Quote:
Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28
Fifth gen was based on an preexisting chassis designed for large vehicles, the G8/SS/Commodore and even larger cars like the Caprice.
It is hard to make a big car small and keep focused on weight. It's the issue BMW has with the current 5 series as it is based on the same platform as the current 7, and now the 5 is one of the heaviest cars in it's class with a dramatic drop in the "ultimate driving" aspect.
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BMW and others have a real problem with "size inflation" - the new 3 series is as large as the 5 series of 2 generations ago, same for the 5 series and so on... Problem is that every generation gets a few inches larger in width, wheelbase, interior size, amenities - so they are getting "fatter".
It is rare to find cars that are light, raw (as in less amenities and weight) these days - the Miata, the new Alfa coupe, and maybe the Mini Cooper. Old stallwarts like the 3 series, Boxster, small MB, and others have gained a lot of weight and have dulled the driving experience.