Porsche vs Ferrari

Porsche and Ferrari are German and Italian sides of the same coin, interpretations of the sports car idea. Both founded by a dominant patriarch, both honed in racing, both more than 50 years old, both with engineering and styling integrity. Whether on the track of Le Mains or on the streets, the two have always been put head-to-head and compared. Even the most naive motorist associates these two names with both performance and style.
We have decided to compare the methodical Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and the passionate Ferrari F430 because both of them astonish with their performance while attempting to maintain a reasonable amount of practicality but do not pretend to be anything other than sports cars.
A modern sports car should feature these characteristics: it should be started easily, maneuvered around town, blasted on a couple of country roads, it looks and performs the part on a racetrack but at the same time it is very safe.
The easier way to separate the two cars is by measuring figures since both of them have mastered the modern sports car requirements and basically there's no other way to choose between these two phenomenal cars.
What initially impresses is Ferrari's lightning fast 4-second 0-100km/h acceleration and thrilling exhaust tone. As the occupants are pinned to the seats, the new generation 4.3-litre V8 pushes out 368 snarling kilowatts. Porsche's acceleration also offers that kick in the pants a super car should deliver, although it is 0.8 seconds slower at the 100 km/k mark.
With such acceleration performance, it comes natural for both cars to excel in the braking department. The two cars offer optional ceramic discs for impressive stopping.
Porsche's engine gets the upper hand as it is more refined and on the economy rank leaps ahead Ferrari with a 11.8 liters per 100 km as opposed to 18.3 liters. Both cars deliver the power through impressive 6-speed gearboxes and offer top rate handling performance.
Both F430 and Carrera4S offer great interior comfort and even if the space is limited, the occupants do not feel claustrophobic and flustered. Although an impressive mix of suede, carbon fiber and aluminum abound in the Ferrari, the Italians stand no chance when it comes to the high finish level attained by the Germans.
Speed and silence are key elements for any super car. The look and appearance is the biggest draw card. The Carrera 4S is a typical Porsche, despite the new proportions. It is a great looking car, like any other 911 but somehow the styling no longer creates the jaw dropping reaction that the Ferrari does. Indeed, traditionalists may say that Porsche pays homage to its roots, but the truth is that Ferrari F430 simply draws the attention.
However, even if Ferrari F430 takes your breath away with its appearance, the super car title goes to the Porsche Carrera 4S with a more complete all round package.



by Pj Germain

The Creation of Hybrid Cars

The creation of hybrid cars is not something unique to this century. Hybrid cars have been being developed since as early as 1839. People, even then, saw the need for something different.
Hybrid cars have recently became huge because of the benefits they offer. They are less polluting and use less gas then traditional cars. Additionally, hybrid cars depreciate slower and provide a great investment.
Look at the following timeline to see how hybrid cars and the creation of them has evolved over time from 1839 to present day:
1839: The first electric vehicle was built in Scotland by Robert Anderson.
1870's: A car with an electric motor was developed. This car had problems, though. The batteries that powered the electric motor were heavy and therefore the speed and abilities of the car were limited.
1880's: In England the use of electric taxi cabs were common. These cabs used a small electric motor and battery pack. Also this century the Immisch & Company created a four passenger carriage that ran off a motor powered by a battery. Also developed was a three wheeled electric car.
1900's: The early 1900's were a time of great improvements and advancements in electric vehicle technology. The lead-acid battery and the nickel-iron battery were created. The London Electric Cab Company regularly used electric cars. Mainly they used the Bersey Cab, a battery powered electric motor vehicle that could travel 50 miles before needing charged. Also this century the Pope Manufacturing Company in the United States built 500 electric cars in two years. Towards the end of the 1900's the Lohner Electric Chaise, the first electric car from Porsche, was introduced as the first front wheel drive vehicle. The Electric Carriage and Wagon Company introduced 12 electric cabs.
Early 1900's: In the early 1900's American companies began working with hybrids. They produced steam power and electric power vehicles that year that outnumbered the amount of gasoline powered vehicles they made. The first actual hybrid of electric and gasoline was made in 1903 by the Krieger company. Also tin the 1900's Henry Ford's creation of the self-starting gas engine made the interest in hybrids decline rapidly.
Late 1900's: In 1966 the US government introduced a bill suggesting the use of hybrid vehicles to help reduce air pollution. When gasoline prices soared in the 70's and concern over pollution from automobiles came to an all time high, auto manufacturers began once again looking into hybrid vehicles. In 1997 Toyota introduce the Prius, which was the beginning of the hybrid revolution.
Today: Hybrid cars are now being made by every major auto manufacturer. They are no longer being looked at as an option, but the standard for the future of the automobile industry.

by Joseph Then

Jeep Scores Lowest in American Customer Satisfaction by Evander Klum

Asian car makers fast becoming known for quality cars, gaining respect for the reliability and constant improvements in its vehicles over the years. On the other hand, Americans are still not satisfied with the locally made cars like for instance, Chrysler's Jeep, which apparently, received the lowest score in a recent customer satisfaction survey by the University of Michigan. This was the 12th American Customer Satisfaction Index held by the University of Michigan.
The highest score this year was 87 out of the 100 perfect score. Jeep was found to be at the bottom of the list. The famous maker of the Jeep oxygen sensor scored only 75 on the survey done.
Not surprisingly, Toyota Motor Corporation's luxury brand Lexus was able to get the highest score. Following the lead were BMW, General Motors Corporation's Buick and Cadillac, as well as Ford Motor Company's Lincoln and Mercury brands.
Back in 1996, both Korean and Japanese car makers were noted to have dissatisfied their customers that most of the car sales dropped. Toyota Motor Corporation -- which scored 84 points, was in fact among those Asian brands to experience several recalls, not mentioning poor customer service.
It looks like tough times ahead for the US car makers, who seem to be doing their best efforts to get the Asian car makers behind but can't seem to succeed. This was the comment of head of the index Claes Fornell.
On last month's car sales record, the domestic car makers have noted an above 50% decrease in their car sales, in contrast to its Asian rivals. Toyota Motor Corporation was able to pass the General Motor Corporation's worldwide auto sales in the first half of 2007. The Japanese car maker was able to sell 4.72 million units of Toyota vehicles compared to 4.67 noted for the General Motor. Industry observers have already predicted that Toyota will over power the US car maker before the year ends.
In the 12th American Customer Satisfaction Index, people were asked about the cars they bought for the past three years and were asked to rate their level of satisfaction and expectations. They were also asked to rate their vehicles compared to the ideal vehicles as well as the overall satisfaction.
There almost 11,500 car users who contributed for the result by phone from April to June this year. The articul write by: austin dwi and auto insurance quote and san diego dui attorney

Cheap Car Insurance : Know First The Types Of Insurance Available

As insurance today is becoming one of the most popular thing to avail for people around the world, the rush of hundreds of insurance companies are natural. That is why people willing to buy an insurance are often confused when it comes to deciding about which insurance will be suitable for him. Car insurance among all the insurance types is one of the most availed insurance in UK, as it is mandatory for people to have an insurance for their car. As most of the car owners would be looking for cheap car insurance, the article includes information about the types of car insurance knowing which will be helpful in giving you a good insurance deal.
Basically there are three types of car insurance - third party, third party, fire and theft, and comprehensive insurance. All three types are designed to meet diverse insurance requirements of car owners, they are easily available. And to avail a Cheap Car Insurance, it is important that the best type of insurance is availed. Third party insurance of car insures the car of a third party which you are driving, and get damaged. The insurance will not cover your own car, but the car of third party which you are driving. While third party, fir and theft insurance will not only cover your own car, but also cars of third party. It will compensate you for all the damages caused by fire and theft.
On the other hand, comprehensive insurance is more broad and covers almost all kind of damages, be it accident, theft or any damage caught by fire. Thus before one is prepared to buy a cheap car insurance, it is important that he is well aware of all the options available in the market. Knowing it may help him positively in getting an insurance at cheap price.

The Five Best Rated Cars of 2007

Are you in the market for a new car? Here is the best piece of advice I can offer you before you make any decision. Do your homework. Every year, hundreds of Americans buy a car and later on come to regret their purchase. It's called buyer's regret and there is no excuse for it with the internet at your fingertips.
Car and Driver Magazine wants to help. Every year, they evaluate all of the new cars released by the manufacturers. They make their judgments based on three general areas. They want to know how well a car performs its intended functions. A sport car is supposed to be fast and exhilarating so they expect it to be. Next, they look at factors like its driving manners, a new and exciting body design or interior, or a powerful engine. Finally, they want to know its worth the dollar amount asked. If it an inexpensive car is fast, fun, and practical, then it will certainly be graded well above others.
BMW 3-Series - This gem is a 300-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter version of the classic six. The 3-series zips to 60 in 4.8 seconds and corners at 0.89 g while offering more luxury and space. It also delivers better fuel economy and a quieter, more comfortable ride than its competition. The 3-series is the definitive sports sedan, delivering the driving satisfaction of a sports car in the body of a practical machine.
Chevrolet Corvette - The composite body of the Corvette hearkens back to the seminal 1953 model. Newer materials, like balsa-core composite floor panels used in the floor panels, combine with a sophisticated structure to yield a car that remains light and agile, despite higher power, bigger brakes, and grippier tires. The Corvette's combination of heritage and sophistication gives it a uniquely American blend of performance, swagger, and everyday livability.
Chrysler 300 - The 300 is known for its styling but it's what's on the inside that keeps everyone coming back. Under its hood, there is either a mild V-6 engine for the faint of heart and then there is a wild Hemi V-8s, with up to 425 horses coupled to a five-speed automatic with manual control. The 300 has a huge back seat (even huger in the new-for-'07 long-wheelbase versions), a capacious trunk, and fold-down rear seats to provide cargo utility. The cabin is structurally rigid, free of road-induced vibrations, and impressively quiet.
Honda Fit - The Fit, with its 109 horsepower producing engine, won't generate any kind of acceleration like a Ferrari or Corvette, but it generate some pretty attractive fuel-economy numbers. It gets on average 33 city miles per gallon, with 38 highway mpg, according to the EPA. Now, factor that in with its relatively cheap price (anyone can afford one), room enough for four adults, exceptional cargo adaptability with sports-car agility, and you get full fledged economical car with its own unique appeal.
Volkswagen GTI - The GTI knows how to cut like no other competitor, thanks to its high-powered, turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter four engine that develops 200 horsepower of smooth feeling goodness. More importantly, this little power-packed engine is light enough to maintain excellent balance in the front-drive chassis. While it has the mentality and feel of a race car, the car's designers didn't forget about you, the driver. The GTI possesses an interior finish that belies its price, an optional navigation system, and a long list of other standard features that more expensive cars don't even offer.

Information from: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=549769