Coaster Companies = Car Companies?

Being the resident CB car geek, I got to thinking the other day about parallels between the coaster biz and my own, beloved automobile industry. I came up with a sort of comparison between the coaster builders and who they're like in the auto world.

B&M = Toyota/Lexus
Both are known for sterling quality and good performance and are generally held up as the benchmark by which all others are measured. However, some enthusiasts think that in their engineering precision, a little bit of "soul" is missing.

Intamin = Honda
The current darlings in their respective fields. Lately it seems that they can do no wrong. Both make a wide variety of products (Intamin with steel and wood, Honda with cars, motorcycles, generators, etc.).

Arrow = GM (Cadillac)
In the past, each was the respective ruler of its domain in terms of technological prowess. However, in the past decade, both have fallen from grace to become nearly also-rans. Each trying to make a comeback with a radically new idea (Arrow and X, Cadillac and stealth-fighter styling).

Togo = Mazda
Small Japanese manufacturers that made their mark in the U.S. with an interesting, but not widely accepted bit of technology (Togo with Ultra-Twister, Mazda with the rotary engine).

CCI = Hummer
Both focus on one thing and one thing only, and succeed in their old-school, straightforward approach.

Thoughts/comments???

Later,
EV
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We are the Detroit Red Wings. You WILL be defeated. Resistance is futile.

I don't know, B&M is more of a BEEMER than a Toyota. They always provide a smooth, comfotable ride in seats comfortable to sleep in, except the standups, but they are still smooth rides..

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Veck
http://pumpingrct.topcities.com/

I'd have to agree with CRVeck in that BEEMERS are pricey like B&Ms.

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Sorrrrrrrry folks! Parks closed. The moose out front should have told you.

I would compare intamin more to dodge than honda. Dodge's motto is Dodge/Different, and plus they have to top of the line cars. Intamin has nothing but, top of the line coasters, IMO.

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I wouldn't call CCI old-school at all. Between popularizing steel structure construction and creating a coaster car that does short-radius curves (LoCoSuMo), I'd say they're real innovators.

Now if more parks would just buy their damn rides!

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com, Sillynonsense.com
"As far as I can tell it doesn't matter who you are. If you can believe, there's something worth fighting for..." - Garbage, "Parade"

I think B&M relates more to a Mercedes than a BMW. BMW has always been more performance oriented, while Mercedes concentrates more on luxory and ride quality.

And BTW, its 'Bimmer', not 'Beemer'.

-Jeff

http://americacoasters.com

I like the Arrow/GM comparison. Riding Magnum reminds me of driving a LeSabre. Functional, but nothing exciting.

The Intamin/Honda comparison is pretty bogus. Intamin's products aren't overpriced and under-warrantied. I would compare Intamin to Saab or Volvo-innovative, strong engineering, a little different ;)

B&M is not Toyota/Lexus, for sure. I liken them to Mercedes-smooth, powerful, but not forceful. BMW's are too aggressive, too edgy to be like B&Ms. Driving my sister's 330ci is a little scary, honestly.

I might compare Setpoint to Hyundai. A new company that has some exciting products at some very affordable prices.

CCI is similar to a specialty car company like Jaguar in its pre-Ford days. Limited production, but with excellent results.

The Togo/Mazda comparison is dead on. Unfortunately, Togo didn't have Ford to help them out.

If only I could find a coaster that reminds me of a Subaru Impreza WRX!

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Proud CB club member

Mark - Yes! We need Rally Racing: The Ride!

-Jeff (who will be getting a WRX within the next 10 months)

http://americacoasters.com

*** This post was edited by xbombman on 5/30/2002. ***

Alas, the wife put her foot down about a WRX...so I bought a fully loaded Santa Fe instead. That'll teach her. ;)

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Proud CB club member

Vekoma= Dodge Neon, cheap and doable

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Roller Coasters or sports? I guess there are questions nobody can answer!

Deja Vu = Pinto

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Jes
Jes's Roller Coasters DJ Jes MCS Please, Feel Free To Call Me Jes!
"Thank You Jeff Putz"

xbombman said:

And BTW, its 'Bimmer', not 'Beemer'.
-Jeff
http://americacoasters.com

I meant Beemer as in BMW not B&M, but if you think about it B&M does have to do with performance, so it is like a mix.

and Zero G, Deja Vu is almost like the old fake FORD acroynom, Fixed Or Repaired Daily.

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Veck
http://pumpingrct.topcities.com/

*** This post was edited by CRVeck on 5/30/2002. ***

He meant "bimmer" as far as BMW, too. Only people that don't own them call them beemers.

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Proud CB club member

Ok. thanks, I'm a dodge and Chevy guy my self, so i have only heard Beemer

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Veck
http://pumpingrct.topcities.com/

B&M coastesr are like Rolls Royce and Land Rover. They don't look very fast or intense but they are a hell of a lot of fun and excitment. Plus their Hyper coasters are like "how the hell am I'm I going to get up there?!?" Let not forget smooth, fast and......cough.........cough their price!

Rolls Royce is a good analagy, Smooth, fast, custom made, and EXPENSIVE.

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Veck
http://pumpingrct.topcities.com/

CRVeck said:

xbombman said:

And BTW, its 'Bimmer', not 'Beemer'.
-Jeff
http://americacoasters.com

I meant Beemer as in BMW not B&M, but if you think about it B&M does have to do with performance, so it is like a mix.
and Zero G, Deja Vu is almost like the old fake FORD acroynom, Fixed Or Repaired Daily.
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Veck
http://pumpingrct.topcities.com/
*** This post was edited by CRVeck on 5/30/2002. ***

No no, the even more apt ford acronym. *family friendly Fleebullfluffer* Only Runs Downhill.

B&M is like Mercedes to me. Expensive and high quality. Intamin is like BMW, very exciting and cool looking. Pretty expensive, but not as much as B&M or Mercedes.

that is s good one SFGA2001

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Veck
http://pumpingrct.topcities.com/

LOL Zero-G! This topic is great. Trying to match my Celica with something.....hmmm. It is capable of great airtime, handles curves extremely well, has nice acceleration, and only lap restraints. I suppose that's comparable to a Schwarzkopf! :) Vroooom!.
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Brad Sherman
Don't.....look.....back! The Headless Horseman awaits you in 2002!
Model coasters and rides