[M.A.R.C.]

http://jalopnik.com/horsepower-as-a-...buy-1723079245

[Seattle M3]

So true!

[BMW269]

That is why I like McLaren, GT-R, NSX, Lexus F,..., they are not a status symbol.

[M.A.R.C.]

well you're going to find people who buy almost any brand's performance model regardless of the reputation. Lots of celebs and sports stars have McLarens so I wouldn't think those are immune.

[Never_Enough]

Originally Posted by Levi

That is why I like McLaren, GT-R, NSX, Lexus F,..., they are not a status symbol.

[dsad1]

I will admit I am a victim of this. Not really doing it for the status symbol, but more for the uniqueness of the car. There are less M's, AMG's, or RS's, on the road.

I also lease my cars, so when the residual of an m6 is the same as a 650, I feel like I might as well get the m6.

[BMW269]

BTW, I don't know what is wrong with "horsepower as status symbol". That sounds fine. What is worse is "badge as me too symbol".

Originally Posted by BoostedRide

What wrong with that. I agree, now McLaren is rather well-known and has more positive brand perception than compared to the beginnings of the MP4-12C. As for the other cars, how many time we see people saying or witting "just a Ford/Chevrolet/Nissan/Toyota/Honda/Mazda".

[gtron]

Originally Posted by Levi

That is why I like McLaren, GT-R, NSX, Lexus F,..., they are not a status symbol.

not sure if serious.

[jeveryday]

Perhaps im the only one that didnt realize this was a thing... typically status symbol cars arent M's or cars that must go fast but more top luxury cars atleast in NY. In Long Island and NYC you'll see a Bentley, Rolls Royce or even a BMW 750 or S550 before you see someone of wealth and clout in a M, or S63.

Could also be that the wealthy also understand they have very limited space to utilize cars of those magnitudes in NY.

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by jeveryday

Perhaps im the only one that didnt realize this was a thing... typically status symbol cars arent M's or cars that must go fast but more top luxury cars atleast in NY. In Long Island and NYC you'll see a Bentley, Rolls Royce or even a BMW 750 or S550 before you see someone of wealth and clout in a M, or S63.

Could also be that the wealthy also understand they have very limited space to utilize cars of those magnitudes in NY.

I don't know if status symbol is the right term, but there are a good amount of people that get the performance models just to say they have the top of the line model, even though they will never use the power.

[chris82]

This trend is going to get even worse now that you have cars like the 911 GT3, all Ferrari's, McLaren's, any modern supercar etc. all coming with automatic transmissions. I don't care what anybody says, those cars can all now be driven by people who know that the brake pedal stops, and the gas makes the car go forward. Before, at the bare minimum you had to learn to drive a stick shift pretty well, or prepare to be embarrassed by your lack of skill. Cars like the Carrera GT had punishing manual transmissions and clutches. I liked that exclusivity it gave those kind of cars. You want to drive the fastest cars with the most horsepower? Better learn to drive them at least. Now we are going to see rich f*cks who don't give a shit about driving in a GT3 and 458 Italia, etc.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by Levi

As for the other cars, how many time we see people saying or witting "just a Ford/Chevrolet/Nissan/Toyota/Honda/Mazda".

Well... usually it's you writing that an Audi is just a FWD VW.

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Well... usually it's you writing that an Audi is just a FWD VW.

Yes, except the R8, Audi is FWD based. Anyway is still seen as status, so your point is irrelevant.

[swanson]

Originally Posted by chris82

This trend is going to get even worse now that you have cars like the 911 GT3, all Ferrari's, McLaren's, any modern supercar etc. all coming with automatic transmissions. I don't care what anybody says, those cars can all now be driven by people who know that the brake pedal stops, and the gas makes the car go forward. Before, at the bare minimum you had to learn to drive a stick shift pretty well, or prepare to be embarrassed by your lack of skill. Cars like the Carrera GT had punishing manual transmissions and clutches. I liked that exclusivity it gave those kind of cars. You want to drive the fastest cars with the most horsepower? Better learn to drive them at least. Now we are going to see rich f*cks who don't give a shit about driving in a GT3 and 458 Italia, etc.

I hate it too. Certain cars were always offered in manual only. I loved that exclusivity because it always weeded out the status guys that cant drive or dont want to drive stick. Now, almost all the cars are offered in auto/DCT. Thank God Ford didnt put an auto in the GT350.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by swanson

I hate it too. Certain cars were always offered in manual only. I loved that exclusivity because it always weeded out the status guys that cant drive or dont want to drive stick. Now, almost all the cars are offered in auto/DCT. Thank God Ford didnt put an auto in the GT350.

My first car was a 6spd. Then I had several others (including Boosted Civics / EVO IX / 350z), because at that time I could shift faster than the auto option. I had my first DCT with the F80 M3 (it's unlike any auto I've owned). It's a game changer. While the guys at the track miss-shift once or twice per session with the traditional gear boxes, mine was flawless.

Going fast doesn't mean you need to have a 6spd anymore. There's more to it then showing off your heel-toe skills. There's cornering/gas feathering/steering/braking, shifting is just one aspect of putting down serious lap times. Not embracing the fact that DCTs are faster is like saying you prefer to change your TV channel manually, because remotes are for pussies.

The F1 cars are using Auto by the way.

As for HP as a status, it's a no-brainer. People buy things to feel special, being exclusive or unique, and for enjoyment. No one wants to buy something that everyone has. No one needs more than 300HP for everyday driving. But it's much more fun to have more power and something that not many people have. That's how night clubs are able to charge $500 for a $30 bottle of Grey Goose in the VIP section, because people spend money to feel special. Deep down inside, you have a BMW because it makes you feel special/unique as not many of your friends have one (with the spec sheets and performance results aside). It's a bonus that BMWs are enjoyable to drive and very luxurious.

If I had the means, would I buy a Bugatti Veyron? Ummm... YES and you would too.

[yousefnjr]

Why is it a surprise to the author that the hi-po models are the most expensive? In what universe is that not the case for any product? There are many reasons why somebody would be attracted to an M5, or any other expensive car, aside from its horsepower.

Classic Jalopnik garbage

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

People buy things to feel special, being exclusive or unique, and for enjoyment. No one wants to buy something that everyone has.

If I had the means, would I buy a Bugatti Veyron? Ummm... YES and you would to.

It depends. Sometimes being special is being part of the group (think iPhone), everyone has it so should have it too.

As for the Veyron, no, I'd take a Huayra. Nothing is more special than that.

[IEDEI]

who cares.......

i buy the best car i can and then drive it A LOT......try not to think about things any more than that.

[M.A.R.C.]

Originally Posted by yousefnjr

Why is it a surprise to the author that the hi-po models are the most expensive? In what universe is that not the case for any product? There are many reasons why somebody would be attracted to an M5, or any other expensive car, aside from its horsepower.

Classic Jalopnik garbage

I think you're assuming they're surprised about that. That's not surprising, the whole article was about people who end up with the performance model JUST BECAUSE it happens to be the most expensive. Not because of practicality per se. i.e. Why end up with an M5 over a 550i M sport

It's neither here nor there to me but you see it a lot and it's all based on your perspective. The only reason why I bought a BMW was because of the M3 pedigree as far as actual driving performance not because of it's reputation in the eyes of enthusiasts, fanboys, or people who see it as a status symbol.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by Railgun

Just to play devil's advocate (and in reality) I don't think I would.

The car, while fast, does nothing for me. If we're talking money no object, there are several cars I would consider, but a Bugatti isn't one. Noble? probably not. Koenigsegg? Don't think so. Pagani? Nah. Would I go as "pedestrian" as Ferrari or Lambo? I suppose it depends.

I'd go old school first I think. Vector W8. Problems aside, I'd love one of those. I'd stick with some fun cars and even finish a project of mine. But over the top cars just for the sake of it being an over the top car. No can do.

Money change people my friend. I'm a gear head, love working on cars. But if I had a billion in the bank, I wouldn't blink to spend on the fastest road going car. Especially those rare cars are considered an investment and go up in value over time. Like Jay Leno.. He has my dream car, the McLaren F1. Even Ralph Lauren has an McLaren F1 (maybe 2). Their prices have been climbing. Not all Ferraris and Lambo hold their value though, so you would have to get La Ferrari or something rare. Ferrari GTO 250 sold for $38M, because why? Some guy wants to feel "exclusive." He wanted the car that only a few others have.

Below is why you would want a very rare car like the GTO 250 / Veyron SS / Porsche GT4. They all go up in value because there's only a few made = people seek for exclusivity. Deep down inside, down to what you wear and what you do everyday boils down this. Human nature, can't fight it. That's why we survived so long and became top of the food chain, territorial behaviors and want to outdo ourselves including others. That's why socialism will never work, humans. Marketing companies know this and capitalize on this, offering more exclusive trims one year after another (Apple is a genius at this). Making you feel less and less exclusive with your existing purchase, until you give in.

The price development of the Ferrari GTO:
1962-4 (new): $18,500
1965: $4,000[20]
1965 (Dec): $10,500
1968 (Jun): $6,000
1969: $2,500 (Kruse International auction)
1971 (Jan): $9,500
1971 (Jul): $12,000
1973 (Jul): $17,500
1975 (Dec): $48,000
1978: $85,000
1980 (Mar): $180,000-200,000
1983: $300,000
1984: $500,000
1985: $650,000 (Number 3987GT)[21]
1986: $1,000,000
1987 (Oct): $1,600,000
1988 (Jul): $4,200,000
1989 (Jul): $10,000,000
1990 (Jan): $13,000,000
1993: $3,000,000-3,500,000 (Number 4219GT)[22]
1998: $6,000,000 (Number 3729GT)[23]
2000: $7,000,000 (Number 3413GT)[24]
2004: $10,600,000 (Number 3223GT)[25]
2010: $26,000,000 (Number 3943GT)[26]
2012 (May) $35,000,000 (Number 3505GT)[27]
2013 (Oct) $52,000,000 (Number 5111GT)[28]
2014 (Aug) $38,115,000 (Number 3851GT)[29][30]

[Z K]

I actually track my car so I wanted something I could drive around town doing regular things and then rip around the track on the weekend. M3 fit the bill. Other cars could also fit this description too.

Brand and reputation be damned. If Hyundai made the M3, I'd still buy it.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by Levi

It depends. Sometimes being special is being part of the group (think iPhone), everyone has it so should have it too.

As for the Veyron, no, I'd take a Huayra. Nothing is more special than that.

LOL. Yes, totally take the Huayra. Veyron is due for a refresh.