QOTD: What Cars Would You Like to Set on Fire? (A New TTAC Series)

Today we have a dual-function Question of the Day. The primary function will be informative; detailing an upcoming new series here at TTAC and explaining how it all works. The secondary function is to solicit ideas from you, our dear readers, for said new series.

By now you’re undoubtedly intrigued, so keep on reading.

The new series is entitled Buy/Drive/Burn, and it’s all very simple. This is the SFW automotive version of the NSFW game people play with the letters “FMK.” Each entry will pitch up three cars against one another. The competitors must have been available as new in the same model year, and will be close-ish in price and mission. The name of the game is to assign a fate to each car presented. The fates are:

1. Buy. This is the car you purchase at the dealer, as new in the year from whence it came. You own this car, and are responsible for its maintenance for a number of years. For our purposes we will assume it’s a semi-primary vehicle.
2. Drive. The vehicle which earns this pick is the one you can borrow and enjoy with some regularity without incurring the financial responsibility behind it. It’s not free, but let’s say the fee for borrowing it is mostly nominal and affordable for the class of car. It can never be yours, you’ll always have to give it back.
3. Burn. One of the selected vehicles must die a fiery death at the hands of an uncaring arsonist. Purchased from the theoretical showroom as new, it is then immediately destroyed.

There’s a preview set of vehicles below — executive express Euro luxury sedans from the year 2000.

Audi A8

Audi’s largest sedan came in standard or long-wheelbase formats (sticking with the standard today), with a 4.2-liter V8 producing 310 horsepower and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. Aluminum-intensive construction kept the weight right at two tons. This modern option is yours for around $62,000.

Jaguar XJR

The slight pricing advantage of Jaguar’s flagship sedan means you get an upgrade to the sporting R version. Dated in tech but classically correct in styling, the XJR cost around $68,000 and weighs about the same as the Audi, but has 340 horsepower from its 4.0-liter V8.

BMW 740iA

Ah, we’re near the terminus of the best-looking 7 Series model. The 740iA sits as the entry level of the range, lacking a long wheelbase and the V12 engine. Its 4.0-liter V8 bests the Jaguar in displacement (4.4 liters), but is down on power at just 282 hp. But BMW has a history of making nice-driving sedans, and this one’s a looker.

It’s as simple as that — three choices and three assignments. As you’re thinking about which of this trio you’d set on fire, come up with your own ideas for Buy/Drive/Burn competitors. I’ll be waiting in the comments.

[Images: Daimler AG, Audi, Jaguar, BMW]