Montreal vs Dino vs ...

[djbender@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

     All this talk about the Montreal and its wonderful driving qualities 
     has got me thinking.  It happens that my favorite cars (in terms of 
     looks, driving feel, mistique) are the 6- and 8-cylinder 2+2 coupes of 
     the early '70's.  These include the Montreal and its competitors.  
     They are, as I see it:
     
     - Montreal
     - Fiat Dino
     - BMW 3.0 CS
     - Porsche 911 ('70-'73 models)
     - Mercedes 280 SL
     
     Others that could be considered (but in a higher price category, then 
     and now, and even more exotic) are: Maserati Mexico and Indy; 
     Lamborghini Urraco; Ferrari 365 GTC.  Of these only the Maseratis are 
     anywhere close in affordability to the ones above.  The ones above are 
     the only ones I can realistically think of owning unless I win the 
     lottery.  One could also consider the American competition...Mustang 
     and Camaro (first generation models for each).
     
     I have driven a '73 Porsche 911E.  Was like a Volkswagen on steroids, 
     extremely responsive and light-feeling.  I want one someday.
     
     I have driven 2 or 3 BMW 3.0 CS's.  Much more of a "big-car" feeling 
     than the Porsche...kinda like my '71 Mercedes 300SEL, big steering 
     wheel, solid feeling, but kind of vague steering. Would be better for 
     long-distance cruising than the raucous Porsche.  Porsche would be 
     much more fun on the track.  My 74 GTV is more basic than the Porsche, 
     and just as responsive.  But that's getting away from the idea of the 
     cars above.  Probably the only CS that would be close to as responsive 
     as the other cars I list would be the CSL; this is getting pretty 
     exotic.
     
     I haven't driven the Fiat or the Alfa.  The Fiat looks like a 
     sweet-driving car.  
     
     Has anyone else driven a cross-section of the cars I mention above?  
     What did you think?
     
     Doug Bender

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