This. I had an MX-5 which I ended up trading just because of the noise. I now have an Alfa hatch which I enjoy far less but suits much more.

That list would look completely different in Europe. The cars at the top would probably mid-size D-segment saloons (think Insignia or Passat) all with diesel engines.

True, still even the cars we share have different engine lineups. Ours are usually smaller and less power, yet 80-90mph cruising speeds are normal in European motorways. We also have these (this a motoway quite close to where I live):

This. A base Corvette is almost 911 money here (if sold at all). I like the Corvette but not that much.

We do buy SUVs and crossovers, just smaller and with low power engines and tighter handling.

The diesel thing is just the tip of the iceberg, our cars are different not only in size and purpose but also the engines.

There is no such thing as a four door hatchback. This is a five door hatchback.

Nope. For me the ability of my (current) car to cruise comfortably at 170km/h and accelerate commandingly back and forth from 120 to 170 is far more realxing and comfortable.

Michaeal you are mistaken. Sure you are partially right about the weight issue (my Alfa with 200kg less would be a riot) but this is not telling you the whole story.

The issue is that they are very specialised cars, say one trick ponies which are slightly too expensive for what they are.

I understand that short wheel base + high centre of gravity + rearward weight bias is a bad combination for company liabilities... hence the ultra conservative electronics.

A family member has the more expensive twin (Forfour Turbo) and I can tell you it is most definitely not a blast to drive.

Two thoughts.

It’s not. I’m sure than in the 60’s and 70’s there were other rear wheel drive Fords available for the discerning american customer, which may have handled worse but had far more power than a run of the mill Escort.

Ah erm, no?

I get 33.6mpg in the Alfa and that is with European-type high speed motoway driving.

Even the Corvette is residual. The Mustang seems to fare better. Also the Jeeps.

I drove back in the day one of those superchaged Cooper Ss (a late post-facelift model).

The bad thing about the Abarth was the absolute lack of excitement. That and the rubbish 5 speed.

The Mustang I want is one that would fit in my garage.