Why is Ford doing more than Nissan?

nuTinmuch · 02-28-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

I have read through a lot of this thread. Basically, I think they're just different companies. Nissan isn't doing poorly, in my opinion. As much bashing as there is on the Z, it's still a lot of fun to drive. It'll still get your heart pumping and give you RWD thrills with gorgeous styling. It has its flaws. Maybe it's overpriced for what it is? I don't know. I still think it's a hoot at that price.

Ford is making quality motors right now, but each of its performance cars have some flaws, too. I don't like the way the v6 and v8 Mustang are listed separately. Just talk about the entire Mustang range. They're all bang for buck performance-wise. But I'm not 100% sold on them. They're big and ugly. If that's your thing, then cool. And yes, they're very fast and handle fairly well for their size.

The Focus and Fiesta ST are too small for me inside. I drove the Focus ST, and the Fiesta is bound to be even more cramped. They're pretty quick, but I'd rather buy a WRX in that segment. In fact, I did. And while the Fords are somewhat well-appointed in fancy designed interiors, they're still built with cheap materials underneath. You're paying for the performance.

All that said, I don't believe any of this bears a conclusion on the directions of the brands. Nissan is still selling Joe Public his Altima Sedan with CVT and making a huge buck off that. Ford is still selling base Focuses and pick-ups to Tom, ****, and Harry, and they're both doing well.

Yeah, honestly I don't get it.

Nissan has two performance cars, both of which are fairly impressive machines. While the 370z hasn't aged that well (performance wise), I think many people forget where it was when it first came out. There really wasn't anything comparable to it. It was good. Reviewers liked it. They only turned against it when (logically) better options came out on the market.

Then there is the GT-R -- and really, I don't think I have to say anything about that.

Now, I see a lot of complaints that Nissan hasn't updated the 370z, but I honestly don't think anyone expects them to. They don't have the R&D money that Ford has, nor do they have the racing wing that they do. I mean, now they do, with Nismo moving more in that direction, but before? Not really.

Nissan is essentially a company between Toyota and Mazda, both in volume and in goal. Mazda arguably bakes "fun to drive" into every car they make, even if it is a SUV. On the other hand, Toyotas are slow and boring (at least right now).

Nissan might not sell as many cars as Toyota, but they also aren't as boring, either. I'm not saying an Altima or Maxima is the height of driving excitement, but put them next to a Corolla or Camry and they are suddenly a lot more interesting.

But -- unlike, say, Mazda -- they really aren't trying to appeal to the enthusiast. Because doing so isn't a good business plan. We are a dying breed, and pandering to us is stupid. Ford can afford to do so because of who they are. So can GM, for that matter. But Nissan can't. Especially not after the sales disappointment of the 370.

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