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Maybe our SSRs are NOT that (relatively) heavy!

2928 Views 27 Replies 16 Participants Last post by redssrloaded, Jun 8, 2005

JimGnitecki

Discussion Starter · Jun 5, 2005 (Edited)

I just read the May-June issue of Road & Track Speed, and it is notable for 2 articles: one that compares 6 sporty sedans, and another that put 4 pickup trucks, including an 05 SSR, on a roadracing track to see how they do against sportcars!

Several notable outcomes:

1. The trucks were more fun than the testers thought they would be

2. If you think the SSR is heavy (4770 lb for the one they tested), check out the Dodge SRT-10 (5180 lb) (see chart on page 86 of the issue)

3. Of the 6 sports sedans they tested, which included
Audi A6
BMW 545i
Cadillac CTS-V
Chrysler 300C SRT-8
Infinity M45
Lexus GS430
The LIGHTEST one was 3840 lb (The Lexus), AND ALL except the BMW had inferior weight DISTRIBUTION compared to the SSR! (see chart on page 72 of the issue)

4. The article on the pcikups praised the handling and overall feel of the SSR

Check it out.

Jim G

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JimGnitecki

Discussion Starter · #21 · Jun 6, 2005

Double-L: You might tell your girlfriend that she has a fat butt ONCE, but you would earn from that error.

Colorado: Yes, that IS what GVWR means, and there is no contradiction. The SSR eighs about 4750 lb (plus or minus a bit based on options present or not) before any driver, passengers, or cargo. The tax law referred to IS based on GVWR, NOT actual vehicle weight.

The tax assertions made are accurate. It was temporary legislation intended to stimulate vehicles sales after they stalled after 9-11.

Jim G

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Double-L

· #22 · Jun 6, 2005

No I wouldn't tell her that even if I had a girl friend, That is why I said I had heard of that love, Hard love, LOL Jim I am glad my wife doesn't use the computer, You saying I have a girl friend with a fat butt and all

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JimGnitecki

Discussion Starter · #23 · Jun 6, 2005 (Edited)

Oops . . .

So sorry . . .

Jim G

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redssrloaded

· #24 · Jun 7, 2005

It seems like everyone is yelling at me that their SSR only weighs 4700 and not 6050. Guys guys, I haven''t been feeding mine twinkies. Believe me it's the GVWR that matters. who cares about the base weight. When was the last time you raced your without a driver, gas, oil and other liquids? Get it

The performance IMHO is determined by the GVWR, correct me if I'm wrong please.

Also, the tax loop-hole had nothing to do with 9/11. It was done I think in the 50s to help the farmers with their farm equipment, hence only trucks were eligible. Back then very few cars weighed that much. I have two that weigh more than 6000 in my garage ( SSR and Range Rover). It was dubbed the "Hummer deduction" by many. The environmentalists have been screaming about this one for many years and no one listened to them. But this year, they finally got support from both sides of the isle and raised the limit to 15000 lbs. This way the farmer gets it's deduction but not the yuppies. Now if I can find my next 15000 SUV, I hear Ford is coming out with one. The Sub-Division :lol

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JimGnitecki

Discussion Starter · #25 · Jun 7, 2005

RedSSRloaded: you are I'm afraid incorrect on both items.

The peformance of your actual SSR is based on the actual weight, not the chassis capacity, which is what the GVWR is.

My SSR weghs around 4730 lb actual,, and with me plus half a tank of fuel in it, is still under 5000 lb. THAT weight is what my engine has to accelerate, and that weight is what makes it hard to get decent handling.

If you load up your SSR with cargo in the back and a passenger, and somehow get to the 6000 lb GVWR weight, you will definitely have a "slug" in both acceleration and handling. In fact, despite the GVWR, it is often technically impossible to achieve that overall weight without exceeding the capacity of an individual AXLE. I haven't checked if that is the case on the SSR since it is foolish to even think about loading it up like that.

As for the tax stuff, you are also not correctt. You are correct about the history of the overall deduction I think, but after 9-11, Congress passed a special provision that allowed you to EXPENSE a huge portion of the vehicle cost in the first year. THAT provision is what created the huge rush to buy heavy SUVs, and that provision is what got legislated OUT effective end of last year. Check the facts with your tax advisor.

Jim G

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dougnc

· #26 · Jun 7, 2005

You know, in the real world, where everyone doesn't drive 600 hp Ford Lightnings, my SSR is one of the fastest things on the road. I've been keeping up with motor bikes. Sure, I know a covette or a 500 hp muscle car will beat me, but my SSR is a hell of a lot faster than my Z3's.

Plus, I appreciate the extra weight. The Z3's did handle better on the curves, but the trade of with good handling is the feeling it's going to hydroplane in heavy rain or sleet.

The tax thing was just hype. Businesses have to depreciate vehicles over seven years. Being allowed to expense them right away only means you get the tax deduction up front, instead of over seven years. The end result is the same. And it's not always a good idea to take it. By taking the deduction this year you have less taxable profits, but next year you end up with more taxable profits.

And the IRS is very tough on personal use of company vehicles. You have to keep a log, and your personal use, including communting mileage, is put on your W-2.

The thing is, I've been installing accounting systems for many years. Most business owners are sales types, with no real understanding of accounting. I've often had business owners tell me about how they're doing things I know are illegal, but what they think is outsmarting the tax guy. Then when I get into the books I find that the accountant has just moved stuff around so it looks like he's taking the tax dodge, but he's actually made it all legal.

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An SSR's Wife

· #27 · Jun 7, 2005

The Real World?

dougnc said:
You know, in the real world, where everyone doesn't drive 600 hp Ford Lightnings, my SSR is one of the fastest things on the road. I've been keeping up with motor bikes. Sure, I know a covette or a 500 hp muscle car will beat me, but my SSR is a hell of a lot faster than my Z3's.

Plus, I appreciate the extra weight. The Z3's did handle better on the curves, but the trade of with good handling is the feeling it's going to hydroplane in heavy rain or sleet.

The tax thing was just hype. Businesses have to depreciate vehicles over seven years. Being allowed to expense them right away only means you get the tax deduction up front, instead of over seven years. The end result is the same. And it's not always a good idea to take it. By taking the deduction this year you have less taxable profits, but next year you end up with more taxable profits.

And the IRS is very tough on personal use of company vehicles. You have to keep a log, and your personal use, including communting mileage, is put on your W-2.

The thing is, I've been installing accounting systems for many years. Most business owners are sales types, with no real understanding of accounting. I've often had business owners tell me about how they're doing things I know are illegal, but what they think is outsmarting the tax guy. Then when I get into the books I find that the accountant has just moved stuff around so it looks like he's taking the tax dodge, but he's actually made it all legal.

Doug, the Ford Lightning isn't 600 hp. You should know more about them, since you dislike them so much!!! And even though I " drive like a girl..." I could still beat you with my SSR or my Ford !!!!! :lol

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redssrloaded

· #28 · Jun 8, 2005

JimGnitecki said:
RedSSRloaded: you are I'm afraid incorrect on both items.

The peformance of your actual SSR is based on the actual weight, not the chassis capacity, which is what the GVWR is.

My SSR weghs around 4730 lb actual,, and with me plus half a tank of fuel in it, is still under 5000 lb. THAT weight is what my engine has to accelerate, and that weight is what makes it hard to get decent handling.

If you load up your SSR with cargo in the back and a passenger, and somehow get to the 6000 lb GVWR weight, you will definitely have a "slug" in both acceleration and handling. In fact, despite the GVWR, it is often technically impossible to achieve that overall weight without exceeding the capacity of an individual AXLE. I haven't checked if that is the case on the SSR since it is foolish to even think about loading it up like that.

As for the tax stuff, you are also not correctt. You are correct about the history of the overall deduction I think, but after 9-11, Congress passed a special provision that allowed you to EXPENSE a huge portion of the vehicle cost in the first year. THAT provision is what created the huge rush to buy heavy SUVs, and that provision is what got legislated OUT effective end of last year. Check the facts with your tax advisor.

Jim G

Thanks Jim. I guess I stand corrected. I always thought the that GVWR was the real thing. Thank God it isn't. I guess I don't feel as bad.

As far as the tax stuff I still think I'm right :jester

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