Head-to-Head Comparisons Aren't Easy
It's always fun to take a look at how others in the auto journalist realm do their head-to-head comparisons. They're typically done by various car-guys who feel they know all about what pickup trucks are about and how to evalute them. In some cases, it just doesn't work out too well.
We found these two examples while scouring the internet for unique stories and thought these might be of interest to you. TheCarConnection review does a good job of comparing the 2012 Nissan Fronteir and Toyota Tacoma in a vague and general way and isn't quite clear if they ever had either vehicle in for a drive, let alone at the same time. Although there are specific categories where the author is comfortable offering a value score, you have no idea which models he's talking about or if he's just generalizing to the entire lineup. In the end, the Nissan wins the comparison with perceived leadership in Quality, Performance, and Safety, without any descriptions about what, if any, models he's talking about.
In the Philadelphia Inquirer review of the 2012 Toyota Tundra vs. Ram 1500, the story suffers from many of the same deficiencies, yet it is clear the author drove both vehicles for the intent of comparing the two head-to-head. Not only is it unclear exactly how the specs and trucks match up, the assessment priorities seem to be at odds with what the trucks are built and designed for as well. Maybe that shouldn't be too surprising since the writer, living and working in and around downtown Philadelphia, seems preoccupied with the size and limited views each truck offers when trying to find street-side parking. Oddly, the Toyota offered better real-world fuel economy, was less expensive, likely had better towing and payload numbers, but still ended up losing to the Ram because (and it wasn't quite clear) it had more armrest storage and an overall comfortable ride.
No doubt both of these articles attempt to offer the most appropriate information (subjective and objective) they can to the audience they believe they serve. But, I can only assume, their readership isn't much interested in knowing much or wanting to know much about these vehicles they're theoretically about to plunk down a good chunk of money to purchase. The only other alternative is that the writers don't care much about these vehicles--and I don't know either of them well enough to know that.
With all that said, there is still plenty of good information and perspective (limited as it might be) from each story here to give it your time. Not sure we'd agree with either pieces' winning selection, but we'll be the last one to suggest they shouldn't be allowed to choose, no matter what their truck-testing credentials. I only wish those same car-guys would allow me that lattitude when I try to offer opinions about cars.
Post a Comment
Please remember a few rules before posting comments:
If you have a TypeKey or TypePad account, please Sign In