Archive for the ‘SM Showdowns’ Category

SoMo Showdown: Fit vs. Civic Hybrid

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009


We pit the Honda Fit vs. Honda Civic Hybrid through an array of road and performance tests

MIAMI, FL: Honda, as a whole, has always been interested in delivering quality, reliability and fuel economy throughout their lineup, and with a slew of multiple, annual “greenest car” and “highest resale” accolades awarded to them, we at South Motors would say they have done just that consistently throughout their history as an automaker. Honda leases and purchases have always been a staple of Miami’s new and used car markets.

But which Honda fuel-sipper should you choose? This video tackles that question directly, with a little family rivalry. We pit the Honda Fit against its older brother the Honda Civic Hybrid in an array of road tests and scrutiny. In the end, both cars are the winner, with the Civic Hybrid winning every MPG test, and the Honda Fit winning the maneuvering and acceleration tests. Inside both, you’ll find all of the reliability and accoutrements you’ve come to expect from the “Greenest Carmaker in the World” – top-of-its-class fuel economy coupled with Honda’s attention to quality and real-world performance.

Watch the video, and then stop in at South Motors Honda for a quick test drive to formulate your own opinion about these two worthy fuel-efficient opponents. We’re confident that you’ll find the match-up as difficult to judge as we did! And when you are shopping for these or any other Hondas, remember South Honda is your #1 choice in selection and price for all new and used Honda leases and purchases.

Take a look at the 2010 Honda Fit, the Civic Hybrid and all of South Honda’s new and used car selections by clicking here.

Posted in Honda, SM Showdowns | No Comments »

SoMo Showdown – VW CC vs. Acura TL

Friday, August 14th, 2009

VW CC
Acura TL
List Price
$42,630
$43,235
Horsepower
280bhp @6200
305bhp @6300
Torque
265lb-ft @2750rpm
275lb-ft @5000rpm
Engine
dohc 4-valve 6cyl
dohc 4-valve 6cyl

This time, we pit the suave European demeanor of the VW CC against the eager and spontaneous Acura TL. The Acura handling is crisp and sharp, with a suspension that, in contrast to the CC, is tuned for a more hard-core enthusiast. This unfortunately leads to a slightly harsher ride than its VW opponent, and where the CC displays the quiet reserve of a European dignitary, the TL transmits more road noise than a Japanese popstar’s zealous fan boy. It’s a tolerable noise, though, considering some of it is coming from the 3.7 liter VTEC-enhanced V6, the most powerful production engine Acura has ever built.

The comparison continues in the cockpit, as well. The Acura TL is laden with technological knobs and gauges splashed throughout the cabin and the thick, shrouded dash, while the VW CC provides a more humble and dignified display of its tech. Outside on the Acura TL, the techno-worship continues, with a boastful swooping chrome “V” and bottom-heavy style presenting itself in the front. The VW, again, answers with a more refined, classy exterior almost to the point of introversion.

There you have it. The spirited, eager Acura TL and the dignified VW CC – two personalities you might find playing opposite each other in any summer buddy flick (AKA “Bromance”). Both prove to have the juice, its only a question of how you want to show it to the rest of the world.

Which do you like more? The cheerful ostentation of Japanese design or the say-more-with-less European sensibilities approach? Make yourself heard with a comment below or participate in our poll now…

  • Polls2

    Do You Prefer European or Japanese Design?

    View Results

    • Posted in SM Showdowns, VW | No Comments »

    SoMo Showdown – Audi A4 vs. BMW 335d

    Thursday, August 13th, 2009

    Audi A4
    BMW 335d
    Test Price
    $49,975
    $50,895
    Horsepower
    265bhp @6500
    265bhp @4200
    Torque
    243lb-ft @3000rpm
    425lb-ft @1750rpm
    Engine
    dohc 4-valve 6cyl
    dohc 4-valve 6cyl

    Matching up a diesel against a performance gas vehicle even 10 years ago would have been inviting both shameful and predictable results for the diesel burner, but the technology has come a long way. Taking a short ride in the BMW 335d will prove exactly how far diesel engine has come. Spitting black exhaust fumes are history, intrusive engine noise no longer exists and one look at the inline six, and you’ll know this isn’t a car designed primarily to deliver a high MPG – it is also smartly tuned to squeeze out every drop of performance a modern diesel engine can provide.

    Road and Track’s diligent match-up of the two cars produced surprising results, with the BMW not just trumping a few categories, but soundly beating the Audi A4 in every category tested. And it did it with a substantial savings on MPG, too, with the Audi A4 returning 18.3 MPG and the BMW 335d maintaining a 25.5 MPG combined fuel economy over the course of their demanding and numerous road tests.

    Nay-sayers of diesel technology might counter the BMW’s MPG savings by pointing out that diesel gas is more expensive than the premium fuel required for the Audi, which as it turns out, is another surprise. A quick check on www.gasbuddy.com shows diesel fuel is currently 8 cents per gallon CHEAPER than premium unleaded in my area of Miami-Dade.

    To sum it all up, it appears the BMW 335d has every advantage over the Audi A4, in terms of 0-60, 0-100, braking distance, slalom speed and gas mileage.

    What do you think – Is diesel in the future of performance vehicles, or is the 335d just a remarkable flash-in-the-pan? Post your comments or participate in our poll…

    Do Diesel Engines Have A Future In Performance Driving?

    View Results

    Posted in BMW, SM Showdowns | 1 Comment »