The Things that Grown Men Should Never Wear

27 06 2008

Growing up means having more responsibilities and that’s especially true when you start being part of the work force. Working means you’ll have more to do although less time to do those things. However, you will also have more money to buy the things that you just gawk at when you were in college. The point that I’m trying to drive at is that as you mature in age that should also be directly proportional with your fashion sense. That means there are some things that you shouldn’t be wearing anymore. Here are some things that grown men should stop wearing.

1.Big Clothes

When you were in high school, oversized clothes looked great and cool. Strutting yourself in a baggy and massive outfit was something normal and “fashionable”, however that’s no longer the case when you start doing a 9-5 job. Some hip-hop stars still wear this kind of clothes but that does not matter because they complement it with a Lamborghini. Wearing baggy clothes does not only make you look like a teenager gone astray, it’s also uncomfortable and a total insult to the fashion world. My advice then is to wear clothes that are right for size and your body type instead.

2.How about Backpacks

These days, the workplace has become more casual and more and more guys are wearing the backpack when they go to work. It really does not matter if you can pull it off but if you want to end your college kid look then a good alternative is the messenger bag. Backpacks can carry a lot of things, however messenger bags can do the same with more style and sophistication. The great thing about the messenger bag is that it can fit any type of clothes be it formal or casual. On a different note, if you want a more classic approach, then you can use a briefcase instead. A briefcase will suit your professional look although the downside is that you have to carry it with your hands all the time. If you don’t own a car, a briefcase is a bad idea, so I’d say go for the messenger bag if you want to free your hands with the effort of carrying a briefcase.

3.Caps

I actually love caps and if you can pull it off while wearing long-sleeved shirts, then that’s great. However, not a lot of people can carry a cap in every type of situation. Most men wear caps if they don’t feel like fixing their hair but unfortunately, you can’t overdo using it. Good alternatives can be a fedora, bowler hat, boater, bucket hat, and even a Gatsby. If you don’t like wearing hats, a fashionable hair cut would suffice and of course, you should go easy on those hair products.

4.Tattered Jeans

Jeans that has holes in them look great these days and in fact they may even look good on business shirts. However, not everyone can pull that off their hat tricks especially if they’re on the verge of looking like second skin. Damaged jeans ought to be worn on casual days and if you would like to go business casual, wear jeans that fit you perfectly without any flaws on it.

5.Sleeveless Shirts

These apparels ought to be only worn inside the house and if you would like to show up wearing one to work then be ready to become the next watercooler joke. The thing with sleeveless shirts is that you can hypothetically look good in it if you have bulging biceps. However, women would rather see your muscles ripping a tight T-shirt so my advice is just never wear a sleeveless shirt out of the house.

So there you go, there are some things that are just reserved for kids and if you want to be taken seriously at work, the first thing that you should work on would be your cabinet.





Car Comparison: The Subaru WRX and the Mitsubishi Evo

26 06 2008

Street cars are good to look at but unfortunately, not a lot of them meet the expectations that owners want from them. However, two giant automakers in Subaru and Mitsubishi plan to change exactly that with their very own WRX and Evo. The Mitsubishi Evo has had some mild success abroad before reaching the United States and when it finally did reach US shores in 2003, it didn’t let the people down who were waiting for its release. The Subaru WRX on the other hand had a pretty similar story with the Evo because it built its reputation abroad before deciding to strut its stuff in the American market. The cars have been able to impress the American market but for someone who is looking to choose between two street cars, he or she should only settle for the best option possible. Here’s what I have to say about these cars that can help you make the right choice.

Subaru Impreza WRX

Price: 26000 USD

The 5.3 seconds acceleration of the WRX is due to its 2.5 liter turbocharged flat 4-cylinder engine. The car is a decent toy when it comes to handling although I found its exterior a tad short of being completely bland and featureless. However, the great thing starts when you open the door and check out the interior of the Subaru WRX. The space inside obviously increased and apart from that, better materials were used as well by Subaru engineers.

The sound system that has been installed on the WRX is worth mentioning especially after you’ve seen its 80-watt 4-speaker system. The price of the Subaru is respectable although it’s not necessarily a big steal. Overall, the Subaru WRX improved but not a lot however, it’s still bargain for the things that it can offer.

Mitsubishi Evo

Price: 32000

The Evo is impressive with its 285 horsepower that emanates from its 2.0 liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder. The car comes with the Super All-Wheel Control that makes it very stable on the road. Additionally, its Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission allows it to shift from curve to curve without compromising a lot of power. The exterior design of the Evo leaves the WRX eating the dust. The former has a prominent “snout” while combining features from Acura and Mazda.

When you get inside the Evo, it has a decent cabin that has enough space for several people. With that being said, the car allows you to bring several people with you and is even strong enough to handle long road trips. The downside of the Evo is its multimedia artillery, which is simply lacking. The WRX indeed does a better job in this department no doubt. When it comes to the price, the Mitsubishi Evo is more expensive than the WRX by as much as seven thousand bucks. However, the Evo offers a lot more with respect to the driving capacity.

Overall, the WRX is a little too relaxed and some of its aspects still need to be refined and fine-tuned. On the other hand, the Evo’s sound system may be subpar but that’s ok because performance and exterior-wise, it scores a lot better than its Subaru counterpart. The biggest factor however is the cars’ prices because the WRX is obviously a lot cheaper compared to the Evo. The bottom line though is what you actually need and want so I would choose the Evo despite of it being more expensive.





Car Comparison: The Nissan Frontier vs. the Toyota Tacoma

24 06 2008

Big trucks are no longer just big and style-less automobiles that are just made to haul massive objects. Nowadays, they have the power that can let you manage huge payloads while the style that you need to make enough heads turn your way. For instance, Nissan just launched the Frontier and Toyota will not allow itself to be left far behind with the Tacoma. So what shall you choose between these two great pickup trucks? That’s my job, to evaluate both trucks and tell you which one has the right to occupy the space in your garage.

Nissan Frontier SE 4×4 King Cab

Price: 23000 USD

The Frontier has a 4.0 liter DOHC V6 engine that surprised me with its 6.8 seconds acceleration. However, you’re not going to buy a pickup truck because it’s fast but because it’s strong and when it comes to that, the Nissan Frontier has a lot to spare. The truck’s maximum payload is pegged at around 1383 lbs. although when it comes to the trailer weight and maximum trailer tongue weight capacity, they’re pegged at around 6300 and 11133 lbs. respectively. There isn’t a lot to say when it comes to the Frontier’s exterior although it can be argued that it’s contemporary and stylish.

The interior of this automobile was designed to give comfort and convenience in mind that is why it has enough space for several people and lots of space for cargo. The sound system is not patsy either because it’s equipped with a stereo and CD and a good number of speakers for the music lover. The price of the frontier was a bit of a surprise for me considering how much it can do with all the extra-weight in tow. The driving capacity of this automobile is fantastic for its size and that’s one of the reasons why it can be seen almost anywhere these days. Overall, this automobile is great when it comes to hauling and handling uneven road conditions.

The Toyota Tacoma

Price: 25000 USD

The 4.0 liter DOHC V6 engine of the Tacoma is enough to power it from 0-60 mph in only 7.2 seconds however that is still slightly lower than what its Nissan counterpart can put on the table. The carrying capacity however is still way behind what the Frontier can do because its maximum payload and trail weight are only pegged at 1400 lbs. and 3500 lbs. respectively. Another downside is its trailer tongue weight that is only at 8100 lbs.

The exterior does not differ much from the Nissan variety and didn’t surprise me at all. The interior on the other hand is a little bit more conducive than that of the Frontier because of better comfort and convenience that it affords its passengers. The sound system includes a six-speaker stereo although there’s not much right after that unfortunately. However, the Toyota engineers were good enough to provide its steering wheel a bonus telescoping function that it didn’t share with the Frontier.

The Price difference between both pickups is so slight that it’s almost negligible. Nevertheless, both are good choices considering that they’re easy on the gas, driving, parking, and not to mention your account. The bottom line is the Frontier is better when it comes to the most fundamental aspect of all pickup trucks and that’s payload management. Both pickup trucks are almost the same in all aspects although the Frontier just shut out the Tacoma in the cargo department. So there, at the end of the day when there seems to be very little difference between two great pickups, the Nissan Frontier edges out the Toyota Tacoma in a narrow victory.





Car Comparison: Honda Odyssey and the Nissan Quest

19 06 2008

The minivan niche has had its up and down for the past several years, although the good thing is that car makers are doing their best to put this class right back on track. This year, two giant car manufacturers heeded the call by unleashing two “improved” minivans off their assemblies and these models happen to be the Honda Odyssey and the Nissan Quest. Nissan and Honda are one of the most respected and best manufacturers to ever come out of the Asia-Pacific region and their models have been embraced the world over. Going back to the cars, both the Odyssey and the Quest look pretty much the same in every category. However, this post is all about going into the details and choosing which one deserves the vote.

Honda Odyssey LX

Price: 26000 USD

The Odyssey has a 3.5 liter 24-valve engine that can produce as much as 244 horsepower and it is often dubbed as the most powerful engine in the minivan category. Looking at the Odyssey’s acceleration, this car can jump from 0-60 mph in just 7.3 ticks and apart from that, it boasts of a four-wheel independent system for its suspension. When it comes to the exterior of the car, it has massive halogen headlights that embellish the front grille. Also Honda has placed a sunroof and sliding doors that can be both mechanically and manually powered.

Moving on, the interior of this Honda model is wide and spacious and that’s what I like in cars. Also, the seats have been designed to hug the passengers’ bodies completely and that easily translates to convenience and comfort. Overall, the interior of the Odyssey isn’t that spectacular but admittedly, it has the feel-good atmosphere that is enough to make you fall asleep once you are inside.

With respect to the Odyssey’s sound system, it has the DVD Rear Entertainment system that will make those sitting behind quiet and still. The controls of the sound system of this car are just too many to be mastered easily, although as far as I am concerned it isn’t such a bad thing. Overall, the electronic devices present in the Odyssey are just baffling and if you’re a techie guy, you’ll enjoy tinkering with the gadgets inside. Personally, the Honda Odyssey is a solid choice in the minivan category considering its price and great stability on the road.

Nissan Quest 3.5

Price: 24000 USD

The 3.5 liter, 24 valve engine of the Quest 3.5 is strong enough to pull off 235 horsepower, which is less than what its Honda counterpart can afford. Its suspension uses the quad-circuited independent system that is great in stability on rough and uneven terrain. The exterior of the Quest is quite impressive after I saw its new nose and grille with added sunroof and sliding doors too. When it comes to the interior, the Nissan Quest 3.5 will show you its leather finish in its seats, making it look classy and stylish. There are three rows of seats and those are great if you’re into bringing lots of people when you travel. The sound apparatus was however a huge disappointment. The car only offers the basic AM/FM radio with a CD player to boot and those are what you don’t expect from a car of this caliber.

The Nissan Quest is just a bit cheaper than the Honda Odyssey and because of that, you will also get less. This post chose the latter for its superb attention to details and better overall performance. However I’ll still give the Nissan Quest some credit for the space and convenience that it provides to its passengers.





The Things you should know about Office Parties

18 06 2008

Everybody loves to take a break especially after weeks of trying to finish a project and usually, office parties follow. When you were still in college, parties meant making out, getting crazy, and just having fun like a wild mustang on the loose. However, there’s a big difference when the whole setup becomes sponsored by your own company. There had been many instances of employees that were sacked because they misbehaved during these company events. The thing is, company parties include your boss and coworkers and that means that as much as they are social events, they also happen to be business functions that require good behavior. So here are some tips that can someday help you save your career and your job.

1.Attend

Most people would just not bother attending the office party for fear of making mistakes that their boss can see. However, that’s the first mistake that you’ll make if you put down an invitation to go to a party. Attending an office party shows that you’re not only meant for the grindstone, because it only means that you are a well-rounded person who knows how to relax. If you have other things to do, staying just long enough is a sign of respect and interest. Say goodbye in discreet fashion and don’t forget to acknowledge the presence of everyone by saying “hello”.

2.Socialize

Another mistake that most people make is by staying close to their usual groups. The fact is, office parties are meant to introduce one person to another. If you happen to spot the big bosses, socialize with them by introducing yourself and start a short yet lively conversation. The conversation shouldn’t be too formal or too relaxed either and more importantly, never say anything negative to anyone.

3.Be Available

This means that you need to look approachable for other people. Office parties aren’t about making out with the supervisor or laughing about the other department’s boss. It means socializing and networking without looking like a clown. The idea is to show yourself as a man who can talk about everything under the sun regardless of who you are talking to. Also you’ll most likely be shaking hands all the time during the evening so don’t forget to smile and be polite.

4.Be Careful of what you’re going to Say

Don’t be deluded with the idea that everyone’s having a great time and that saying everything what you want to say does not matter. The fact is, there are watchful eyes that you don’t see and since it is a party, most people tend to shed off their inhibitions and they also forget to shut their mouth. I’ve seen how my friend shot himself on the foot when he blatantly admitted that he wanted to screw another colleague. Unfortunately, he’s about to get married and his open-mouthed delirium made its way to his fiancée’s ears. Well the result was everything but pleasant and it was all because my friend thought with his groin instead of his brain.

5.Learn to Moderate

Like what I’ve said before, office parties do not involve your buddies and that’s the main reason you need to take everything in moderation. The food might be free but it does not mean that you should gorge like it’s going to be your execution day tomorrow. Concerning alcohol, it’s easy to get drunk but because of that, it’s also easy to look like a clown and become the instant office laughing-stock as well.

The point is attending office parties do not only mean having fun but more importantly protecting your professional reputation as well. I’m not telling you to be a robot and make the whole thing difficult. Minor blunders here and there will not hurt but you should never forget to know your limitations.





Jaguar XKR and the Aston Martin DB9

17 06 2008

Ian Callum has been a heralded designer of different sports and super cars but in this post, I will be comparing two of his best works thus far: The Jaguar XKR and the Aston Martin DB9. Both cars can easily generate as much as 400 horsepower from their massive engines and reaching speeds of up to 150 mph. Apart from that, they have the exterior design that can make anyone drool. Both of these road devils are meant to burn the road no doubt, but how good are they really when it comes to daily driving? Let’s pit these two English cars and settle the score once and for all.

Jaguar XKR

Price: 87000 USD

This car is certainly all about power especially after realizing that it has 4.2 liter, 32 valve engine that can spurt as much as 420 horsepower. The great thing about this sports car is that it has excellent handling and maneuverability that it owes from its e-stability control system. Additionally, because of its massive engine, the XKR is capable of reaching speeds of up to 155 mph and in just five seconds, it can sprint from 0-60 mph. Despite of its speed, it has the biggest set of brakes that no Jaguar has ever had and as far as I am concerned, that is good news.

The exterior of the XKR is meant to maximize its aerodynamics with its uni-spaceframe configuration. The XKR has a big grille and aluminum hood vents that add to the appeal of this Jaguar model. When it comes to the interior, the XKR gives you a home-like ambiance with the comfort that it brings to the driver and the passengers. The sound system of this car isn’t bad either although I was expecting much more considering that this one’s a Jaguar anyway. Essentially, the Jaguar XKR can be considered a “steal” with the tag price that it has and the performance that it delivers. It’s a race-inspired car that seems to handle tough and long driving as the same time.

Aston Martin DB9

Price: 220000 USD

Moving on to the next car is the Aston Martin DB9 that has been fitted with a 6.0 liter 48-valve engine that is able to thrust this carriage using 450 horsepower. The Aston Martin DB9 is just like its Jaguar XKR counterpart with its topnotch maneuverability and handling that it owes from the weight-shedding that has been done by its engineers. This car outplays the XKR even further with its top speed that reaches 186 mph and acceleration that is pegged from 0-60 mph is only 4.9 seconds.

The exterior of the DB9 has its patented radiator grille and rear haunches. Just like the XKR, the DB9 has maximized its aerodynamics while adding some features like folding mirrors and headlights cleaners. On a different note, what I really liked about this car is its effective absorption of all noise that comes out of its engine. For a guy like me who likes silence most of the time, having a very quiet car is a welcome relief even if the traffic starts to become an issue. However, the interior of the DB9 isn’t that big and that was a little bit of a disappointment. Another downside of the DB9 is its excessive price although it’s a bit understandable since it’s an Aston Martin anyway. The driver experience that this car provides is something that is worth all that money that you will pay for it.

Overall, there’s a 90000 dollar price difference between these cars that look and perform the same way. That disparity is enough to buy you two more cars that belong in the lower price range. The verdict is pretty easy, I gave my vote to the Jaguar XKR because it is way cheaper and it performs essentially the same way as the Aston Martin DB9.





The Mazda CX-7 vs. the Ford Edge

12 06 2008

Not a lot of people can identify crossover vehicles in an instant and they’re pretty much like hybrid animals whose origins are a bit too apocryphal. Then again, when you see the Mazda CX-7 and the Ford Edge, you might change your perceptions regarding this class. A couple of decades ago, it was easy to categorize cars into sedans, coupes, convertibles, wagons, and pickup trucks. However, things will not be as simple years later with the introduction of hybrid cars and crossover autos. Mazda has been considered as one of the top Asian brands for years and it has made waves with the release of the Mazda 3 just recently. Ford on the other hand does need any introduction because of the reputation that it has built over the years. Let’s take a look at both top-of-the-line crossover vehicles and choose which one is the best.

Mazda CX-7

Price: 24000 USD

The Mazda CX-7 can be bought in both front-wheel and four-wheel drive types. Its 2.3 liter engine can generate as much as 258 horsepower and it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds. As the numbers show, the Mazda CX-7 isn’t necessarily a power automobile although when you look at its exterior, this car features chiseled fender sprays, windshield, spoiler, well-positioned fog lights, and headlamps. The car is meant to command attention when you see it on the road and I won’t blame you if you turn your head once you see this piece.

The interior has the Mazda craftsmanship written all over it while the other features include a CD stereo, heated buckets, sunroof, and more importantly a DVD navigation system that is a tad short of being able to find your wife wherever she is. Apart from those, the Mazda CX-7 boasts of a massive cargo space of 58.6 cubic feet once you collapse the rear seats. With that being said, this car is not only meant for style but for carrying payloads as well.

The multimedia artillery of this car is decent although it’s far from fantastic. When it comes to this car’s price, I find it just enough to cover the young professional bracket. The fact is, the Mazda CX-7 isn’t a supercar but with Mazda’s reputation on the racetrack, this car offers great piloting and handling while having excellent comfort even on unpredictable terrain.

The Ford Edge

Price: 25000 USD

The 3.5 liter Duratec engine is the one that generates the power of the Ford Edge. This car’s bigger engine is capable of strutting as much as 265 horsepower which is slightly higher compared to its Mazda counterpart. However, it’s a nanosecond slower when it comes to acceleration compared to its Mazda rival. What I noticed about this car is its inability to be agile enough when changing directions and that happens to be its major flaw thus far. The exterior of the Ford Edge shows a raised beltline, ported wheel lips, raked windshield, fast hatch, jewel-like head and tail lamps, three-barred grille, and domed hood.

The interior of the Ford Edge is all about maximizing its cabin space and its functionality. For instance, the rear seats can be collapsed pretty easily to open up as much as 69.6 cubic feet. I was also impressed with its DVD navigation system that it shares with its Mazda counterpart although its quality is by far better. In my opinion, the Ford Edge is all about attaining structure and organization while focusing a lot on functionality. Apart from that, investing on this car is a wise decision because it gives you the comfort and even prestige everytime you go to your daily routine.

The bottom line is the Mazda CX-7 wins the vote by the slightest margin imaginable. It’s cheaper than the Ford Edge and it virtually gives the same benefits. Overall, both cars are brilliant investments especially to those who want to achieve peace and quiet over the toughness of the daily grind.





Ending a Friendship sans the Hassle

11 06 2008

These days it isn’t easy to find friends who will stick to you through thick and thin and most of the time, friendships are cut short for a variety of reasons. One of which is that when your friends start to be so influential with your life that it has become impossible to turn down their requests. Apart from that, when that friendship has started to deny you the freedom to be with other people and make friends and or connections with others. The fact is friendships shouldn’t be exclusive because that is only reserved for teenagers who still listen to Britney Spears. Moreover, people change all the time and it is not surprising that you and your friends reach a point that you’re no longer compatible. The point of this post is that you shouldn’t part ways with badly bruised egos and dignity that has been broken to pieces, and here is how to do it.

1.Hold your Guard Up

Make mental notes of the reasons why you want to end the friendship once and for all. Make your arguments as logical as possible so that there are no leaks that can be used against you. When there comes a time that you have to inevitably talk to that person of why you want to end the friendship, there’s no way that he or she can argue against it.

2.Avoid at All Costs

Ending a friendship means ending communication or sending a message in every form conceivable. Establishing a link only encourages the other party and that is exactly what you are trying to prevent.

3.Never Accept Offers

Ending a friendship means that you stop all hopes of a possible reconciliation. That means you will not accept the other party’s invitations or help that can make you change your mind about the decision. When you turn them down, don’t feel bad for not making any explanation. The point that you are trying to show is that “hey dude, here’s my decision and I know what the consequences are”.

4. Minimize Distance

When you want to end a friendship in the workplace, it’s a lot more complicated than in other cases. In the office you still have to see the other party everyday and in some instances you still have to interact with them. If you are in this situation, treat the other party with utmost professionalism. You may not like them but you still have to work with them right? Don’t be rude unless they start bullying you or destroying your dignity. When you get hit below the belt, never roll with the punches. Know how and when to fight without looking like a guy in amuck.

5.Make Other People Aware

When the falling-out phase is truly underway let other people know that you’re no longer interested with the opposite party. If you have to attend an occasion with these people, make sure that you minimize the contact and show them that their presence is nothing to you anymore. Also when it comes to social networking websites, limit their access to your profile or delete them from your “friends” list if necessary. Finally, never drag other people in the fracas. This is your problem so make sure that it stays yours.

Ending a friendship is sometimes a messy and even a bitter affair. Play your cards well and make sure that you don’t regret the consequences. Send your message across by showing them that you don’t like the way they do things. Initially, the falling-out process is difficult to admit for the other party because it smashes their ego into pieces. They would resort to dirty tactics and when that happens, learn how to respond and defend yourself.





Car Comparison: The Acura MDX vs. The Lincoln MKX

10 06 2008

Two SUVs have caught my fancy recently and these cars are the Acura MDX and the Lincoln MKX respectively. Both cars are very appealing in terms of their functionality and performance and when you pit both cars against one another, it’s going to be very tough to choose between the two. The Acura MDX is essentially an upgraded version of the phenomenal CR-V. The MDX has been recently named the Best Luxury SUV according to the Car and Driver Magazine. On a different note, the Lincoln MKX doesn’t appear to be intimidated by such awards because at the end of the day, it isn’t the magazines that are going to judge but the people who will drive both cars. So let’s take a closer look and decide which one deserves the vote.

The Acura MDX

Price: 40000 USD

The Acura MDX has a 3.7 liter engine and is purported to survive an impact even at the speed of 50 mph. The MDX is also capable of unleashing as much as 300 horsepower and that’s quite a feat from its 3.7 liter VTEC V6 engine. When it comes to acceleration however, the MDX isn’t too impressive although it’s good enough to reach 0-60 mph in only 8.1 seconds considering how big it really is.

The interior of the MDX is impressive because of the amount of space that is equivalent to 43 cubic feet. Overall, that’s one thing that you won’t miss in this automobile and apart from that it has seven seats that are available to different occupants. The MDX has a standard climate control feature and a humidity control regulator that I though was pretty slick. Additionally, the MDX also has excellent multi-media artillery and at only 40000 USD, this car is definitely something that you would want to see in your garage. Overall, the Acura MDX is a great car to drive because of the features that it offers and it is also holds its own on unforgiving terrain and unpredictable curves.

Lincoln MKX

Price: 36000 USD

The Lincoln MKX has a 3.5 liter 24 valve V6 engine that is a bit smaller compared to its Acura counterpart although it doesn’t mean that it’s less efficient. The great thing about this SUV is that it has a Roll Stability Control that keeps as much rubber as possible that is contact with the pavement. This way, the car has a better grip and is more stable regardless of the road and weather condition. The Lincoln MKX generates lesser horsepower compared to the MDX and it is pegged around 265. However, the MKX’s engine is rendered one of the top engines of 2008 and that alone speaks a lot about the capacity of the MKX.

The Lincoln’s MKX’s exterior is something that is very classy and elegant that can impress even the strictest of all people. The most imposing features of this car are its massive grille and headlights. A sunroof is also visible that adds to the overall design of the Lincoln MKX. When it comes to the interior, this SUV has its seats covered with leather while some parts of the cabin have some fine wood designs present. What’s even better is that its cargo space dwarfs that of the Acura MDX as its maximum capacity is measured around 69 cubic feet.

Essentially, the car is way cheaper than its Acura counterpart and it has a decent handling capacity that is not far behind the MDX. Overall, the vote goes to the Lincoln MDX because of its better design, decent performance, bigger space, and of course it is cheaper than the Acura MDX.





Dodge Caliber SRT4 and the Chevrolet HHR SS

5 06 2008

The Dodge Caliber SRT4 and the Chevrolet HHR SS are not supercars nor are they sports cars either. These automobiles may not be the fastest or most powerful cars right now but for sure either of these can make you drool and the chance to be behind the steering wheel can be very inviting. The fact is, the average Joe wants a Veyron but does he really need a car that costs almost two million bucks? That’s where the SRT 4 and the HHR S come to play, they’re both performance-based vehicles and they are meant for the everyday use without costing that much. Let’s take a look at both cars so we help you which of them to choose when you decide to finally buy.

Dodge Caliber SRT4

Price: 23000 USD


The SRT 4 has a 2.4 liter turbocharged engine that can launch it from 0-60 mph in just about 6.0 seconds. Without a doubt, that is a decent number for a car that is not meant for the race tracks. Additionally, the car can wander up to 155 mph as its maximum speed although when you intend to bring your kids with you, that number is out of the equation. Basically, the performance of the SRT 4 isn’t that promising but considering its price, this car is already a bargain.

On a different note, the SRT 4 has mild features and some solid lines when you check out its exterior design. The fact is this car did not pretend at all when it comes to its design and for me, that’s a great thing. The downside of this car is its interior that I thought was clearly dull and boring. There’s really not much you can here see except for the bolstered seats. With respect to the car’s price, I though that at 23 grand this one is pretty affordable and with that being said, a lot of people will find the SRT 4 quite enticing. Overall, this car is not something that you can put alongside the best cars out there but that’s alright. I still think that the SRT 4 has enough features that can attract enough people to dip their fingers in buying this.

Chevrolet HHR SS

Price: 25000

The HHR SS boasts of a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine and that is enough to propel this machine from 0-60 mph in only 6.3 seconds. The speed of this Chevrolet model is comparable to its Dodge counterpart that is pegged at around 155 mph. The great thing about the HHR SS is its power and at 260 horsepower, this automobile has enough to carry some extra cargo that you might want to bring. The exterior of this car is fine but I do think that its look will suffer in a couple of years. The thing is, great cars are timeless not only in terms of performance but also in design and the latter is something that the makers have to work on.

The interior of the HHR SS is what surprised me because I was expecting a rather drab and bland presentation. Fortunately, there is enough space for several people and aside from that, great features made the interior of the car better than its Dodge counterpart.

The multimedia artillery of this car is above-average and the sound system’s audio controls are found on the steering wheel. Overall, the HHRR SS is a bit more expensive than the SRT 4 but I will give my vote to the former because of its better drivability and performance on the road.