That’s positioning and marketing too since you don’t really need the performance. For 99% of the time you use the car they’re about the same. If only life were all twisties and race tracks, but in reality it’s mostly traffic jams.
I happen to own a Toyota Camry and a BMW 5 series (not M5 or any other specialty model). Even for day-to-day errands, the BMW is a pleasure to drive. There is a lot of feedback and sharp responses from the steering wheel and throttle.
The Camry on the other hand is one of the least pleasing cars to drive. The suspension feels “floaty” and the steering wheel is completely dead. It also feels completely outdated and cheap and the UI is bad.
Believe it or not, some people prefer that floaty feel. For them, it's like the difference between walking on carpet and on concrete. Not everybody desires or appreciates a "sharp response".
It can be but often it’s not, particularly when people are into cars.
Things like handling, the interior quality, noise makes a big difference to some.
Would I replace my BMW with a Toyota if it handled as well, had as good engine, had a better screen and computer system and such a well calibrated gear box - of course. And Lexus IS getting close.
I don't own a BMW for the signaling. I have no one to impress and it is quite an old station-wagon, so not a head turner. My wife doesn't know shit about cars but refuses to drive the Toyota on her longer commutes, because it's not comfortable for her.
So I would prefer a Toyota that handles nice over a BMW, but it would not be a Toyota. Toyota optimizes their cars for reliability and cost whereas BMW optimizes its cars for high performance and comfort. Specifically, their cars, like other German brands, are well suited for safe high-speed cruising on the autobahn, making them incredibly solid driving machines.
yes, the masses just want signalling, that's why individual car models are not given their own model names. car manufacturers are just emphasizing their brands.
But the true enthusiasts don't care much for signalling or Brands but prefer the visual styling and the capabilities of the car.
But in commercials 'your' car is always the only one in the world. Whether they are driving mountain roads, seaside highways or city centers, you will never see even a single other car on the road. Talk about misleading advertising.
> If only life were all twisties and race tracks, but in reality it’s mostly traffic jams.
Even if this is the case, you're better off with an econobox daily driver and a second specialy fitted track car with the correct safety equipment (5 point harness, Hans device, roll cage, fire suppression).
Source: I'm an amature race car driver. High performance cars for everyday public road driving is silly and wasteful (both financially and in terms of underutilizing the vehicle).
> Sure, we can point at the extremes and find differences, but I am not talking about that, I am focusing on what the vast majority of consumers look for or need in a car.
You don't really need to look for extremes, though. Even jumping up one brand "level", you see differences in the "details". I (generally) won't buy anything below the Nissan/Toyota/Honda level, and usually the middle range car (eg. Nissan Maxima). At that level, you start to see all the little things that make driving a pleasure; lumbar support, heated steering wheel, etc. You tend not to get those details when you move one level down, and they can make a pretty big difference when it comes to enjoyment.
Mitsubishi, Buick, Mini, Chevy, Dodge, etc all fall below the Nissan/Toyota/Honda level in my mind. That doesn't mean all their cars are worse than all of Nissan's cars; it just means my experience tells me that aren't "made as nice" (the details I mentioned).
If I'm in the market for a BMW M3, it is because it is a stellar performance car. A Toyota Camry does not fill those roles.