The Death of the "Fan Boy" Image???

[HighestOfHigh]

Killing the Fan Boy image....



I am sure that everyone has a company they are loyal to. No matter how the model looks, problems or lack of reliability we stand true to our brands. We seem to block out vehicles that aren’t Germans or rivals to our particular brand. I’m sure that all of us are guilty in some way of being a “fan boy”.

Questions for discussion:

How is that we never see the mistakes in our brand?
How can we change our perception of our view of other brands?
What drives us to stay loyal when other cars are better?

I would really like to get everyone personal view on how to kill the fan boy image and widen our view on the reality of other vehicles.


How can we kill the “fan boy” with in us and realize the potential of other brands?

 

[YoUhimhER]

such a good thread.

i will start, i am an audi fan, but i dont have any problems seeing its false, and other carmaker's strength.
audi's biggest weakness is its weight distribution, having an audi myself i have to admit it is nose-heavy especially driven on curvy roads and audi's precise but numb steering feel. on the other hand, my brother's 3-series is very well-balanced and the steering is sensational.
engine wise, i appreciate audi/mb's approach more than that of bmw's, i value daily usability of power, so low-end torque is very important for me, not high rpm. but to be honeset i still think bmw and mb are more experienced in designing engines, audi don't really have an engine to compete with bmw's v10s and mb's 6.3s in power and efficiency.

 

[Giannis]

Very interesting topic HoH!

I am sure that everyone has a company they are loyal to. No matter how the model looks, problems or lack of reliability we stand true to our brands. We seem to block out vehicles that aren’t Germans or rivals to our particular brand. I’m sure that all of us are guilty in some way of being a “fan boy”.

Being a fanboy of a certain brand is not always unconditional. I consider myself a die-hard BMW fan, yet i drive a Volvo and i also see many good point on both the rest of the luxury german brands and many other none-german marques.

How is that we never see the mistakes in our brand?

You see, when you are dedicated to something, whether it is a car company, a girl or even your job it is not easy to see mistakes in it. When someone is "in love" with a certain brand, you, sometimes, see the mistakes but most, if not all, times you tend to overcome them. It's not because you will benefit of it, but because of the "love feeling". Same goes to a person you love, for example your girlfriend. No woman is perfect but your girlfriend/fiance/wife always looks perfect to your eyes. Same goes for your favourite brands. In a few words, this is not something you explain using common sense and logical agreements.

How can we change our perception of our view of other brands?

First thing, we have to be open-minded. That's the basic thing so that you can accept the "good points" of other brands. Next thing is to realise the good points of other brands. This can happen in many ways:
-Live for some time with a car of another brand rather than your favourite one. This way you can experience first hand all the "pros'es" of a car of the other brand and you can feel the difference between the supposing brand of the car you drive (to "test") and your favourite one. For example lets suppose that somebody drives an MB and for some reason he (supposingly) has to drive a BMW (or any other brand - that's not the main problem) for a month. During that time he will feel the differences between the philosophy of MB and BMW and will also see that this Bimmer is not a bad car at all, yet is different from his MB. To make a long story short, direct comparison is the key.
-Another way that changing somebody's view can happen is dialog, like it happens here in GCF. When i first registered back in old GCF i wash ready to fight anyone that would say anything bad for BMW, yet now i appreciate the rest german brands to almost the same point, and when the time to choose a car came, i went for a Volvo instead of a BMW, blindminded. I compared the two cars that i had in mind and i saw that the first one suited my life more than the other and that was my first and basic criteria instead of the badge on the hood. And mind that Volvo isn't even german.
-I also think electrocution and gun-threatening would also help, but they are not considered civilized methods.

What drives us to stay loyal when other cars are better?

Another interesting question, which i will answer having myself in my mind, again. So, the main reason is your past history or the ownership of a car of this particular brand. Being blind-minded is another possible answer but i think/hope that something of the previous question has already happend. I can't really find any other explaination to this and i even can't think why i am still loyal to BMW while i find other brands equal or even better.

How can we kill the “fan boy” with in us and realize the potential of other brands?

Same us question 2. Direct comparison and dialog helps.

 

[Zafiro]

My favorite brand is BMW but there are many other carbrands I would like to own but I lack money.

Fanboys will never die, too strong to kill.

 

[Bruce]

Interesting topic HoH.

How do you kill fanboy behaviour? To be honest, I don't think you can. There are always going to be those few individuals out there which refuse to except when rival brands develop a better vehicles, etc.

On the otherhand - what actually defines someone as a fanboy? I think that like most things, this debate is nothing but an endless circle.

Now, I personally do not believe that I am a fanboy (anymore - read below). Why? Because I have appreciation for many different types of vehicles from around the world. That's not to say that I don't have a favourite brand though, because like most everyone else - I do

My favourite brand happens to be a company, which the majority of European enthusiasts absolutely hate - Lexus.

As for the questions:

"How is that we never see the mistakes in our brand?"

Well I don't know about others, but I see plently of awful mistakes through out my favourite brand. For instance, I cannot stand and hate: the last generation LS; the last two generation of ES'; the RX; the new LX; the GX and the current generation SC.

That all being said, It's clear that I am open to criticism about my favourite brand and the same goes for my other favourite brands: Porsche; Honda; Mercedes-Benz; Pagani, etc. In fact, I'd swear than I'm criticizing my favourite brands more often than I am complimenting them.

"How can we change our perception of our view of other brands?"

I think that comes maturity, actually. Few will know this, but I was once a hardcore BMW fan myself and one that refused to accept that Mercedes made good vehicles. Honestly, I had an extreme hatred for anything produced by MB. Why? For the simple reason that they were not made by BMW or Lexus. Thankfully and obviously (as I stated above, Mercedes-Benz is now one of my favourite manufacturers) I grew out of that phase long ago.

"What drives us to stay loyal when other cars are better?"


I'd like to approach that particular question with a different question:


"Why do I stay loyal to Lexus when I'm often criticizing them for their designs and openly admit there are better drivers' cars, etc?"

You know, one philosophy that I've have always gone by is something along the lines of: not forgetting what they once did.

While I'm not overly fond or even happy with many of today's Lexus products and often bitch about them - I stand by the company because I love what they once made/did. I will never forget the products which they once made and that I absolutely loved (and still do):

View attachment 297650cac517c19d3407861244e7d833.jpg
View attachment 041aec8ec3e1b2b0f767545bb3472205.jpg

^^ I love those old beasts. You name it - ES, GS, LX, SC , LS

Same goes for BMW and any other brand which currently makes products which I have no desire for. Just because I don't have a desire for a number of they're newer vehicles, but still love and admire the company should not label me as a fanboy.

Sorry If I mutated your questions..

 

[Centurion]

Fanboys will never die, too strong to kill.

Exactly. To us car manufacturers are like soccer or basketball team and some of us love them to death, even get emmotional at times.

 

[EnI]

I consider myself as an advocate. BMW advocate.

I do acknowledge BMW have some weaknesses & other brands some advantages, but I do not stress them.

My task here is to present BMW in a good way - to present BMW advantages & trying to explain BMW AG actions / decisions.

My motif: my investment portfolio in BMW AG. It is very insignificant - more a symbolic investment than anything else, yet a special bond to BMW AG is there.

 

[LaArtist]

How is that we never see the mistakes in our brand?
How can we change our perception of our view of other brands?
What drives us to stay loyal when other cars are better?

MB fan right here..duh..lol

anyways..
1. We do see misstakes..but some dont admit them.. its just childish behaviour..but what the most tend to do is..to search an answer to satisfy your heart when it comes to ones fav brands shortcomings.. on the otherhand when discussing other brands short commings..we dont search for answers or satisfaction..we just diss the crap out of em.. and yes im guilty of that

2. By driving them.. thats all...just drive the cars..and then you can hate on em..and belive me..its very hard to hate on any of the big 3 germans if you love cars..

3. That i can not answer.. its just something wierd..like a team ..plus if you love the brand..then you love their ways.. and even if they are not as good as the competition at the moment..you will again search for answers to comfort your heart.. and to aid you into making that dicision of buyin the product of your fav brand

PS
Im die hard pagani fan.. but seriously there are no shortcomings..i just cant see it.. but pagani is a special case.. pagani is not like the others..its not a car..its art..

 

[klier]

Exactly. To us car manufacturers are like soccer or basketball team and some of us love them to death, even get emmotional at times.

QFT

PS

Im die hard pagani fan.. but seriously there are no shortcomings..i just cant see it.. but pagani is a special case.. pagani is not like the others..its not a car..its art..

Whatever. They can't even develope their own engines....LOL, what a carmaker. wow. Amazing indeed, and certainly not like the others no, who can ctually make their own cars....

 

[Bruce]

Whatever. They can't even develope their own engines....LOL, what a carmaker. wow.

Saying that is about ridiculous as saying McLaren motorcars couldn't produce their own engine so they had to rely on BMW..

Hell, one of the main reasons the F1 is so awesome is because it has a BMW motor. Same goes for Pagani, but of course with the Mercedes motor.

But eitherway, considering Pagani's vast experience with various sectors (including the Carbon fibre which he supplies to other manufacturers) you can be sure he could gather resources to make his own.

Fanboy war!

 

[klier]

Vast experience??? In what???

I don't consider Pagani a real carmaker. And if you want to know, I don't consider McLaren to be a real carmaker either.

 

[Bruce]

Vast experience??? In what???

Vast experience through out the car industry. Not only does Horacio Pagani's company (Modena Design) produce carbon fibre for other manufacturers, but MD has both design and engineering departments which manufacturers through out Italy rely on.

Afterall, it was Horacio Pagani himself who penned the 25th anniversary Lamborghini Countach.

Frankly, there is a misconception regarding the size of Pagani's operations. Don't be fooled by the lack of models - his operation is far bigger than what it appears to be.

I don't consider Pagani a real carmaker. And if you want to know, I don't consider McLaren to be a real carmaker either.

Fair enough.

 

[Mr. M]

How is that we never see the mistakes in our brand?

I don't consider any brand 'my brand', but a personal preference would be VAG cars. I like all German cars in general though.

I do see problems in VAG cars. They are usually a little behind MB and BMW in terms of the very latest in technology, they do not receive as much recognition as the mainstream giants and are usually 'alternatives' (think Audi). Also, they don't drive as well as RWD cars, and the main headache is its AWD platform, which divides opinion. Some like it, some don't and some see it as a liability. For this, I'd love to see a RWD car in VAG's lineup in the future but it's a dream.

People don't see mistakes in their brand because they don't want to think of it. Or rather, the positives simply overthrow the negatives for them.

How can we change our perception of our view of other brands?

Try the cars, and read up on their engineering. And not just bash other brands without knowing how they became so hotly revered.

What drives us to stay loyal when other cars are better?

Some things that a brand does that other carmakers will never do.

 

[Alwing]

How is that we never see the mistakes in our brand?
I've noticed a few times in this forum when there're comparisontests between the big German three. Eventually one car/brand wins the test.
Some people won't agree with the result and will find reasons for not choosing the 'winners' car.

It's funny when the winners' car lacked behind with a few points behind their favorite brand in a certain category, they find that a reason for not choosing other brands aside of their favorite. Whereas in other categories their favorite brand lacked behind with significant amount points and it seems that they don't even notice it.
Love or fanboyism makes you blind and eventually you'll only want to see what you want to see. Funny but yet sad at the same time.

Enough about others, how about myself?
I have to admit I have a soft spot for Mercedes but I love other brands as well like BMW, Audi, Volvo etc. I personally don't have a fanboy attitude, I stay very objective. Concur with mistakes by any brand if backed up by constructive criticism.



How can we change our perception of our view of other brands?
Attitude change, be open for anything and be objective.
Take some testdrives with other brandcars in the hope to realize that your favorite brand is not the only brand that could produce decent cars.

For example: You're a BMW fan at first but soon realized that BMW cars are a bit too sporty for your need and realized that maybe Audi or Volvo are a better choice. Be open and don't fool yourself buying a BMW if it doesn't suit your need, won't make you any happier.
Disclaimer: What was stated above was just an example not a neccesarily a fact. It was only used to illustrate my point.



What drives us to stay loyal when other cars are better?
Exterior/interior design and emotion could make the whole difference, not only just the car being better. Aside of that also service and support the brand provides is an important factor.

For example: Porsche is in most peoples' point of view the better sportscar, it wins alot comparisontests. You could say that it is the better sportscar than a Aston Martin or a Ferrari. But yet it doesn't drive people instantly away from their competitors. Because of emotion and design they prefer.
Same as Alfa Romeo, Volvo and Lexus against Audi, BMW and Mercedes.
Disclaimer: What was stated above was just an example not a neccesarily a fact. It was only used to illustrate my point.



How can we kill the “fan boy” with in us and realize the potential of other brands?
Be open and stay objective. Behave professional instead of plain childish.
Every car has it pros and cons.

For example: BMW has a very good handeling and is sporty. A Lexus is less sporty and has less good handeling. Don't go off by saying that the Lexus sucks and it's not worthy to compete against BMW.
NO, realize that Lexus is less capacable in the corners than the BMW but is a more comfortable car for long distance driving. Appreciate other aspects/qualities of a car rather being being single minded.
Disclaimer: What was stated above was just an example not a neccesarily a fact. It was only used to illustrate my point.

Also take testdrives in other carbrands and realize the differences and other qualities. Try to appreciate them as there're alot of buyers with different needs in the market and realize that it's all good that we have them.
You know sometimes it's better that we all have different taste and preferences. Imagine a world where we all drive the same cars, colors etc. Now that would be very boring. Look at bright side and respect each other's opinions and choices.

 

[LaArtist]

QFT




Whatever. They can't even develope their own engines....LOL, what a carmaker. wow. Amazing indeed, and certainly not like the others no, who can ctually make their own cars....

You suck..

 

[klier]

Is that so?

 

[LaArtist]

^ohh yes very much.. by the way check out that new white zonda..in the pagani thread.. you will love it

 

[cawimmer430]

It's no secret that I am a big Hyundai fan D)...

Ok seriously, I am a passionate Mercedes-Benz supporter. I've always been captivated and fascinated by the many achievements and rich history of this brand. It's simply amazing.

I do acknowledge problems and some of the problems I have with Mercedes cars and I always try to be as objective as possible. A lot of time I might sound biased towards this brand, but I like to think of it as "clearing up common misconceptions".

I generally have a respect and admiration for all car brands whether they are from North America, Europe, Asia or God knows where else (well maybe not the Chinese cars! ). Even if you see me saying something negative about a brand, I always give credit where credit is due. I am no fan of Lexus cars for example. I have my reasons, yet there's no denying that they've shaken up the industry and IMHO actually made the Germans step up their game - which is great for us.

I don't consider myself a fanboy as fanboys have no respect for other brands and always stick to their brand no matter what. IMO, a real car enthusiast shows respect and admiration for all brands - no matter where they are from (well except Chinese cars! ).

 

[SDNR]

Vast experience??? In what???

I don't consider Pagani a real carmaker. And if you want to know, I don't consider McLaren to be a real carmaker either.

Hmmm, interesting argument klier ...but if we apply this argument to all carmakers, where does this leave Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Audi, Maybach, Lexus, Bugatti, or Mini?

Pagani does create a unique vehicle I think -- a much more Italian supercar (in spirit) than the Lamborghini Murcielago in my opinion.

The Murcielago is a fantastic car, don't get me wrong, but it's still within the bounds of rationality.

The Pagani Zonda is wonderful insanity!

 

[SDNR]

I don't have a favourite brand. There are certain models I have a particular love for ....but I try to judge each car on its own merits.