[Raion]

DSG is great if it doesn't break. The repairs for it are insane though, same with Automagics.

[jan-jaap]

DSG is more complicated than a regular gear box so chances of something breaking are bigger in the long run. But with the old slush-o-matics a rebuild at 200.000km was pretty standard and that wasn't free either.

LED and HID headlights can turn a minor accident into several thousand euros worth of damage. But once you're used to them you never want to go back to Xenon or halogen bulbs. It's just a risk you calculate once you move up from a more basic vehicle.

[Irinikus]

Agreed! That's exactly why I have two cars! (Backup!)

I do trust the older systems in the Z3 more than the electronic-heavy ones in the TT! (The normally aspirated 3.0L Straight Six is a lovely smooth-running engine!)

[Shiunbird]

My wet dream of European car would be the E39 540i (non-M).
American, the SRT-10 Ram with manual transmission.

But only for fun...
For daily commuting, nothing beats a big electric tram, where I can sit and read a book.
Medieval cities were definitely not made for cars.

[mopar5150]

I might agree that an LS in a RX7 defeats the purpose of the car, however I have been doing Modern Hemi V8 installs in older musclecars for 15 years and am a firm believer in the old/new retrofit. I have seen 2 older Volvo wagons with Chrysler V6s in them that were done very well and really made the cars great daily drivers. Modern V8s in Jaguars is one of my favorite examples of this swap, a gorgeous car that you no longer have to worry about valve train failure or wiring issues.
To me modern cars have absolutely zero style (with the exception of $250k exotics) but the technology is fantastic.

These engine/trans swaps enable an old car to enjoy modern AC, Power brakes and steering along with a leak free 375-500 HP engine and overdrive trans. Update the suspension and brakes and you have a classic car that is a blast to drive anywhere.
Now I would not want somebody to cut up a numbers matching '69 Charger but these swaps bring an old parts cars back to life.
I daily drive a 1955 Dodge pickup that has a 500hp 6.1L hemi, manual trans, 4 wheel independent coil over suspension and big brakes. I can drive this all day long with the AC on in our standard 115 degree summer heat without a hiccup.

[Raion]

I can understand putting a newer engine from a similar/same manufacturer in a classic vehicle. Doesn't sound like a bad opportunity at all especially because the number of people who can adjust carburetors properly is going down all the time.

I don't know how I feel about putting an LS or hemi in a Jaguar E-Type or something. They were designed for the V12 or straight six and I would personally feel a little bit more comfortable if either it was a modern Jaguar engine, or maybe worst case one of the Japanese straight six engines or Volvo straight 6 I don't know. I daily drive a Subaru and deal with all the problems it brings. I like the FB motors, but they're CANBUS and I have no desire to get into that BS.