wrapped interior elements (including the dashboard), a navigation system, and Bluetooth Connectivity. The interior leather treatments are available in four colors.

• 
  

Audi R8 vs Porsche 911 Carrera

Audi R8 Specifications:

Make:Audi

Engine: V8 QOHC 40V

Torque:403Nm@3500rpm

Power:310kw@7000rpm

Specific Power: 74kW per liter

Specific Torque:103Nm per liter

Power to weight: 198kW per tonne

Torque to weight: 258Nm per tonne

Drive/transmission: AWD/6-speed

0-100km/h (c): 4.6 seconds

Maximum speed (c): 301km/h

Price: $109,000 CIA rating: 10

Fuel use overall (c): 14.6 litres per 100km

Fuel capacity:75 litres

Range: 514km

CO2 Emissions: 349g/km

Porsche Carrera 911 4S

Make:Porsche

Engine: Flat 6 QOHC 24V

Capacity: 3824cc Power: 261kW @

Torque: 400Nm @ 4400rpm

Specific power: 68kW per litre

Specific torque: 105Nm per litre

Power to weight: 168kW per tonne

Torque to weight: 258Nm per tonne

Drive/transmission: AWD/6-speed

0-100km/h (c): 4.8 seconds

Maximum speed (c): 288km/h

Price: $90,000 CIA rating: 9

Fuel use overall (c): 13.0 litres per 100km

Fuel capacity: 67 litres

Range: 515km

CO2 Emissions: 285g/km

ROUSHcharger For the 2011 5.0 Liter Mustang

The new supercharger that Roush has put out for the new 2011 Mustang will be a true monster. Roush claims that it will, given normal fuel, push the horse power up to 550, and given a few adjustments which include a new fuel pump should be capable of reaching well into the 600 hp range. The ROUSHcharger, as the call it, is made by TVS and is a variant of the TVS2300 blower.

This gives the car significantly more performance capabilities. First off, it will gain hardly any weight yet bump up the weight to power ratio significantly. This means that once you come out of a corner you have a lot more behind that right foot than usual. This will probably give it a better weight ratio than the Shelby Cobra, and if you know Mustangs you know this is a rivalry.

In an earlier Top Gear episode, they tested out a late 2000's Shelby GT500 and a Roush 427R. They like the Roush more because it was lighter and thus had a more overall stability in corners, yet excitedly hustled out of them. I have a feeling this will be the same thing for the new Roush’s and especially for this supercharger.

Basically it boils down to this: if you do happen to get a stock 2011 GT, get this supercharger and everyone will be running scared.

How to Compare

I recently read an article by Motor Trend. The comparison? A 2011 Mustang GT and a 2011 BMW M3. I hope you’re as confused as I am when you read this.

But when you look at the cars statistically, it makes sense that they would make such a bold comparison to one of Europe’s finest. Both cars were six sped manuals, aluminum v-8’s with only 2 difference in horsepower, practically the same dimensions, both 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, the list goes on and on.

The winner? Well the M3 of course. The decision Motor Trend came up with was basically that the M3 had the better body control and a superior suspension. But what else could you expect from the Bavarian beauty made for autobahn speeds. BMW has had years to perfect and use every piece of technology to tune their precise little beauty. But so has Ford.

I’m critical of this comparison because I have a Mustang. I applaud Ford for their efforts to make the GT a monster on the road and track but that’s not the point of the Mustang. I use the word monster for a reason, and I call the M3 a little beauty for a reason too. Different language is needed because they are completely different cars from completely different worlds.

The Mustang lived through, and in a way was the muscle car era. Based off an engine you could fit a midget in, they were the cars that ruled the road up until gas the crisis. The Mustang is a monster, bred for young kids who want a car all the pretty girls want rides in. It’s the young guns ace in the whole, the piece de resistance, the one thing every kid wants by the time they know what a car is.

The M3 on the other hand is for the business man, CEO, boss, mean guy whose car you want to key. The culture of the cars is different therefore the comparisons need to be made differently. I would like to see the new Mustang vs the Camaro or Challenger. But on the other hand, I like the comparison.

After thinking about it, the comparison is actually really good. Because they are so close on paper, I would want to test them too if I was Motor Trend. Both cars fought valiantly on the track, and I was shocked to see how the results came in so close. The new Mustang GT is fast and well controlled but they said that is was more fun to drive because it’s such a wild ride.

Same for my car, floor it and hold on for dear life as the rpm’s skyrocket to 6000 and shift with a hard left foot on the floor. Snap the clutch up to early and you have to back off while the engine yells at you for ruining its good time. It’s a joy ride that isn’t comparable to any other car I’ve driven. I can’t compare it to the Audi’s I’ve driven because those have a more solid feel to me, a more safe feeling and cutting rather than a battle axe screaming on the pavement waiting for its next unsuspecting corner to be ripped to shreds as 427 horses barrels out of the gates.

If you take anything away from this, please make it this: when your comparing cars don’t be critical of them because they’re not “better” than the other. Think of the past and what the car is supposed to be, not what you want it to be. If it’s not what you want, stop whining and get another one.

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

The 458 Italia is the next Ferrari mid-engine with more power,lower emissions and a better mpg.

The 458 Italia is 4.5 liter V8 at 570 horsepower.

The all-new V-8 powered 2 seater was launched in North America in the spring 2010.It is a smaller ferrari with better performance,lower fuel emissions and improved mileage.

The 458 looks to have a longer wheelbase than F430 and slightly longer in length than F430 but unlike the F430, 458 is said to be 200 pounds lighter.The 458 has the long-legged top-gear ratio to increase highway fuel economy and also the Ferrari's ultra quick "F1" electronic shift control.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is a low-production,high performance sports car that is in the same general class as the Porsche 911 Turbo,Lamborghini Gallardo,Chevrolet CorvetteZR1,Audi R8 and the Mercedes-Benz SL Class.The choice on which car to buy totally depends on what you like and what you can afford.There is no car out of these that you can is the best.

First Test Drive: For the world press in the end of 2009 but for the US first quarter of 2010.

Prices:The 458 Italia with extra power and upgraded features costs around $250,000 starting.

Our focus for this blog would be mainly general discussion about cars and probably we will specify the technical specifications of the cars we will be talking about. On a day-to-day basis we will talk about different brands, makes and the models. At a first glance, be on the watch for our car reviews and what we think about them, or what we think other people think of them. Hopefully our audience will consist of people that generally appreciate and enjoy cars. What will keep people coming back to our blog is that we will try to put up information, reviews and facts about cars that people will not find easily anywhere else. The personality of the blog as a whole will be just casual so that people can find almost anything they are looking for relating to a car. Car-man74 will be looking into car culture deeply and abby would be looking into foreign cars in detail and providing information about them. We plan to keep this site regularly updated so that whenever readers visit our blog they can find something new and interesting. It can be compared to other blogs in the sense that we will try to provide information that is different from other blogs and what people really want. We will basically be doing what car bloggers love, ranting about the cars we adore.

Other Car Blogs:

Car and Driver

Auto Week

Motor Trend

Truck Trend

The Car Blog

Road and Track

Carmagazine

DUB Mag

Automotive Blogs

CarsCarsCars