I was thinking… what constitutes the “average” car that I’ve driven (as my primary car) over the years?
So I made a list!
Though my first several years of driving, I switched primary transport often. About 8 cars in 15 years. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had only 3 cars. Slowing down with age.
First, the list:
(LISTS UPDATED November 2015)
| Year | Make | Model |
| 1977 | Olds | 98 Regency |
| 1966 | Ford | Mustang 2+2 |
| 1976 | Datsun | 280Z |
| 1968 | Ford | Mustang Conv. |
| 1987 | Ford | Mustang GT |
| 1988 | Ford | Mustang GT |
| 1977 | BMW | 530i |
| 1975 | Cadillac | Eldorado Conv.V8 |
| 1995 | VW | Jetta |
| 1997 | Ford | Explorer |
| 2005 | Ford | Mustang GT |
| 2012 | Ford | F-150 |
So, what about the numbers behind these cars?
| Year | Make | Model | Engine | Cyl | Cubes | Liters | Tranny | Gears |
| 1977 | Olds | Old 98 | V8 | 8 | 403 | 6.61 | Auto | 3 |
| 1966 | Ford | Mustang 2+2 | V8 | 8 | 289 | 4.74 | Manual | 3 |
| 1976 | Datsun | 280Z | I6 | 6 | 168 | 2.80 | Manual | 4 |
| 1968 | Ford | Mustang Conv. | V8 | 8 | 302 | 5.00 | Auto | 3 |
| 1987 | Ford | Mustang GT | V8 | 8 | 302 | 5.00 | Manual | 5 |
| 1988 | Ford | Mustang GT | V8 | 8 | 302 | 5.00 | Manual | 5 |
| 1977 | BMW | 530i | I6 | 6 | 183 | 3.00 | Manual | 5 |
| 1975 | Cadillac | Eldorado Conv.V8 | 8 | 502 | 8.20 | Auto | 3 | |
| 1995 | VW | Jetta | I4 | 4 | 122 | 2.00 | Manual | 5 |
| 1997 | Ford | Explorer | V6 | 6 | 250 | 4.09 | Auto | 4 |
| 2005 | Ford | Mustang GT | V8 | 8 | 281 | 4.61 | Manual | 5 |
| 2012 | Ford | F-150 ecoboost | V6 | 6 | 213 | 3.50 | Auto | 6 |
| AVERAGES: | 7.0 | 276 | 4.5 | 4.25 |
Take-a-ways:
My 1987 Mustang didn’t last long. Don’t ask.
My average car was closer to a V8 than an I6, not even close to a 4cyl.
The average engine size was 4.6L (and dropping).
I have chosen manuals over automatics.
My old 3-speed (manual and auto) transmission cars have averaged out my 5 speed cars, leaving me at a pathetic average of only 4 forward gears. I’ve just recently owned my first 6+ speed vehicle.
Almost 20% of my cars have been convertibles. Under 50% have been 4+ doors.
None of the above numbers tell you how long I drove them, how much the cost to operate, or how fun they are. (grin)
I’ve ignored the details of actual performance: Cubes or Liters are a poor substitute for actual performance. Then again, the 5.0 Liter Mustang of 1988 at 200HP was equivalent to peers, on the street, of the 4.6L Mustang in 2005 (with 300HP). Performance has been going UP since the mid 70’s, not down.
Also ignored is handling and overall enjoyment. My 280Z was an ugly 2+2, but was a lot of fun to drive. As was my 530i, despite the fact that it cost me more per year to fix than my original investment of $800.
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