> > From: mikes@flatsurface.com (Mike S)
> > Subject: Re: NVC:  I want a sports car
> >
> > Audi TT. Only the badge is different.

At 02:47 PM 2/1/2008, Jeff Palmer wrote...
>And the price!!

Not really. I bought a 1979 Scirocco, new, for $10K (it was basically
the same as the '80 "S" model). That was with a 5 speed transmission,
naturally aspirated 1.6L/78HP engine, no air conditioning, rear drum
brakes, 13" wheels, manual windows/locks, cloth seats, basic
radio/cassette, no catalytic converter, etc.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, that 1979 $10K is
equivalent to $28,500+ today. ( http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl
)

A new, 2008 Audi TT coupe lists for $34,800, and comes standard with
2L/200 HP turbo engine, 6 speed direct shift automatic transmission,
automatic climate control, power steering, power brakes, 17" wheels,
power a-bunch-of-other-stuff, rear discs, leather, multi-speaker
CD/stereo, alarm with remote, cruise control, airbags, trip computer,
significantly more mandated emissions equipment, etc. That's quite a
bit more value for about 20% more cost. Heck, just the mandated
emissions/safety equipment likely accounts for that much cost.

I'd say the "constant dollar" (true) cost is actually in favor of the
Audi TT.