Is is the Objective/Subjective argument. For me, when I was shopping for a "supercar", the requirements were:
- Not a 911
- Capable of touring (IE decent luggage space)
- Great soundtrack
- Enjoyable handling
- Decent motorway cruising
- Not frightening to the wallet to own
The main contenders were a pair of Astons (Vantage, DB9), a pair of Jags (F-Type, XKR-S), the Morgan SS and the Maserati GT. Everything else was discounted based on image (GT-R), it being a 911 (911), it being too subtle (Alpina B3 GT3), too quiet (Alpina B6) or too fat and german (Mercedes).
So then cars dropped out OBJECTIVELY - Maserati and the Astons were first to go because of running costs - Maser for the fuel, Astons for servicing. That left the 3 Brits. Objectively the F-Type is the better all round drive. The ride is nicely balanced, the chassis progressive, the interior comfortable and well appointed and its design is modern and of the moment. The XKR-S countered with big numbers, a more flexible cabin (largers boot and rear seats for bags), better ride and a far more GT feeling. It was hamstrung by a chassis barely able to handle 385ps in the 5.0 let alone another 165! The Morgan meanwhile felt the best to drive - thanks to a weight saving of 700kg compared to the XKRS.
At this point the F-type dropped off the list because it simply isn't up to touring - although the coupe may be. So it was a straight fine between the V8 bruisers. In all but the handling the XKR-S won the objective tests - service packs make maintaining one effortless.
But then subjectivity kicked it. Morgans are built <30 miles from where I grew up; they are peculiarly British but in the right way (a trait I have grown more fond of the longer I have been away); and the combination just feels right. The XKR-S when viewed objectively is a better option - easier to get in and out of - a more cossetted cruiser, quieter when needed, better riding, etc etc. It even had "soul".
Morgans will never win a battle objectively - they don't have the R&D budget to get close - but they can deliver something else.
(Having written all that - I am now thinking of another car capable of big mile cruising in relative comfort and has double wishbones all round with inboard dampers)
