Yeah, and those of us over 40 now know everything, and we're always right...

until the spouses tell us otherwise.

But IMO the difference between a badge whore and an enthusiast is whether you can consider whether there are other cars that might be superior in certain respects than other cars after a driving both, and understanding that owners value different characteristics: a badge whore will never understand why anyone would drive anything else regardless.

In the 335 v. G35 sedan comparison, I haven't driven either, but they are on the list of potential replacement cars when the time comes (unless I win the lottery-- then it's time for that Bentley...).

 

Wow you guys are twisting things a bit.

I did not say if you buy a BMW or MB then you're a badge whore.

My point was there are a lot of stupid people out there who would not consider a good car such as a TSX or maybe even an Audi A4 simply because they don't have the name and status of a BMW or MB. Instead they'd go buy a base 325i just so that they can have the badge and impress others.

I'm guessing 90% of the people that buy a 325ier could give two shits about it's RWD, handling or steering feel.

Again MB and BMW have some of the nicest cars around, I just don't feel that way about such cars such as...

MB C230 Coupe / hatchback (ultimate badge whore / poseur to me)

a less extent goes to the C230 and BMW 325i, although with this new generation they're getting a lot better.

BMW 525i too

 

You still bashing BMW owners, do you think people care about the G35 has RWD, handling or steering feel?

You being a badge snob by making fun of cars that are "base" level. I mean teh G35 is the "base" model for infinti, why not make fun of that?

 

I think some of the badge bashing (regardless of badge) for some of the more expensive luxury cars is rooted in jealousy. Some people will bash what they can't afford so that they feel better about buying a "lesser" car...

I'm a cheap bastard, so I could care less about badges, but I do understand that you get what you pay for...

335 ($45) > G35 ($35) > Mustang GT ($25)

 

Because Infiniti doesn't have the prestige that BMW and MB have, so why would a badge whore buy an Infiniti? One that buy's a base G35 can also buy a 328, so don't say they can't afford one.

As hard as it is for you to believe, I don't hate BMW, and I certainly don't think Infiniti is a better brand. I just think they're extremely competitive product wise, and price wise, and that's why i'm always suggesting the G.

That's all I'm going to say in regards to that since it sounds like we're going in circles arguing.

Back to the main topic, it sucks people would rate the same car lower simply because it had a different badge. On the other hand I guess I can kind of see it because people trust Toyota's reputation more than Chevy's so if they thought the car was built by Toyota it would be a better car.

EDIT

almost forgot... G35 FTMFW!!!

lol jk

 

i hear that...i bought a 98 325i convertible back in 2000 for the sole purpose of being able to say I drive a BMW convertible. One month after owning it, I genuinely fell in love with the driving dynamics, and only fell of he bmw love because of the problems I had with it. So I am a very guilty culprit here for buying the badge...it just happened to reward me of fun driving for months to come...

 

Explain to us why, in your pure wisdom, other people personal preferences for cars are your business and why you feel sooooooo compelled to make stupid judgements like this.

 

go drive or ride in a new C63

 

My supposedly well-off friend asked me for advice on what he should purchase, a used E60 M5 or a E55 AMG. I suggested to him a E46 M3 or a E92 M3, or the new C63. After he did some research he fell in love with the E92 M3, and is probably gonna get a used M3 first.

Then I suggested him the B7 RS4/S4, and he simply said "Nah, I don't really like Audis."

I would also kinda agree that 90% of BMW/MB owners see the badge and instantly put the car on a pedestal higher than Acura/Lexus/Audi/etc. A coworker of mine who currently owns an E30 325i is excited over the new 135i because I quote: "its nice, and its got twin-turbos". While watching the X-Games rally racing, someone asked him a question but he admitted that, I quote: "Don't ask me, I don't know shit about cars".

I doubt anyone buys Infiniti for the handling and steering feel as that's not exactly what they're known for. I doubt even more than anyone would buy a G35/G37 for the badge. They look pretty bad ass and offer a comparable alternative to the 3-series at a lower cost. There's no excuse for why there are so many of those grotesque, Bangled abominations that BMW calls the 6-series on the road though.

Badge whores may shoot me for saying this but I would love to own a Saturn Sky Redline.