Think we're spoiled?

[Bradley G]

Doomies comment the other day got me to thinking ,..
Something about twelve second 1/4 mile times for muscle cars and blown Marauders, not that impressive anymore.
I thought 15's was fast when I started this stuff, was I wrong?:P

[yjmud]

Just waiting for the bottom to drop out again like 1971

[justbob]

Slow nowadays, but to what standards? Our cars were never built to compete to camaro's, mopars, and such... We here have rewritten the rule book and should feel GOOD about our accomplishments! I for one am proud of my slow car! :)

[PurdueRifleman]

My slow car still turns heads and draws a small crowd at local car shows. Speed is secondary.

[DOOM]

Just saying a car with a 6.1L motor & gears and a vortec running 12's is pretty sad!

Feel sorry for those 1st gen challenger guys who paid over 60k (dealer mark up) when they first came out.

Just imagine after all the mods you have a car that runs 12's and you only spent about 70 grand on it! :bs:

[Mr. Man]

Doomies comment the other day got me to thinking ,..
Something about twelve second 1/4 mile times for muscle cars and blown Marauders, not that impressive anymore.
I thought 15's was fast when I started this stuff, was I wrong?:P


:eek: Doomie got you thinking? This has to be two signs of an impending Apocalypse :P:D

[Bradley G]

But they are pigs!:P
Just saying a car with a 6.1L motor & gears and a vortec running 12's is pretty sad!

Feel sorry for those 1st gen challenger guys who paid over 60k (dealer mark up) when they first came out.

Just imagine after all the mods you have a car that runs 12's and you only spent about 70 grand on it! :bs:

[LANDY]

This cars can be amazing with a good setup, the fact that we can smoke pony cars that are slightly modded makes me proud. It is true a 12 second car is not much nowadays but the fact that we can sneak up when they are not expecteing and put a whooping on them is priceless.

[SC Cheesehead]

Slow nowadays, but to what standards? Our cars were never built to compete to camaro's, mopars, and such... We here have rewritten the rule book and should feel GOOD about our accomplishments! I for one am proud of my slow car! :)


My slow car still turns heads and draws a small crowd at local car shows. Speed is secondary.

+1 guys, we've got something unique with our cars, wouldn't trade mine for a modern day pony car.

[Mr. Man]

+1 guys, we've got something unique with our cars, wouldn't trade mine for a modern day pony car.
I'd consider a even swap for a SuperSnake;)

[Taemian]

My Trilogy just doesn't cut it anymore. I work at various film studios here in Vancouver. I show up with my Marauder, with steelie snow tires in all their glory, to a department head meeting. What do I park next to? A Porsche GT-3, a Vantage, a pristine 87 Skyline, a new M5, and an AMG C63.

Even if it's not about pedigree or bang per buck, knowing that many 6 bangers can keep up with my fairly modified MM is pretty depressing. BMW 335ix are very popular here, more common than Stangs. Twin turbo sixs in light frames with a good ride, great brakes and amazing handling....what more do you need? And they are just as stealthy as our MMs if not more so.

Doing 12s with the car seems about the limit before it starts losing the very little refinement it came with. Having driven in Dave's MM (ex-LiLAlleyKat car), I could care less if it dips into the low 11s when it drives like a rough rod. I had lots of cars like that in my past, and you cannot get past the truth....you get what you pay for.

Unless I find lots of other steel parts to fab into aluminum pieces, there is no getting around performance. More hp just means more wheelspin, and drag radials on a daily driver are not really a logical option, especially when cayon-carving is part of the regular driving experience out here. Sure, a stroker and blower porting is easy, but the car then sounds like a steamroller.

I was hoping that by now somebody would have come up with tubular suspension pieces, but looks like I'd have to make one-offs.

Having driven many of the European sports sedans, I've come to realize that a MM will never be an M5 killer. Maybe you can keep up, but at the cost of a platform stressed to it's absolute design limits. Forget about taking on even a slightly modified M5 on our road course at Mission Raceway. By the time you spend the $$$ to get even with an M5, you might as well have bought one in the first place.

I just bought my wife a Land Rover, and the refinements are amazing compared to the MM. Heated seats that are hot to the touch in 90 seconds (compared to the MMs getting lukewarm), the climate control that keeps everything perfect without a fan motor that sounds like a turbine, and leather that isn't near as cheap as mine. Hmmm...guess I got what I paid for.

I think I can honestly say that my MM will be treading water until my wife's LR is paid off. At that point, I won't be buying another fixer-upper platform. I'll just buy something made for someone who wants both performance AND refinement. Drive in a stock M5 or similar AMG, then drive in a MM that has been modded enough to keep up. Figuring out which you'd want as a daily driver will be a no-brainer.

Still love my Marauder, but I'm not IN LOVE with it anymore.

[Horsepower]

Hmmmm... do we have blasphemer's in this thread. I don't believe the marauder is being called slow. I understand it doesn't perform or handle as well as newer cars but jeeeeez throw it a freakin bone lol. I've owned a few cadillacs and a (s/c)97regal but none are as fun. I love my merc and that won't change. When I buy my next wheel that beasty :censor: will still be sittin out my front door. As far as speed goes, sometimes its' not the horse, its' the jocky whippin that :censor:. This thread saddens me :shake:.


P.s.. Some get slower with age :snoopy:

[Bradley G]

Ok, time you pulley down son.:D

My Trilogy just doesn't cut it anymore. I work at various film studios here in Vancouver. I show up with my Marauder, with steelie snow tires in all their glory, to a department head meeting. What do I park next to? A Porsche GT-3, a Vantage, a pristine 87 Skyline, a new M5, and an AMG C63.

Even if it's not about pedigree or bang per buck, knowing that many 6 bangers can keep up with my fairly modified MM is pretty depressing. BMW 335ix are very popular here, more common than Stangs. Twin turbo sixs in light frames with a good ride, great brakes and amazing handling....what more do you need? And they are just as stealthy as our MMs if not more so.

Doing 12s with the car seems about the limit before it starts losing the very little refinement it came with. Having driven in Dave's MM (ex-LiLAlleyKat car), I could care less if it dips into the low 11s when it drives like a rough rod. I had lots of cars like that in my past, and you cannot get past the truth....you get what you pay for.

Unless I find lots of other steel parts to fab into aluminum pieces, there is no getting around performance. More hp just means more wheelspin, and drag radials on a daily driver are not really a logical option, especially when cayon-carving is part of the regular driving experience out here. Sure, a stroker and blower porting is easy, but the car then sounds like a steamroller.

I was hoping that by now somebody would have come up with tubular suspension pieces, but looks like I'd have to make one-offs.

Having driven many of the European sports sedans, I've come to realize that a MM will never be an M5 killer. Maybe you can keep up, but at the cost of a platform stressed to it's absolute design limits. Forget about taking on even a slightly modified M5 on our road course at Mission Raceway. By the time you spend the $$$ to get even with an M5, you might as well have bought one in the first place.

I just bought my wife a Land Rover, and the refinements are amazing compared to the MM. Heated seats that are hot to the touch in 90 seconds (compared to the MMs getting lukewarm), the climate control that keeps everything perfect without a fan motor that sounds like a turbine, and leather that isn't near as cheap as mine. Hmmm...guess I got what I paid for.

I think I can honestly say that my MM will be treading water until my wife's LR is paid off. At that point, I won't be buying another fixer-upper platform. I'll just buy something made for someone who wants both performance AND refinement. Drive in a stock M5 or similar AMG, then drive in a MM that has been modded enough to keep up. Figuring out which you'd want as a daily driver will be a no-brainer.

Still love my Marauder, but I'm not IN LOVE with it anymore.

[Taemian]

Hmmmm... do we have blasphemer's in this thread. I don't believe the marauder is being called slow. I understand it doesn't perform or handle as well as newer cars but jeeeeez throw it a freakin bone lol. I've owned a few cadillacs and a (s/c)97regal but none are as fun. I love my merc and that won't change. When I buy my next wheel that beasty :censor: will still be sittin out my front door. As far as speed goes, sometimes its' not the horse, its' the jocky whippin that :censor:. This thread saddens me :shake:.


P.s.. Some get slower with age :snoopy:

Seriously, you're 23. I've already forgotten more about driving than you've ever learned. Having driven in ice racing, drag racing, hill climbs and rally racing you come to appreciate one thing. "Speed costs; how fast do you want to go?"

BTW, old Caddys and Buicks are your reference points?:lol: Maybe you should get a Trilogy (like I have), then try and run with the big dogs in actual competition (like I have), and THEN give your 2 cents worth.

[Taemian]

Ok, time you pulley down son.:D

I wish that was an option, but I'm at the point of checking out tuners far and wide. Local tuners really really suck. I'm at 400rwhp on the stock pulley and running lean-ish, and the last dyno day I had, the guy could barley run it.

With my mods, I should have a decent amount more.:(

[AConvertedChevy]

I'm NEVER selling my 300A..... EVER. :flag:

[RacerX]

I wish that was an option, but I'm at the point of checking out tuners far and wide. Local tuners really really suck. I'm at 400rwhp on the stock pulley and running lean-ish, and the last dyno day I had, the guy could barley run it.

With my mods, I should have a decent amount more.:(
:eek: Yeah... I'd have to agree with you on that. I bet with the right tuner, I'd feel like a brand new car! :)

[sailsmen]

You are correct, generally you do get what you pay for.
Porsche GT-3 $112,200
Vantage $137,750
Skyline $69,800 - $$170,000
M5 $85,700
AMG C63 $57,350.
The Marauder list for $35,500. The Marauder is a Modern Muscle Car. It was never meant to be any of the cars you listed. Would you compare an F40 to the Porsche, Vantage, Skyline, M5 and the AMG?

A friend has an AMG C63 and it is very impressive. I think it is the best buy of those listed.

"Having driven in Dave's MM (ex-LiLAlleyKat car), I could care less if it dips into the low 11s when it drives like a rough rod." Something is wrong with Dave's car. I have 135,000 miles and 240+ runs on a car that ran 11.55 @122. She starts on the first try, idles like any other car and has excellent drivability, while getting the exact same mileage as my Honda Pilot. Both my wife and my child with a learners permit dirve the MM.


"Having driven many of the European sports sedans, I've come to realize that a MM will never be an M5 killer. Maybe you can keep up, but at the cost of a platform stressed to it's absolute design limits. Forget about taking on even a slightly modified M5 on our road course at Mission Raceway. By the time you spend the $$$ to get even with an M5, you might as well have bought one in the first place."

Pacammer

Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Larksville, PA
Age: 54
Posts: 73
Trader: (0)
Post Feedback

Can a Marauder hold its own on the track with a Lamborgini?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To make a short story long I own an 04 DTR Marauder. It has had all the Dennis, Zack/Mac majic done to it. In the past 2 years it has won 3rd then 2nd place in the All Ford Nationals at Carlisle, PA.
I am a member of the Eastern Pantera Club. We co sponsor a track event at Pocono International Raceway yearly with various other Italian Car Clubs such as Lamborgini, Maserati, and Ferrari. Since my Pantera is in pieces I asked and was permitted to bring the Marauder to the track to run. As I stated in a post a while back I am not a drag racer. I use my car every day and in the snow so I opted for a centrifigul vs. roots type supercharger. I have not changed my rear end ratio. I do however like to run in track events.
Well I lined up to run with 19 other cars, all newer model Italian high performance exotic cars. We run NASCAR wise, counter clockwise. We used turn 1, turn 2, then an infield course that has a 270, three 90's, two 75 degree turns and a chicane, then we enter back onto the main staight with 2/3 of that straight available before turn 1.
Well boys and girls I have to tell you after 5 laps everyone in attendance was looking at this Canadian maufactured, Dearborn Sedan. It ate cars like it was at an Italian buffet. Not only did the Marauder hold it's own on the banked turns it passed most and stayed with the best of them in the infield. Comming out of the infield onto the main straight I devoured them. The available touque was awsome. I ran with the antilock brakes and overdrive off. Down the straight going into turn one, 135 mph+ easy. 130 mph+ into turn 2 and an average speed through the infield of 60+ mph.
The transmission mods worked great, that baby knew when to down shift upon hard braking. The supercharger spun up smoothly so the ass end never kicked out. Dennis's total package and the Zack/Mac control arms worked flawlessly.
After I came off the track nearly everone came over to see the car. Most of these folks told me they thought it was a joke putting the DTR on the track against these 6 figure cars. On day two I repeated the same results. No fluke.
A lot of exotic car owners have a new found respect for our "Family Sedans / Cop Cars". Needless to say I had a blast.
Sorry for the long story but I just had to brag a little. Enjoy your Marauders they are all special.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forum...hlight=pantera

"I wish that was an option, but I'm at the point of checking out tuners far and wide. Local tuners really really suck. I'm at 400rwhp on the stock pulley and running lean-ish, and the last dyno day I had, the guy could barley run it.

With my mods, I should have a decent amount more." Something is wrong with your car.Get your car fixed and then participate in driving events. No car is fun to drive when something is wrong with it.

[Kodimar]

Don't forget your car is 7-8 years old. Technology progresses, Today's 3.7 V6 Mustang puts out similar numbers as the early 2000s GTs.

Yes it's not as fast as newer cars. It is classier though... :P

[tbone]

[QUOTE=sailsmen;1008114]You are correct, generally you do get what you pay for.
Porsche GT-3 $112,200
Vantage $137,750
Skyline $69,800 - $$170,000
M5 $85,700
AMG C63 $57,350.
The Marauder list for $35,500. The Marauder is a Modern Muscle Car. It was never meant to be any of the cars you listed. Would you compare an F40 to the Porsche, Vantage, Skyline, M5 and the AMG?

A friend has an AMG C63 and it is very impressive. I think it is the best buy of those listed.

"Having driven in Dave's MM (ex-LiLAlleyKat car), I could care less if it dips into the low 11s when it drives like a rough rod." Something is wrong with Dave's car. I have 135,000 miles and 240+ runs on a car that ran 11.55 @122. She starts on the first try, idles like any other car and has excellent drivability, while getting the exact same mileage as my Honda Pilot. Both my wife and my child with a learners permit dirve the MM.


"Having driven many of the European sports sedans, I've come to realize that a MM will never be an M5 killer. Maybe you can keep up, but at the cost of a platform stressed to it's absolute design limits. Forget about taking on even a slightly modified M5 on our road course at Mission Raceway. By the time you spend the $$$ to get even with an M5, you might as well have bought one in the first place."




Nice rebuttal. It really was a stupid comparison.

[Taemian]

:eek: Yeah... I'd have to agree with you on that. I bet with the right tuner, I'd feel like a brand new car! :)

I'd love to have that happen. Most folks here tune high-dollar ricers and Euro muscle. Detroit muscle is the red-headed stepchild in the land of $$$ here in Vancouver, so nobody really does it.:(

[Taemian]

Don't forget your car is 7-8 years old. Technology progresses, Today's 3.7 V6 Mustang puts out similar numbers as the early 2000s GTs.

Yes it's not as fast as newer cars. It is classier though... :P

Agreed! I've not seen any new domestic car that I'd rather have.:)

[Taemian]

You are correct, generally you do get what you pay for.
Porsche GT-3 $112,200
Vantage $137,750
Skyline $69,800 - $$170,000
M5 $85,700
AMG C63 $57,350.
The Marauder list for $35,500. The Marauder is a Modern Muscle Car. It was never meant to be any of the cars you listed. Would you compare an F40 to the Porsche, Vantage, Skyline, M5 and the AMG?

A friend has an AMG C63 and it is very impressive. I think it is the best buy of those listed.

"Having driven in Dave's MM (ex-LiLAlleyKat car), I could care less if it dips into the low 11s when it drives like a rough rod." Something is wrong with Dave's car. I have 135,000 miles and 240+ runs on a car that ran 11.55 @122. She starts on the first try, idles like any other car and has excellent drivability, while getting the exact same mileage as my Honda Pilot. Both my wife and my child with a learners permit dirve the MM.


"Having driven many of the European sports sedans, I've come to realize that a MM will never be an M5 killer. Maybe you can keep up, but at the cost of a platform stressed to it's absolute design limits. Forget about taking on even a slightly modified M5 on our road course at Mission Raceway. By the time you spend the $$$ to get even with an M5, you might as well have bought one in the first place."

Pacammer

Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Larksville, PA
Age: 54
Posts: 73
Trader: (0)
Post Feedback

Can a Marauder hold its own on the track with a Lamborgini?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To make a short story long I own an 04 DTR Marauder. It has had all the Dennis, Zack/Mac majic done to it. In the past 2 years it has won 3rd then 2nd place in the All Ford Nationals at Carlisle, PA.
I am a member of the Eastern Pantera Club. We co sponsor a track event at Pocono International Raceway yearly with various other Italian Car Clubs such as Lamborgini, Maserati, and Ferrari. Since my Pantera is in pieces I asked and was permitted to bring the Marauder to the track to run. As I stated in a post a while back I am not a drag racer. I use my car every day and in the snow so I opted for a centrifigul vs. roots type supercharger. I have not changed my rear end ratio. I do however like to run in track events.
Well I lined up to run with 19 other cars, all newer model Italian high performance exotic cars. We run NASCAR wise, counter clockwise. We used turn 1, turn 2, then an infield course that has a 270, three 90's, two 75 degree turns and a chicane, then we enter back onto the main staight with 2/3 of that straight available before turn 1.
Well boys and girls I have to tell you after 5 laps everyone in attendance was looking at this Canadian maufactured, Dearborn Sedan. It ate cars like it was at an Italian buffet. Not only did the Marauder hold it's own on the banked turns it passed most and stayed with the best of them in the infield. Comming out of the infield onto the main straight I devoured them. The available touque was awsome. I ran with the antilock brakes and overdrive off. Down the straight going into turn one, 135 mph+ easy. 130 mph+ into turn 2 and an average speed through the infield of 60+ mph.
The transmission mods worked great, that baby knew when to down shift upon hard braking. The supercharger spun up smoothly so the ass end never kicked out. Dennis's total package and the Zack/Mac control arms worked flawlessly.
After I came off the track nearly everone came over to see the car. Most of these folks told me they thought it was a joke putting the DTR on the track against these 6 figure cars. On day two I repeated the same results. No fluke.
A lot of exotic car owners have a new found respect for our "Family Sedans / Cop Cars". Needless to say I had a blast.
Sorry for the long story but I just had to brag a little. Enjoy your Marauders they are all special.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forum...hlight=pantera

"I wish that was an option, but I'm at the point of checking out tuners far and wide. Local tuners really really suck. I'm at 400rwhp on the stock pulley and running lean-ish, and the last dyno day I had, the guy could barley run it.

With my mods, I should have a decent amount more." Something is wrong with your car.Get your car fixed and then participate in driving events. No car is fun to drive when something is wrong with it.


Great story, but easy to rebutt. I've been at/on the track for marque days as well. If you had a $100,000+ car on the track, do you REALLY think you'd drive it at 95% or more? And if all it took was some control arms and a supercharger to beat Lambos and Ferraris, doesn't that speak volumes about the exotic's drivers? Come on, the aero factor of our car alone should point out the obvious. With our aero at 92cd, but runs with Italian exotics doing their best? Surely you see what I mean.

I'm sure a professional racecar driver could better my roadcourse time by a significant margin by just hopping into my car and going for it! Same goes for big buck cars. We've had every exotic you can imagine, from Panteras to brand new GT-Rs on the track, this area is stupidly affluent. Most guys tool around at 50-60% of the car's potential, and would be apprehensive to take it further. Would you want to be known as the guy who wiped out his new supercar? Internet FAIL for the rest of his life.
Show me someone who knows how to drive a Lambo or Ferrari, and I'll show you someone who lives in Europe.;)

I think the M5/AMG C63 is a very fair comparison. 35K MM list plus Trilogy (6000) plus SW Exhaust (1200) plus widened rims and tires (1000) plus tuner and Accufab TB/CAI (1000) plus Addcos/Naakes (1000) plus Metco control arms/Watts link (1000) plus aftermarket brakes (1400).....That's about 48k without any install labour. Easily make it another 5K for doing everything, and that would be cheap. That's $55,000
To be fair, I bought my stock MM with 9k on the odo for $28K shipped up here. On the other hand, figure in inflation for the cost of what the MM was back in 2003, and what it would sell for as new today.

So a few $K more difference for the AMG that has ergonomics and fit/finish so vastly superior to the MM? And never having to turn a wrench? And having a full factory warranty and a completely unmolested car? Gee, the choice would be tough.

As far as Dave's car goes, it came straight from Al, built and tuned by Lidio with the forged stroker and one of his Lyschom twin-screw kits, meth-injected and dialed in. Dave will be the first one to admit his disappointment with the car, and as you get closer to the bleeding edge of mods, quality of ride and drivability suffer. He's busy tracking down an oil leak that mists the front of the engine, and the meth system had a serious leak in it that was not a material defect.

[sailsmen]

Actually I don't really get what you mean. You are driving an 8 year old car that listed for $35,500, supposedly has given you several years of enjoyment and comparing it to what? Other cars that list for what? The comparison makes no sense.

Then you say this - "Same goes for big buck cars. We've had every exotic you can imagine, from Panteras to brand new GT-Rs on the track, this area is stupidly affluent. Most guys tool around at 50-60% of the car's potential, and would be apprehensive to take it further. Would you want to be known as the guy who wiped out his new supercar? Internet FAIL for the rest of his life."
You want to spend a lot of money on a car to look fast? I will never understand that.

Based on the description of Dave's car and your car, the fact we know Lidio can do better please take my advice and get your car fixed.

All cars break, just ask all the BMW owners whose V-8 blocks went bad between 20K miles and 40K miles over and over.

"Hey, Little Cobra
Don't you know
You're gonna shut'em down


I took my Cobra down to the track
Hitched to the back of my Cadillac
Everyone was there just a waiting for me
There were plenty of Porches and Astons

Spring little Cobra
Getting ready to strike
Spring little Cobra
With all of your might
Spring little Cobra
Getting ready to strike
Spring little Cobra
With all of your might
Hey, little Cobra
Don't you know
You're gonna shut'em down


When the flag went down
You could hear rubber burn
The Porsche had me going into the turn
I hung a big shift and I got into high
And then I flew by the Porsche I waved bye-bye


Spring little Cobra
Getting ready to strike
Spring little Cobra
With all of your might
Spring little Cobra
Getting ready to strike
Spring little Cobra
With all of your might
Hey, little Cobra
Don't you know
You're gonna shut'em down


Around the far turn
In the straight-away
I was blowing off everything
That got in my way
The Porsches and Astons Were so far behind
I took my Cobra out of gear
And I coast to the line


Spring little Cobra
Getting ready to strike
Spring little Cobra
With all of your might
Spring little Cobra
Getting ready to strike
Spring little Cobra
With all of your might
Hey, little Cobra
Don't you know
You're gonna shut'em down
Shut'em down
Shut'em down
Shut'em down
Shut'em down"

Maybe you should get a Cobra or a GT40.;)

[Bradley G]

Good read!
Thanks for all the comments!
Good points on How good can a dated platform ever get?
If you spend boo Koo on your Marauder, to get it able to run with the high end imports mentioned , would the money be better spent on the more expensive car?

I think our greatest weak spot competing with todays offerings is concerning traction.
At least mine is. :P
Thanks for the song Sailesmen!

[Taemian]

Actually I don't really get what you mean. You are driving an 8 year old car that listed for $35,500, supposedly has given you several years of enjoyment and comparing it to what? Other cars that list for what? The comparison makes no sense.

Then you say this - "Same goes for big buck cars. We've had every exotic you can imagine, from Panteras to brand new GT-Rs on the track, this area is stupidly affluent. Most guys tool around at 50-60% of the car's potential, and would be apprehensive to take it further. Would you want to be known as the guy who wiped out his new supercar? Internet FAIL for the rest of his life."
You want to spend a lot of money on a car to look fast? I will never understand that.

Based on the description of Dave's car and your car, the fact we know Lidio can do better please take my advice and get your car fixed.

All cars break, just ask all the BMW owners whose V-8 blocks went bad between 20K miles and 40K miles over and over.

"Hey, Little Cobra
Don't you know
You're gonna shut'em down


I took my Cobra down to the track
Hitched to the back of my Cadillac
Everyone was there just a waiting for me
There were plenty of Porches and Astons

Spring little Cobra
Getting ready to strike
Spring little Cobra
With all of your might
Spring little Cobra
Getting ready to strike
Spring little Cobra
With all of your might
Hey, little Cobra
Don't you know
You're gonna shut'em down


When the flag went down
You could hear rubber burn
The Porsche had me going into the turn
I hung a big shift and I got into high
And then I flew by the Porsche I waved bye-bye


Spring little Cobra
Getting ready to strike
Spring little Cobra
With all of your might
Spring little Cobra
Getting ready to strike
Spring little Cobra
With all of your might
Hey, little Cobra
Don't you know
You're gonna shut'em down


Around the far turn
In the straight-away
I was blowing off everything
That got in my way
The Porsches and Astons Were so far behind
I took my Cobra out of gear
And I coast to the line


Spring little Cobra
Getting ready to strike
Spring little Cobra
With all of your might
Spring little Cobra
Getting ready to strike
Spring little Cobra
With all of your might
Hey, little Cobra
Don't you know
You're gonna shut'em down
Shut'em down
Shut'em down
Shut'em down
Shut'em down"

Maybe you should get a Cobra or a GT40.;)

Ok, here we go so put on the thinking cap!;)

In 2003, an M5 didn't list at 87K. So if I HAD bought one back then so as to compare it to the MM's price as new, I'd still have to do all the expensive mods to the MM to make it perform even close to the M5.

Since the price savings even after MM mods would then be a little more noticeable, you also have to compare the fact that the M5 also had xenon headlights; QUALITY leather upholstery; 16-way adjustable power, heated sport seats; a power tilt-telescoping steering wheel; a navigation system; a 10-speaker sound system with a trunk-mounted CD changer; dual-zone automatic climate control.

The comparison between the M5 and the MM is perfectly reasonable. Both were meant to be the performance flagship of the manufacturer's sedan platform. (Crown Vic and 540i) The MM was built at a much lower price point, and reflects as such. While durability and safety were proven over the long life of the CPVI, the new price of the MM was silly for what you got. The 94-96 Impala fell the same way. (Basically a 7K price premium for shiny rims and a cheap leather interior on a police car.)

Secondly, how can you not understand the hubris of the rich? I guess you don't work or associate with many. (My guess is you've also never driven any car that lists for over 100K.) For most of those guys, it's a trophy, not a track carver. Image is perception, and perception is reality. And think of all the amazing supercars that are bought brand new and stored in an airtight container by collectors/enthusiast! Carroll Shelby hates seeing his cars restored and only showed, not raced. He hates seeing them on a trailer! But the people paying the $$$ for them see them as finite, delicate works of craftsmenship...not something to ride hard and put away wet. Trust me, I live in the most expensive place to live in all of North America and deal with people who make more in a year than I do in five years. They are a different breed because they can afford to be.
Too rich for my blood.:(

Sorry I don't have a poem for you.:bigcry::P But as for buying a GT-40 or a Cobra, that's just not for me. A more low profile 4-door M class or AMG is more like it. A simple badge delete (for more stealth) and I'm all ready to go. I hope I've made my point as clear as I can, I think I covered all the points.

Like I said, I love my MM, I'm just not IN love with it anymore. I actually do love it, warts and all.;)

[LANDY]

I don't see nothing low profile about an M series or an AMG.
BTW a new M3 Bimmer stands no chance against my car so keep in mind that not everyone's mm is like yours and the 4door m3 goes for about 75k out the door.

[tbone]

Ok, here we go so put on the thinking cap!;)

In 2003, an M5 didn't list at 87K. So if I HAD bought one back then so as to compare it to the MM's price as new, I'd still have to do all the expensive mods to the MM to make it perform even close to the M5.

Since the price savings even after MM mods would then be a little more noticeable, you also have to compare the fact that the M5 also had xenon headlights; QUALITY leather upholstery; 16-way adjustable power, heated sport seats; a power tilt-telescoping steering wheel; a navigation system; a 10-speaker sound system with a trunk-mounted CD changer; dual-zone automatic climate control.

The comparison between the M5 and the MM is perfectly reasonable. Both were meant to be the performance flagship of the manufacturer's sedan platform. (Crown Vic and 540i) The MM was built at a much lower price point, and reflects as such. While durability and safety were proven over the long life of the CPVI, the new price of the MM was silly for what you got. The 94-96 Impala fell the same way. (Basically a 7K price premium for shiny rims and a cheap leather interior on a police car.)

Secondly, how can you not understand the hubris of the rich? I guess you don't work or associate with many. (My guess is you've also never driven any car that lists for over 100K.) For most of those guys, it's a trophy, not a track carver. Image is perception, and perception is reality. And think of all the amazing supercars that are bought brand new and stored in an airtight container by collectors/enthusiast! Carroll Shelby hates seeing his cars restored and only showed, not raced. He hates seeing them on a trailer! But the people paying the $$$ for them see them as finite, delicate works of craftsmenship...not something to ride hard and put away wet. Trust me, I live in the most expensive place to live in all of North America and deal with people who make more in a year than I do in five years. They are a different breed because they can afford to be.
Too rich for my blood.:(

Sorry I don't have a poem for you.:bigcry::P But as for buying a GT-40 or a Cobra, that's just not for me. A more low profile 4-door M class or AMG is more like it. A simple badge delete (for more stealth) and I'm all ready to go. I hope I've made my point as clear as I can, I think I covered all the points.

Like I said, I love my MM, I'm just not IN love with it anymore. I actually do love it, warts and all.;)



Huh? The MM was never intended to be a competitor to the 540i M series. Period. Mercury is the everyday man's car. BMW is for more affluent people. The Marauder was also never intended to be Mercury's "flagship model". Give me a break.

The majority of the 7K would be for the engine. Ever buy a boat? Check out the upcharges for bigger, more powerful engines. What about the performance suspension, traction control, audiophile stereo, performance tires, EATC, dual exhaust, side airbags, etc., etc? Not bad for 7K.

And my "cheap" leather seats still look great after 120,000 miles. Even the driver's seat.

Sorry you feel inadequate with your MM in the presence of your rich "friends". Sell it and buy a Prius. That should make them happy.

[tbone]

(I think the M5/AMG C63 is a very fair comparison. 35K MM list plus Trilogy (6000) plus SW Exhaust (1200) plus widened rims and tires (1000) plus tuner and Accufab TB/CAI (1000) plus Addcos/Naakes (1000) plus Metco control arms/Watts link (1000) plus aftermarket brakes (1400).....That's about 48k without any install labour. Easily make it another 5K for doing everything, and that would be cheap. That's $55,000
To be fair, I bought my stock MM with 9k on the odo for $28K shipped up here. On the other hand, figure in inflation for the cost of what the MM was back in 2003, and what it would sell for as new today.

So a few $K more difference for the AMG that has ergonomics and fit/finish so vastly superior to the MM? And never having to turn a wrench? And having a full factory warranty and a completely unmolested car? Gee, the choice would be tough.)


A:
And you would be left with a car that no one looks at or gives a crap about. A DIME A DOZEN. I go to the the ****ing POST OFFICE and I get admirerers. Match that biiiaaaatcch!

[Taemian]

Huh? The MM was never intended to be a competitor to the 540i M series. Period. Mercury is the everyday man's car. BMW is for more affluent people. The Marauder was also never intended to be Mercury's "flagship model". Give me a break.

The majority of the 7K would be for the engine. Ever buy a boat? Check out the upcharges for bigger, more powerful engines. What about the performance suspension, traction control, audiophile stereo, performance tires, EATC, dual exhaust, side airbags, etc., etc? Not bad for 7K.

And my "cheap" leather seats still look great after 120,000 miles. Even the driver's seat.

Sorry you feel inadequate with your MM in the presence of your rich "friends". Sell it and buy a Prius. That should make them happy.

So let me get this straight. Everyone here would rather bet on a modded Marauder than a stock M5 for all around performance? Logically speaking, a better product gets a better price. I'm not sure what all the chest-thumping is about. If a stock M5 and a modded MM go head to head, the results would be overwhelmingly in the M5's favour. I think you folks may be a bit to close to the issue to see that.

Mercury was never supposed to be "the everyday man's car". Period. If you read about the brand's history, it was supposed to be an upscale Ford, just shy of what Lincoln was offering. And if you go over the MMs newest inception interviews, you'll see it was all about reintoducing the performance side of the brand. Have you never seen any of the print media or commercials? Far from an "everyday man's" Taurus. Give ME a break.

If your points were true, the MM wouldn't have died due to LACK OF SALES. The second year would have outsold the first year, not sold less than half the original number, once the "bang-per-buck" figure was factored in by the legions of fans. Look at the Mustang platform for an example of that.

You missed the whole point about the small price difference, perhaps you were too upset to think rationally about my comment?

"What about the performance suspension, traction control, audiophile stereo, performance tires, EATC, dual exhaust, side airbags, etc., etc? Not bad for 7K."
Ummm...the M5 had all those things stock too, and more, and they were all better than anything Mercury could hope to offer at the price. KDWS tires? Please. M5 had dual, not single climate, more airbags, a 10 speaker real sound system, duals, superior stability control systems....I really don't understand how math is eluding you. A higher price = more money for a better product. That's how capitalism works, last time I checked. The market supports what people will pay.

Not sure what the Prius comment was for, I'm sorry if your collective egos were offended, but make it personal all you want. Shows me where you're coming from and how much to weigh your comments. I think my MM is a good performer for the investments of time and money put into it, but to assert that even a heavily modded MM is anything more that a one trick straight line pony vs a stock M5 is just intellectual dishonesty. Any open track events with competent drivers would show that in spades. I've seen many M series in nationwide saloon-type racing series and even local events, but never seen an MM make a concerted effort to take a trophy in a season of racing. And since we all know that axiom of "racing improves the breed" holds truth, I know where I'd put my money.

The MM has been modded by very ingenious people here on these boards with excellent upgrades. Let's just not pretend to make it something that it isn't.

[Taemian]

I don't see nothing low profile about an M series or an AMG.
BTW a new M3 Bimmer stands no chance against my car so keep in mind that not everyone's mm is like yours and the 4door m3 goes for about 75k out the door.

75K? Not in this market. If you actually have the cash to front, they go a fair bit less expensive than that. The MSRP is meant to keep the unwashed masses off the lot. Snobbery at BimmerHaus Inc is pretty high, but like my old Lt. said "it's not called bragging if you can actually do it." Just like the MM gets mistaken for a lowly CVPI much of the time, an M series and the newest AMGs are very low profile. 2 badges and some minor body panel differences. Sound familiar?;)

[2DMAX]

:popcorn::popcorn:

[tbone]

So let me get this straight. Everyone here would rather bet on a modded Marauder than a stock M5 for all around performance? Logically speaking, a better product gets a better price. I'm not sure what all the chest-thumping is about. If a stock M5 and a modded MM go head to head, the results would be overwhelmingly in the M5's favour. I think you folks may be a bit to close to the issue to see that.

Mercury was never supposed to be "the everyday man's car". Period. If you read about the brand's history, it was supposed to be an upscale Ford, just shy of what Lincoln was offering. And if you go over the MMs newest inception interviews, you'll see it was all about reintoducing the performance side of the brand. Have you never seen any of the print media or commercials? Far from an "everyday man's" Taurus. Give ME a break.

If your points were true, the MM wouldn't have died due to LACK OF SALES. The second year would have outsold the first year, not sold less than half the original number, once the "bang-per-buck" figure was factored in by the legions of fans. Look at the Mustang platform for an example of that.

You missed the whole point about the small price difference, perhaps you were too upset to think rationally about my comment?

"What about the performance suspension, traction control, audiophile stereo, performance tires, EATC, dual exhaust, side airbags, etc., etc? Not bad for 7K."
Ummm...the M5 had all those things stock too, and more, and they were all better than anything Mercury could hope to offer at the price. KDWS tires? Please. M5 had dual, not single climate, more airbags, a 10 speaker real sound system, duals, superior stability control systems....I really don't understand how math is eluding you. A higher price = more money for a better product. That's how capitalism works, last time I checked. The market supports what people will pay.

Not sure what the Prius comment was for, I'm sorry if your collective egos were offended, but make it personal all you want. Shows me where you're coming from and how much to weigh your comments. I think my MM is a good performer for the investments of time and money put into it, but to assert that even a heavily modded MM is anything more that a one trick straight line pony vs a stock M5 is just intellectual dishonesty. Any open track events with competent drivers would show that in spades. I've seen many M series in nationwide saloon-type racing series and even local events, but never seen an MM make a concerted effort to take a trophy in a season of racing. And since we all know that axiom of "racing improves the breed" holds truth, I know where I'd put my money.

The MM has been modded by very ingenious people here on these boards with excellent upgrades. Let's just not pretend to make it something that it isn't.


Holy Christ dude! You spend an awful lot of time dissin' the MM. Why do you own one? I don't have the time or energy to counter every one of your obviously drug induced comments.....You are not worth it.....

Why don't you take some more of your 'X' and go eat some salmon in the bay. Jesus, you are beyond ****ed up.........


PS. I speak for myself. You obviously speak from a "collective".

[guspech750]

Here's what I think. I like some of the M series BMW's, Caddy V series and such cars. They are great performers and some are both great performers and works of art. Thing is. I don't want one. Only because they are a dime a dozen. I may see a MM once every two months or so. But I sure see everything Europe has to offer almost everyday. They just blend in with everyday society. The MM is never going to be the fastest 4 door nor do I care. Go buy a Vette or something if you want to go FAST. But I sure know one thing. The MM is a pretty good performer (after at least a tune). And it performs looking damn GOOD. Wait. I mean it performs good while looking BAD ASS!!

Personally. I think owning one of those imports would be like hanging out in a small room with a gloryhole and waiting for a surprise. A lot of sucking. Sure it might be fun and exciting like back in college for some. But it's not for everyone. But to each their own.

The Marauder is a special car and it looks BAD ASS doing it!! :)

[tbone]

Here's what I think. I like some of the M series BMW's, Caddy V series and such cars. They are great performers and some are both great performers and works of art. Thing is. I don't want one. Only because they are a dime a dozen. I may see a MM once every two months or so. But I sure see everything Europe has to offer almost everyday. They just blend in with everyday society. The MM is never going to be the fastest 4 door nor do I care. Go buy a Vette or something if you want to go FAST. But I sure know one thing. The MM is a pretty good performer (after at least a tune). And it performs looking damn GOOD. Wait. I mean it performs good while looking BAD ASS!!

Personally. I think owning one of those imports would be like hanging out in a small room with a gloryhole and waiting for a surprise. A lot of sucking. Sure it might be fun and exciting like back in college for some. But it's not for everyone. But to each their own.

The Marauder is a special car and it looks BAD ASS doing it!! :)




You always make me laugh Joey! Along with CBT!
:beer:

[tbone]

75K? Not in this market. If you actually have the cash to front, they go a fair bit less expensive than that. The MSRP is meant to keep the unwashed masses off the lot. Snobbery at BimmerHaus Inc is pretty high, but like my old Lt. said "it's not called bragging if you can actually do it." Just like the MM gets mistaken for a lowly CVPI much of the time, an M series and the newest AMGs are very low profile. 2 badges and some minor body panel differences. Sound familiar?;)


When I read this, I imagine you saying this in an uppity, snobby, gay English accent......

[tbone]

...........................

[tbone]

I love the "unwashed masses" part from this dick. Laughable........

[GetMeMyStogie]

I show up with my Marauder, with steelie snow tires in all their glory

These cars are fugly with steelies! Buy a set of anything else - some used 18" stockers, some 16" or 17" alloys from a CV or MGM, or whatever aftermarket rims you like - throw some new winter rubber on those, throw the steelies away, and you may find it washes away the winter blahs.

The very first pic I saw of an MM with winter steelies made me want to :vomit: It's no wonder you're not feelin' the love anymore ;)

[Marauder108]

I've had my MM for just over a year now and only have a CAI on it. I love my car. I wouldnt trade it for anything (with the exception of a terminator, shelby, or 2011 5.0) We have muscle sedans and all I can say is I havent raced a stock muscle sedan that can keep up. 12's in a 1/4 mile isnt bad for a 4000 pound modded car. When it comes to imports 90% of the time they will always be better stock(in my opinion also depending on make and model) and always better if they are modded (also with exceptions). I dont understand why you ever fell out of love with your marauder in the first place taemian. These are truley one of the best cars ford ever put into production and the best panther platform made. They look mean and if detailed right are stunningly gorgeous car. Mercury Marauders are just all around awesome cars in every aspect and will always turn heads any day of the week.

[Marauder108]

Huh? The MM was never intended to be a competitor to the 540i M series. Period. Mercury is the everyday man's car. BMW is for more affluent people. The Marauder was also never intended to be Mercury's "flagship model". Give me a break.

The majority of the 7K would be for the engine. Ever buy a boat? Check out the upcharges for bigger, more powerful engines. What about the performance suspension, traction control, audiophile stereo, performance tires, EATC, dual exhaust, side airbags, etc., etc? Not bad for 7K.

And my "cheap" leather seats still look great after 120,000 miles. Even the driver's seat.

Sorry you feel inadequate with your MM in the presence of your rich "friends". Sell it and buy a Prius. That should make them happy.


THIS IS THE BEST POST EVER. THE FUNNIEST THING I EVER READ IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. you sir, are my hero. I agree though. This guy is comparing our cars to exotics and sports car. WE DRIVE MUSCLE SEDANS. you cannot complain one bit about the performance of your car. Ford did its best(almost) to give you something with enough punch out of the factory to run with other american muscle(for the most part). If there is any american car you should be comparing to amg's and M series is the ford GT, but even that runs against ferraris and lambo's your talking out of you @$$ no offence. The fact that you want to complain about your MM not performing as well as your bosses GT3 or your co-workers vantage makes me sick. I dont think you love your car enough. YOU SIR DO NOT DESERVE THE PIECE OF AMERICAN GREATNESS THE MARAUDER IS.

[kernie]

Holy Christ dude! You spend an awful lot of time dissin' the MM. Why do you own one? I don't have the time or energy to counter every one of your obviously drug induced comments.....You are not worth it.....

Why don't you take some more of your 'X' and go eat some salmon in the bay. Jesus, you are beyond ****ed up.........


PS. I speak for myself. You obviously speak from a "collective".


When I read this, I imagine you saying this in an uppity, snobby, gay English accent......


Of course, ALL English accents sound gay.....IMO.


I love the "unwashed masses" part from this Cocklick. Laughable........
:shake:

Give it a rest! It's his opinion, what are you the board enforcer?

Go wash your mouth out with soap.

[Taemian]

Here's what I think. I like some of the M series BMW's, Caddy V series and such cars. They are great performers and some are both great performers and works of art. Thing is. I don't want one. Only because they are a dime a dozen. I may see a MM once every two months or so. But I sure see everything Europe has to offer almost everyday. They just blend in with everyday society. The MM is never going to be the fastest 4 door nor do I care. Go buy a Vette or something if you want to go FAST. But I sure know one thing. The MM is a pretty good performer (after at least a tune). And it performs looking damn GOOD. Wait. I mean it performs good while looking BAD ASS!!

Personally. I think owning one of those imports would be like hanging out in a small room with a gloryhole and waiting for a surprise. A lot of sucking. Sure it might be fun and exciting like back in college for some. But it's not for everyone. But to each their own.

The Marauder is a special car and it looks BAD ASS doing it!! :)

Thanks for the (only) legitimate counterpoint. Your reasoning is the same one I had for wanting a MM in the first place. Then when you get used to it, you need a bigger fix. Like a Trilogy!:D Then after awhile, that starts to wane as well, and you look for just a little more. Your example of the Caddy V's is a great one. I drove one and it seemed really small to me, but I did like the stealth. I'm not sure I see them everyday, but I get what you mean about the exclusivity of the MM.

I love the fact that if I had used the example of a 96 Impala SS vs an M5, nobody here would be waving pitchforks, but since I dared to challenge something they hold a little too closely, they show their obvious education level and conversational ability.

Funny thing is none of my points regarding the logic of my POV have really been addressed. Too easy to take the coward's way out and just fling poo.

Gus, your points were well taken and I completely agree that it comes down to personal preference. I stated mine after my own personal experiences, and some whacko chimed in. I'm really glad you love the car you have, that's a wonderful thing. I was there at one point, but now not so much. Maybe a few open track days will mae me feel better.:)

[Taemian]

I've had my MM for just over a year now and only have a CAI on it. I love my car. I wouldnt trade it for anything (with the exception of a terminator, shelby, or 2011 5.0) We have muscle sedans and all I can say is I havent raced a stock muscle sedan that can keep up. 12's in a 1/4 mile isnt bad for a 4000 pound modded car. When it comes to imports 90% of the time they will always be better stock(in my opinion also depending on make and model) and always better if they are modded (also with exceptions). I dont understand why you ever fell out of love with your marauder in the first place taemian. These are truley one of the best cars ford ever put into production and the best panther platform made. They look mean and if detailed right are stunningly gorgeous car. Mercury Marauders are just all around awesome cars in every aspect and will always turn heads any day of the week.

Yup, they are a great car for the money. I fell out of love because I saw the next level of competition. The prettiest girl in your highschool will mostlikely NOT be the prettiest one in your college. It's easy to be the big fish in a small pool, but when that pool gets much bigger you see everything. Ford did it right with the MM, but it is a parts bin car that was hastily put together. That's what they could afford to do. If only they'd left the s/c in the plans, it would've been awesome! But with the engine shared from an SUV, a spruced up interior, and exclusive bumper covers doesn't really make it that different.

Thanks for being honest about you actually wanting to trade in your MM for a Termi or a Shelby. Be careful though, someone here might accuse you of being a sellout or start ranting and foaming at the mouth. Kids today.:)

[Taemian]

These cars are fugly with steelies! Buy a set of anything else - some used 18" stockers, some 16" or 17" alloys from a CV or MGM, or whatever aftermarket rims you like - throw some new winter rubber on those, throw the steelies away, and you may find it washes away the winter blahs.

The very first pic I saw of an MM with winter steelies made me want to :vomit: It's no wonder you're not feelin' the love anymore ;)

You sir, are right! I may just have to do that since the fugly quotient is very high right now.:bigcry:

[Taemian]

I love the "unwashed masses" part from this Cocklick. Laughable........

Ok then. Apparently you didn't read the next sentence and the implied quotation marks, but that's ok.

And just so I have this straight (from your sig)... you don't have a s/c of any type and you're telling someone who does that they have no right to comment on the car's performance? Not sure that's really a defendable position.

Glad you love your car. AFTER you've invested at least another 10k of performance upgrades (nice bodypart list in your sig BTW) and driving with it for 2 years, I'd love to hear your opinion again. Then we could have a conversation coming from the same baseline.

Have a good day!

[guspech750]

When I read this, I imagine you saying this in an uppity, snobby, gay English accent......
Lololololololololol!!!!!!!!!!! !!



Sent from my iPhone
Go White Sox

[guspech750]

Hmmm. Parts bin cars. Sounds like the 60's again when the Big 3 would cobble together a special car made up of drivetrain and engine parts from other cars and such. Just another reason to love the MM even more :)


Sent from my iPhone
Go White Sox

[PonyUP]

I love how we are comparing BMW, and Mercedes to the Marauder. yes you will get more amenities in the M5 and AMG and yes they are quick cars blah blah blah. I venture to say that most people have modded their cars because they have a love of the Marauder itself, and don't really care all that much about how much it cost, for lack of a better term, it is a hobby.

It sounds like after you added the S/C, you have gotten bored with the Marauder. That's your prerogative, I recommend you go get a Beamer or whatever it is that you want.
the rest of us still Love our Marauder, your comparison is apples to oranges. They are completely different cars, and I'll choose my Marauder or Mustang every time over an M5. Just my two cents

[LANDY]

Something to consider, when you show up in a marauder the high dollar boys with the bimmers don't notice you ( that's stealth). Then when you walk by them and keep putting car lengths on them the the look in their face is priceless. I don't know about anyone else but it makes my day.

[jstevens]

Yup, they are a great car for the money. I fell out of love because I saw the next level of competition. The prettiest girl in your highschool will mostlikely NOT be the prettiest one in your college. It's easy to be the big fish in a small pool, but when that pool gets much bigger you see everything. Ford did it right with the MM, but it is a parts bin car that was hastily put together. That's what they could afford to do. If only they'd left the s/c in the plans, it would've been awesome! But with the engine shared from an SUV, a spruced up interior, and exclusive bumper covers doesn't really make it that different.

Thanks for being honest about you actually wanting to trade in your MM for a Termi or a Shelby. Be careful though, someone here might accuse you of being a sellout or start ranting and foaming at the mouth. Kids today.:)

You forgot about the MM exclusive gauges, cluster etc. etc.

And to the comment about an M5 dusting a modded MM. Good luck. I've seen a GT (150K) get dusted by a modded MM. Don't comment about what you don't know.

[tbone]

:shake:

Give it a rest! It's his opinion, what are you the board enforcer?

Go wash your mouth out with soap.


Yeah, I get a little excited. :lol:

[DOOM]

Something to consider, when you show up in a marauder the high dollar boys with the bimmers don't notice you ( that's stealth). Then when you walk by them and keep putting car lengths on them the the look in their face is priceless. I don't know about anyone else but it makes my day.

:agree: :beer: :burnout:

[steve fox]

I do not know how much snow Vancouver gets but if you run steelies there must be some. I can not imagine these European sport sedans doing any better than a panther in the slush. Which brings me to comment, perhaps a winter ride would help. My MM both s/c and n/a versions are not great in the snow even equipped with blizzaks on CV alum wheels. Perhaps a Saab 9-7x Aero AWD. I just bought the Trailblazer SS version of the car and find winter to be as exhilirating now as the other 3 seasons in the MM. Inclement weather will reduce the cars you mentioned to a nervously crawling flock.
Although I look forward to the MM s/c acceleration, the 400HP n/a 6L chevy provides a bit of excitement until spring.
Just a thought.

[guspech750]

I do not know how much snow Vancouver gets but if you run steelies there must be some. I can not imagine these European sport sedans doing any better than a panther in the slush. Which brings me to comment, perhaps a winter ride would help. My MM both s/c and n/a versions are not great in the snow even equipped with blizzaks on CV alum wheels. Perhaps a Saab 9-7x Aero AWD. I just bought the Trailblazer SS version of the car and find winter to be as exhilirating now as the other 3 seasons in the MM. Inclement weather will reduce the cars you mentioned to a nervously crawling flock.
Although I look forward to the MM s/c acceleration, the 400HP n/a 6L chevy provides a bit of excitement until spring.
Just a thought.

I was looking at that same Saab before we bought our Aspen. I really love the Trailblazer SS. But I thought how cool of a sleeper SUV the Saab with the 6.0L LS2 would be. Cool choice.

[Horsepower]

Seriously, you're 23. I've already forgotten more about driving than you've ever learned. Having driven in ice racing, drag racing, hill climbs and rally racing you come to appreciate one thing. "Speed costs; how fast do you want to go?"

BTW, old Caddys and Buicks are your reference points?:lol: Maybe you should get a Trilogy (like I have), then try and run with the big dogs in actual competition (like I have), and THEN give your 2 cents worth.


I'm 23 and I do well. I'm not spoon fed or taken care of. Everything I have I've worked hard for including my marauder. Age has nothing to do with my comment nor was your biased comment towards me necessary because I don't have an s/c on my marauder...(Thats not acting your age). All I stated was that I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I thought everyone here loved there marauder....... guess not. Also, the cars I've owned and driven are highly respected in any car enthusiast circle. If social insults are your thing then I have nothing else to say to you, BRO.:2thumbs:

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

I also find it funny that a $35k American "retro-muscle" sedan, is being compared to European sedans that can easily run nearly twice as much as our MM. These cars were produced to pay a nostalgic homage to the big beefy muscle cars we had in the 60s and 70s that were sleek looking and had great sounding exhaust systems. If anything, the MM's performance, was geared towards drag strip runs, not running the Nurburgring in Germany. And back in 2002 there was not much of a market for cool American bad-ass muscular cars like there are today.

Besides, realistically..how many M5, or AMG, or CTSV owners will really take their cars to a road track? Or any track at all for that matter? Most will never drive it upwards of 70% of their potential..hell most don't know **** about their cars, they can't tell you basic maintenance, much less will they perform it themselves. This is why all these high end cars engines are completely covered up nowadays under plastic covers. Besides, it is way more likely you will have a run with a high end car like an AMG or M series beamer, on the highway anyways..which in that case, a trilogy MM would not have a problem outperforming.

Lastly, a car costing more does not necessarily guarantee it is better, or better made. Last time I checked, people were complaining and calling Land and or Range Rovers junk because of reliability and electrical nightmares. Same for Mercedes Benz a couple years back. For what you get, at least in 2002/2003, the MM was great bang for the buck. You get a proven platform, that is safe, reliable, easy/cheap to work on, easy/cheap to modify, that gets very decent gas mileage and power out of a rather small engine, and one of the nicest body-styles of any American car IMO.

[LSp8]

THIS IS THE BEST POST EVER. THE FUNNIEST THING I EVER READ IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. you sir, are my hero. I agree though. This guy is comparing our cars to exotics and sports car. WE DRIVE MUSCLE SEDANS. you cannot complain one bit about the performance of your car. Ford did its best(almost) to give you something with enough punch out of the factory to run with other american muscle(for the most part). If there is any american car you should be comparing to amg's and M series is the ford GT, but even that runs against ferraris and lambo's your talking out of you @$$ no offence. The fact that you want to complain about your MM not performing as well as your bosses GT3 or your co-workers vantage makes me sick. I dont think you love your car enough. YOU SIR DO NOT DESERVE THE PIECE OF AMERICAN GREATNESS THE MARAUDER IS.

+1 on that one, I love how the MM stands out more and gets more attention and respect than cars that cost 4 times as much. Plus my car has made one hell of a Daily driver over the past 3 years of spirited driving and minimal reliability issues. Only thing changed other than fluids, brakes, and tires was the damn air pump and height sensor $1000 which was covered on the warranty anyway at 85k. The MM never was, is, or never ever will be a $100,000+ European sedan or sports car competing on the autobahn at 200mph but rather a nice classy American badass thats luxurious (for it's price) thats not afraid to go to the track, easy to modify with lots of potential that wont fall apart like a ragedy azz Cadillac with a northstar and gets great fuel economy for a car weighing 4300 pounds and built 7/8 years ago.

[Bradley G]

Motor Trend compared the MM to S class ; tp://http://www.stangbangers.com/03_MercuryMarauderVsMercedesS5 00_Article.htm (http://http://www.stangbangers.com/03_MercuryMarauderVsMercedesS5 00_Article.htm)

[Big Black Beast]

Yeah, it's not the ultimate performance car, nor was it really intended to be.
It is well balanced, and decently fast for it's size.
Yeah, practically every modern V6 could spank me in a race.
I can't really complain. I still can't think of anything else I'd really rather drive.
If you gave me a Viper or ZR1 or Ferrari or whatever, I would sell it, buy a house and a supercharger and keep the Marauder. Call me stupid, but I don't care. I'm here to stay.

[sanco]

what should sum this thread up is basically this

you get what you pay for and you pay for what you want.

comparing the high end germans to marauders is not the same. The cars are in no way, shape, or form similar. you also cant say that the guys with the M5s and Benzes are not serious about their mods and performance. I have been on a couple of forums and you would not believe what these guys do to their cars. They also dish out big bucks to actually race on a full track where they sometimes tend to push their cars a little more than they should. Its all about how much you want to pay to play. You can also say this for some of the marauder owners as well, half the guys i met on the street dont know jack crap about their marauder, so generalizing a whole car community is not fair because you base your opinion on a few you met. If I was to do that i could say that all marauder owners are drug dealing big, rim driving, morons (see, that doesn't feel nice). now before you get on my ass about that comment, i know it's not true because i know the majority of the chicago marauder community but they can also say the same about the ones they see that are not on this site.

like i said, it is not a fair comparison. If you DO want to play it like that then compare a stock marauder to a stock M5. or a modded one to a modded M5. so as you can see it's not a fair comparison, the cost difference is not even slightly in the ballpark and the cars are not even remotely similar. just like it wouldn't be fair for me to compare a heavily modded civic to a stock marauder, im sure the civic will take it but come on!!!!

the mud slinging can go on for ages. every enthusiast will defend their car and come up with a million reasons why it is better than the next car, and so will the owner of that next car. this is the same reason why you don't call someone else's wife a whore, its just not gonna sit well with that guy.

so in conclusion, we all buy cars that we want for whatever reason that may be! If you want to spend the big bucks, you will get your money's worth back (if you aren't a complete idiot). for others, they will be just as happy with what they have, no matter what the other side has to offer at any price.

[Mac-MerC]

If you gave me a Viper or ZR1 or Ferrari or whatever, I would sell it, buy a house and a supercharger and keep the Marauder. Call me stupid, but I don't care. I'm here to stay.

I'd keep the ZR1 for a lil bit

[PurdueRifleman]

The only other large four door I could see myself owning would be a Maserati Quatroporte. Their power is secondary to me though. That car is absolutely beautiful.

But with used 2005 models advertising at $57,000 there's just no way. I'll drive my Marauder and still not feel inadequate.

[freakstatus]

I fell in love with my Marauder based on looks alone. When I finally bought one I got bitten by the mod bug a bit. They say hindsight is always 20/20 and if I could go back I would have stopped at the tune and CAI and be happy with why I fell in love with the Marauder in the first place.

[justbob]

The last few pages of this thread IS a joke right? Please tell me it is...

I like my black steelies, I think the X5 that lost today didn't appreciate them however. :) No, that isn't a joke.

[Bradley G]

Tasty those X5's ? I merged on to the highway the other day with an X6 on my tail, sucker wouldn't budge! :P,... well maybe a lil'
The last few pages of this thread IS a joke right? Please tell me it is...

I like my black steelies, I think the X5 that lost today didn't appreciate them however. :) No, that isn't a joke.

[Taemian]

I do not know how much snow Vancouver gets but if you run steelies there must be some. I can not imagine these European sport sedans doing any better than a panther in the slush. Which brings me to comment, perhaps a winter ride would help. My MM both s/c and n/a versions are not great in the snow even equipped with blizzaks on CV alum wheels. Perhaps a Saab 9-7x Aero AWD. I just bought the Trailblazer SS version of the car and find winter to be as exhilirating now as the other 3 seasons in the MM. Inclement weather will reduce the cars you mentioned to a nervously crawling flock.
Although I look forward to the MM s/c acceleration, the 400HP n/a 6L chevy provides a bit of excitement until spring.
Just a thought.

We only have the threat of snow for a few weeks at best, but the rain is torential for many months. Slush lasts a few days, but is soon gone. Thing is, without the snows, you're screwed in Vancouver without them. So you end up wearing steelies for about 3-4 months.

Funny you mention the TBSS. I'm active on their site and was one step away from buying a Silver 08 AWD 3SS with 10k on the odo. In the end, there just wasn't enough interior space so I bought her a Land Rover with 19K on the odo for my wife. I've modded the MM as much as I feel is practical to still use it daily, so I'm looking at 4x4 mods and trying 4x4 events. You think modding the MM is expensive?!?! Sheesh, the LR stuff is pricey!:)

[Taemian]

what should sum this thread up is basically this

you get what you pay for and you pay for what you want.

comparing the high end germans to marauders is not the same. The cars are in no way, shape, or form similar. you also cant say that the guys with the M5s and Benzes are not serious about their mods and performance. I have been on a couple of forums and you would not believe what these guys do to their cars. They also dish out big bucks to actually race on a full track where they sometimes tend to push their cars a little more than they should. Its all about how much you want to pay to play. You can also say this for some of the marauder owners as well, half the guys i met on the street dont know jack crap about their marauder, so generalizing a whole car community is not fair because you base your opinion on a few you met. If I was to do that i could say that all marauder owners are drug dealing big, rim driving, morons (see, that doesn't feel nice). now before you get on my ass about that comment, i know it's not true because i know the majority of the chicago marauder community but they can also say the same about the ones they see that are not on this site.

like i said, it is not a fair comparison. If you DO want to play it like that then compare a stock marauder to a stock M5. or a modded one to a modded M5. so as you can see it's not a fair comparison, the cost difference is not even slightly in the ballpark and the cars are not even remotely similar. just like it wouldn't be fair for me to compare a heavily modded civic to a stock marauder, im sure the civic will take it but come on!!!!

the mud slinging can go on for ages. every enthusiast will defend their car and come up with a million reasons why it is better than the next car, and so will the owner of that next car. this is the same reason why you don't call someone else's wife a whore, its just not gonna sit well with that guy.

so in conclusion, we all buy cars that we want for whatever reason that may be! If you want to spend the big bucks, you will get your money's worth back (if you aren't a complete idiot). for others, they will be just as happy with what they have, no matter what the other side has to offer at any price.

Well said!

I'm saddened that this thread went sideways, I just expressed my experience with my car to date and was ignorantly cussed at and insulted. You will find guys over at Pontiac Grand Am sites will defend thir car as the best car ever on the planet, so I understand that perception is reality.

I wish I met the guys you know who race their high end cars. You'd think in the capital of high $$ toys up here we'd see more guys on the racetrack. But no, they just all enter into car shows instead. I can only comment on my experience, and I can tell you with certainty that per capita, we have a HUGE ratio of exotics' owners who never drive anywhere near a track (1/4 or road). That's too bad, would be great to see.

Lastly, your point about comparing a stock MM to a stock M5 against a modded MM vs a stock M5 was the whole point I was trying to get across. I think some folks here just couldn't grasp that. In hindsight, I think buying a stock M5 would've been better FOR ME than buying my MM and spending nearly the same total money on mods. The stock M5 would still have lots of room to grow, but the MM is close to being maxed out. That's it. That's all I meant to say!