IS MOTOR TREND’S ANTI-DETROIT BIAS SHOWING?

(Get the latest “Truth With Speedzzter” here)

Parts of the World Wide Web are abuzz with discussion of Motor Trend Magazine’s latest comparison test of four V6-powered RWD sports coupes. MT tested Ford’s brilliant 2011 Mustang against a 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8, a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro RS and a 2010 Dodge Challenger SE.

In a highly subjective analysis, MT handed the overall win to upstart Hyundai, notwithstanding that the 2011 Mustang won on several objective measures, including as-tested price, acceleration, braking, fuel economy, turning circle, curb weight, and lateral g-force.

One MT reader sagaciously commented:

I can totally see why the Genesis won, and the Mustang lost [2nd place].
It was faster in the 1/4 mile, nope that's not it.
It was better at braking, nope that's not it.
It had better lateral acceleration. nope that's not it.
It had better weight distribution, nope that's not it.
It had a better average in the slalom, nope that's not it either.
Was the most environmentally friendly, most definitely not it.
Ok,ok, was the cheapest right? Not even close..$6100 more expensive than the least expensive Mustang that beat it in just about every category. wow!

Please remind me again why the Genesis won[?]

The anti-Detroit bias of the “sports car” segment of the American motoring press is legendary. MT seemingly followed that snobbish “institutional bias” by deciding the shoot-out on silly points, such as the Hyundai’s fall-away hood and its subjective “sports car” feel. Moreover, MT apparently penalized the much cheaper Mustang for not packing the optional luxury interior. That would seem inconsistent with MT’s focus on “sports car feel” given that most of the legendary sports cars featured minimal creature comforts.

Still, in the objective measures that really matter, the 2011 V6 Mustang punished all comers, forcing Hyundai to “win” on subjective technicalities. Factor in Mustang’s huge advantage in heritage, club support, and aftermarket support (which MT failed to do) and the objective winner is clearly Mustang. Too bad MT couldn’t see that.