Originally Posted by juddz

Regarding the Bentley and the Rolls, note that I said "until recently". Recently, each has obtained a new platform, courtesy of German ownership. Most Morgans that sell, year to year, are the Plus four and Plus eight varieties. It has been this way since the thirties. And the car has not changed much since then (right down to its "sliding pillar" front suspension and ash-framed body). The Aero cars are a newer development, that apes only the look of other Morgans (past and present). Lotus hung on to the Esprit four three decades. Three decades! The Elise was developed and released courtesy of foreign ownership. I guess it will be around in another twenty years or so.

Oh, and my Crossfire can be had for 24.5 grand, 'cause that's what I paid for my '05 new. For me, the choice really could have been between a (Mazdaspeed) Miata and this car. But I cross shopped it against older Corvettes, Pontiac GTO, and Nissan 350Z. These cars are vastly different in character and intent, with the heavy as* (but quick) 350Z being the most similar.

And, what would you buy if you were in the market for a compact sports sedan - Audi A4, BMW 3-series, Acura TL, Lexus IS300, etc... or a Jaguar X-Type? Is the X-Type really competent in that crowd? My money would say "no". Not anymore than an S-Type is a real alternative to a BMW 5-series. The only Jag I would ever have a hankering for, is the big cat.