Did you ever see Jonah Hill in Superbad where he played a hefty and horny high schooler? Wasn’t it then shocking just a few years later to see he had dropped what seemed like an entire ‘nother person? He’s rounded back up to where he no longer looks like a skinny guy wearing a fat guy’s skin – Hannibal Lechter style, but for a while there… just whoa.
That was an amazing – and somewhat shocking transformation – and it’s not just people that take-on those kinds of earth-shattering reshaping. Give any car a decade or more on the market, and you’re going to get at least one – maybe even two – fairly significant updates. Sometimes, like with Porsche’s 911, the decades can drop from the calendar and things still look pretty much the same. Other times, every single refresh is an extreme makeover.
We’re interested in the latter today. What we’d like to know is what’s your opinion on what is the most extreme makeover – what car or truck had the single greatest change? What do you think, what is the Jonah Hill of car models?
Image: CorvetteForum
Hooniverse Asks: What was the Single Greatest Year-Over-Year Change for Any Model?
About
-
Tough to beat the choice in the lead photo. The suspension on the ’82 Vette shared substantially all the major hard parts with a ’63. To say that it was overdue for a complete redesign would be an understatement.
How about this:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/1973_Ford_Mustang_Mach1_White.jpg
http://images.thecarconnection.com/lrg/1974-ford-mustang-ii_100179504_l.jpg
Seems that the carmakers have learned that if they are going to radically change a model that the old nameplate wouldn’t be worth keeping anyway. Most model names died off when everything went FWD in the 80’s only to be resurrected later (Monte Carlo, Le Mans, 300, etc).-
From Grande(!) to Pint(o) size.
-
Actually GM used the same frame/chassis from 1963 to 1982. The biggest change came in 1965 when they got 4 wheel disc brakes.
-
True, I had the birdcage in mind when thinking about the chassis change, though that is sort of unibody-on-frame.
-
-
-
Another nominee – the Olds/Pontiac versions retained the same name too, though the Lumina killed the Monte.
http://www.collectorcarads.com/Picture3/20121025_175743.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/1706/3401/4264200001_large.jpg -
1987 Pontiac Grand Prix: Body on frame, rear wheel drive, V8 available
1988 Pontiac Grand Prix: front wheel drive, No V8, interior with more buttons than the Space Shuttle-
Beat you by a nose!
-
Had to have been mere milliseconds. I’ll have to work on my typing skills
The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog…
-
-
-
Mk2 MR2: Ferrari wannabe, big(ger) iron-block engine and T-tops, nearly 2900 lb.
Mk3 MR2 Spyder: Honey I shrank the Boxster, light aluminum engined roadster, less than 2200 lb.
To be honest, having owned both I prefer the latter.-
I’m always surprised the 3rd-gen isn’t more popular. I guess it was the face (and it didn’t have that neat rear trunk behind the engine).
-
I had a 3rd gen too and it’s a wonderful drive, but surprisingly impractical even compared to a Lotus Elise in many ways which limits mainstream appeal. I’m surprised the finished car ever got the go ahead from Toyota.
-
-
-
1994 Dodge Ram. It brought Dodge’s designs out from the 70’s, but also Ford’s (copycat), and made people change their perception of a pickup as a car alternative..
-
“made people change their perception of a pickup as a car alternative”
This does not really compute to Texans. Pickup truck is kind of a default vehicle choice. I feel a little weird not owning one right now.
-
-
http://dmill.net/Supra/IMG_0030%20(Large).JPG
1992 – A very decent sportscar.
http://www.topcarrating.com/toyota/1993-toyota-supra-twin-turbo-mk4-4.jpg
1993 – A sportcar people still pine for and beg Toyota to build again.-
In that vein, the 91 to 92 RX7. Now we just need someone to post the Z31 into the Z32…
http://www.msprotege.com/members/Natey/RX-7/RX7_HKS.JPG
http://www.performance-car-guide.co.uk/images/L-Mazda-RX-7.jpg-
Boy do I love FCs.
-
I agree that the FD is easily among the most beautiful cars ever made, but I feel like
FC–>FD was more evolutionary than the Supra MkIII–>MkIV was.
The FD is much, much, much better looking than the Supra. People like the Supra design because they like what the Supra is and can be. People like the RX-7 design because it is amazingly tight, clean and proportional. There isn’t anything out of place on the RX-7, the same can’t be said for the Supra.-
I agree that it was definitely more evolutionary than the Supra. I’d definitely argue that the RX7 still holds its ground though. While always being great to drive cars, it switched design-wise from a 924/944 copy to a trendsetter. I would be highly suspect of any car company that didn’t say think about it when designing just about any car from the 90’s. Especially the C5…
-
-
-
-
The 75 Charger seems like it would have been a bit jarring.
http://www.history-of-cars.com/images/dodge/1974-charger-212-002.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Dodge_Charger_%28Auto_classique_Laval_%2710%29.jpg-
I don’t know if I agree, but this picture rules.
-
You have to wonder what the meetings were like at Chrysler back then.
“Bill, we need a new Charger.”
“Sir, we have no money.”
“Bill, I want a Charger, and I want it to look like a Monte Carlo.”
“Oh, in that case, consider it done.”
-
-
-
I was going to say any Thunderbird model change. It’s a shame that Ford couldn’t be more consistent with the evolution of the design.
-
-
1960 to 1961 Lincoln. A really drastic change from one of the most overwrought cars of the era to one of the most tasteful.
-
+1, I agree. 🙂
An honorable mention, the 1979 Lincoln Continental Town Car and the 1980 model.
In the same mix, the 1979 Mark V and the 1980 Mark VI
-
-
Near and dear to my heart is the transition of the Odyssey from an MPV also-ran to a real ‘Murican-style minivan
1998 — F23A 2.3L SOHC 4cyl (with VTEC, because hey — we’re not neanderthals!), one slider, basically an Accord wagon that had been inflated.
Greatest weakness: Appearance. JDM-types put body kits and such on them in an attempt to help, but it’s just lipstick on a stalwart pig.
http://www.admiralmotors.com/cars/1998-honda-odyssey_044adf58.jpg
1999 — J35 3.5L SOHC V6 (which would later prove to be a fire-breather when HMA turbo’d one to the moon and took it racing), dual sliders, platform originator that would later spawn the MDX, Pilot, and larger Accord and Acura sedan iterations (but not the Ridgeline — don’t tell me no lies).
Greatest weakness: 4-speed auto that originated in lighter sedans couldn’t cope with the Ody’s combination of mass and the new J35’s torque. Honda extended the warranty to 109kilomiles in an attempt to catch everyone whose trans failed prematurely, which was all of them that didn’t spend their entire lives being driven exclusively downhill with a feather on the throttle.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/1999-2001_Honda_Odyssey.jpg-
More than a one year jump, but few seem to remember the Honda Odyssey of the 70’s-80’s.
http://oddatv.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/atv1.jpg
The name went from something that every mom detested because of its danger to something every mom detested because of its bland competence and banality.-
Danger? But the Ody, with its low COG, seatbelt, and roll bar, was the safest way to get off-road fun! Way less dangerous than a quad-or-trike or a dirt bike.
But moms will be moms. And fearful.
At least the Pilot crossover has the ability to drive all four wheels, and off-roading pretensions, like its ORV namesake.
And I concur about detesting — I like our Odyssey way more than my wife does. But she’s only able to appreciate a good tool. Me — I love a good tool, and the Ody is the best in its class.-
I’m right there with you. When we went in to the realm of multiple offspring, I made a run at justifying one for the team, with it being Mrs.Neight’s primary vehicle. Instead, we paid more for a Tahoe that wasn’t nearly as good for our needs, unless you count the emotional need to not visibly present the complete surrender of your life to the trappings of motherhood to everyone that drives past. It does not meet that need. At. All.
-
Yeah, I don’t understand that mentality. A full-size or crossover SUV screams “PARENT!” just as loudly as a minivan, but adds “IN DENIAL” for that little extra burn.
-
-
-
-
Ahh, the Odyssey. Growing up in SE Asia, the Odysseys that we got was the JDM low-roof version. But then in 2013, even the JDM Odyssey morphed into a luxury MPV a-la Toyota Alphard.
Before:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/2008_Honda_Odyssey_01.JPG/1920px-2008_Honda_Odyssey_01.JPG
After:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/5th_generation_Honda_ODYSSEY_ABSOLUTE_front.JPG/800px-5th_generation_Honda_ODYSSEY_ABSOLUTE_front.JPG-
The low roof is so much better! Sleek like a wagon. I’d definitely buy that when my Stream claps out.
-
-
-
Ford from 1927 Model T to the 1928 Model A. The idea of a car manufacturer having totally different platforms under the same marque didn’t come about until about the 1950s. Up to that point you got either a Ford, Chevy, or whatever in whatever body style suited your taste/needs; 4 door, 2 door, convertible, etc.http://www.popularrestorations.com/images/Restorations/Restoration500/data/images/1927_model_t.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/1928-ford-archives.jpg
While not dramatically different sytle wise, the Model A brought modern car controls to the masses. Most drivers today could not jump in and drive a Model T, whereas a Model A has the gas, brake, and clutch where you would expect them to be. -
-
Well, there’s not a “2” in the URL for nothin’, eh?
Also, this is one of my favorite questions, so I’ve no beef answering it quarterly and trying to come up with new responses. -
They’re running experiments on us!
I knew it!
*Runs for the hills*-
Very, very interesting
*notes reaction*-
Well, he is known to be a little skitterish…
-
Duly noted.
-
-
-
-
-
Mercedes midsizers:
1984/85:
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/cars/mercedes/2711406.jpg
Versus 1984/85:
http://www.history-of-cars.com/images/mercedes/1984-w124-11.jpg
::cough::
Well, this is awkward.
But I suppose that’s what happens when a car is built in the millions, in plants all over the world, and some plants and suppliers aren’t ready to tool up for the new model as quickly.
Also, my 1891 has that exact same rust spot on both front wings. And I just noticed some bubbling on the trunk where it meets the chrome piece in the middle. The heartbreak that is owning a classic DD in the midwest with no budget for any but essential repairs. Oh well, the chassis is still well-coated and solid, so here’s to adding lightness via the tinworm! -
Nobody’s said 993 vs. 996 Porsche? Okay.
-
Those boxster headlights! How dare they?!
-
Honestly the frameless doors bothered me as a kid way more than the Boxster headlights.
I was a weird kid, but I still think I’m right.
-
-
-
Breaking the rules is fun, and since this is a rerun, I don’t feel too bad.
How about going from this:
http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2007/03/30/17/30/1966_dodge_charger-pic-61301.jpeg
to this
http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2012/03/14/21/16/1984_dodge_charger-pic-2635477770294651792.jpeg
to this:
http://www.dodgecolors.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/2010-Dodge-Charger-Rallye-AWD-3.jpg-
I was thinking the same… but in coupe.
http://www.marriottgarage.com/TN%20Dodge%20Challenger%201969.jpg
https://autopolis.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/1980_dodge_challenger.jpeg
http://www.dodge.com/assets/images/vehicles/2015/challenger/homepage/Featurette/2015-challenger-vlp-availablemodels-srt.jpg
-
-
This is a great thread, but do you guys also have to click “see more” on EVERY SINGLE POST in order to see the second photo? Gah.
-
seems like it’s been that way since disqus arrived.
-
True. I’m just struggling to believe that this is how it’s actually supposed to work. Saving bandwidth was an endeavour of the 90s, right?
-
Thanks to the phones that are so much better than the 90s, we’re regressing back that way.
-
-
-
-
When logged in, the dropdown menu of your user name (top right of the disqs frame) has the line “show media”.
-
Yes, that’s enabled. But it only shows the first of usually two images in this quest. In order to reveal the second, I have to click on “see more”.
-
-
-
A Tuesday answer: BMW R-RS from R100RS with pushrods, carbs, a conventional frame and suspension, and slow by early 90s standards. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/Zenithman/4531330094.jpg
to the 1993 R110RS with OHC, EFI and a radical stressed engine chassis with Telelever front suspension and class leading performance. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/BMW_r_1100_rs.jpg/300px-BMW_r_1100_rs.jpg
About the only thing these bikes had in common was a boxer layout engine, shaft drive and a BMW roundel, -
Ask me again in 2017 when the next Wrangler comes out.
-
If I understand correctly, the C3 C4 change was more a year over next year change… (Proudly stickling in US car history…)
-
Many different cars were known as a Mercury Cougar.
-
I was going to suggest the 48 to 49 model year change for Ford, but Hudson was a year ahead
47
http://www.kitfoster.com/images/2005-8-10_47HudsonVertWeb-Large.jpg
48
http://www.history-of-cars.com/images/hudson/hudson48e.jpg -
Old, formal, hood ornament, and brougham roof:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/1988-1991_Ford_LTD_Crown_Victoria_–_08-16-2010.jpg
Sleek, agile, and modern:
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3339/3781/33346890003_original.jpg
Yes, admittedly, the most significant mechanical changes wouldn’t come for about another decade, at which point the Crown Vic’s styling had somewhat regressed to a very smooth box. -
I would like to nominate the EL to AU Falcon. Went from a solid seller to the car that started the slow decline into closure for Ford Australia, despite being a better car in every way other than appearance.
EL:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9c/1997_Ford_Falcon_%28EL%29_GLi_sedan_%282006-10-14%29.jpg
AU:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/1998_Ford_AU_Falcon_Sedan_Series_I_%288718870113%29.jpg-
Yikes!
-
-
1976/7 Rover 3500 P6
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/Last_of_line.JPG/800px-Last_of_line.JPG
1976/7 Rover3500 SD1
http://www.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/Q5FCFCF16EKDDTE/Pic123.jpg
The same motors and auto gearboxes and nothing else.
Leave a Reply