IF Money Were NO Object, Would YOU Get An All-New Supercar Or An Old-School "Analog" Supercar?

Although there's no question that it's pretty cool a buff book put together an old-school Porsche 959 with the all-new 918 Spyder, it's kind of the same old story. The old car is for purists and isn't as fast and the all-new ride is just pure insanity and the "wave of the future."

We haven't heard that before [eye roll].

So, I did a bit of thinking and was wondering what you, the tastemakers, would have to say about this: IF money were NO object and you could have whatever you wanted, would you go NEW or ANALOG?

Analog is the new buzzword in the auto business for cars that don't feature dual-clutch gearboxes, don't have various forms of techno wizardry like ABS, traction control, etc.

There's really two ways to look at this. If you have a weekend ride that you simply want to enjoy and use as a method of therapy, it's a no brainer you go analog. If you're looking to pound your chest, and brag over zero to 60 and quarter mile times, you should probably go to the dark side and select the latest and greatest wares.

What say you, Spies? NEW or OLD? Make YOUR move.


On this week's Ignition, Carlos Lago has a second go at Porsche's 918 hypercar. The goal: to run the 918 through the full gauntlet of MT's instrumented testing, including 0-60, quarter mile, braking, figure 8, and a blistering real-time hot lap around Big Willow race track with pro driver Randy Pobst. Carlos also gets a rare chance to experience the 918's ancestor, the Porsche 959. The 959 was a remarkable piece of automobile history that was decades ahead of its time with much of it's technology only appearing in common vehicles within the last ten years or so. The 918 attempts something very similar, featuring very advanced technology, including a naturally aspirated V8 that works with a seamlessly integrated electric motor to provide extra boost. Can Porsche's new hypercar achieve the same effect that its predecessor did? Only time will tell, but stay tuned for the record-breaking review.

vwowner1 - 5/22/2014 11:31:26 PM

0 Boost

Analog Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Jaguar and/or Bugatti, not necessarily in that order of preference.

TheSteve - 5/22/2014 11:37:35 PM

+1 Boost

I love classic styling, without the old-world finicky traits like carbs and points. Reliability, comfort, and beauty are high values for me. A McLaren 12C or Porsche 959 would suit me just fine. I'm not warm to Ferrari's disjointed and awkward styling, or Lamborghini's new angular stealth-fighter stuff.

freeagent - 5/23/2014 8:18:50 AM

+1 Boost

Analog. As to Ferrari, it's the 360 with 6 speed manual for me, or perhaps a Dino.

absent - 5/23/2014 11:12:13 AM

+1 Boost

I did actually go through this dilemma just a couple months ago.
It came down to a choice between 599 GTO and a Carrera GT.
Both cars at similar price point but may as well be from different planets.
My personal criteria finally made the choice for me, which of the 2 could be driven by my Granma or Mom or even my cleaning lady that comes every week to clean my house?
Got the CGT and never even looked back, it exceeded all my expectations.
One of these rare cars that never get boring, you continually learn to get better driving it,knowing also that you could never absolutely master it, since better drivers then self could not master it completely either.

W208 - 5/24/2014 3:57:12 AM

+1 Boost

Yep. Had this same dilemma when deciding between the Maybach Excelero and a Lamborghini Venino roadster. Ultimately I decided on the Excelero because of the trunk space and passenger carrying abilities. Plus, I need something that's good on gas.

Terry989 - 5/23/2014 1:54:34 PM

+1 Boost

I would take a modern car any day. The comparison to the 959 seems odd since this is a very complex car, but as the article states, it was far ahead of its time. A few years ago I was at Bruce Canepa's in Scott's Valley and counted 12 of these beasts at his shop. Some where in varies forms of restoration and the suspension, drive train and engines where very different form anything else in their day.

MattDarringer - 5/23/2014 7:31:51 PM

0 Boost

Analog...I adore TVRs and Jensen Interceptors

ATrain - 5/24/2014 7:37:39 AM

+1 Boost

Both, of course.

After all, if money's no object, then one must get a taste of the '71 GTO or the 917 LT. But you also have to consider the P1 AND the F1... And there are so many other great ones to own.

Of course, money is an object, so I settled on the GT3 RS (991), well, plus a few others but that should be sufficient to answer the question.

vonbeeler - 5/24/2014 12:23:50 PM

+1 Boost

Yes if money is no object then you need both.
I leased a new Maseratti Gran Turismo because it is usable everyday and has real rear seats my kids can fit in comfortably. I bought a Ferrari 328 GTS because I've always loved the shape as a kid and it is about as analog as you can get. No anti lock anything, no power steering, proper manual, etc and super fun drive. The other advantage to the older car is it will always be worth what is it now if not more. With the Maserati the depreciation over three years will be about the same as the total cost of the 328. Neither cars are really super cars but very close and I have been really enjoying them for their intended purposes. Not to mention even when not driving it is nice to pull up a chair in the grange and admire the lines.

Holydude - 5/26/2014 6:14:10 AM

+1 Boost

New of course, old cars are just that, old. It doesn't matter how good they look, because they all drive like shit compared to their modern day iterations.