I work for two different car magazines, Honda tuning being one, and European Car the other. The magazines have extremely different content but I have a feeling the readers aren't as different as most would think. Both magazines are focused on improving a cars performance through the addition of aftermarket parts and optimization of the factory design. This is why I don't understand the rift between the two groups.

I have been a car guy for a long time, and I have only owned European cars. That doesn't mean that I don't have respect for other cars, but for some reason people assume that I hate anything from Japan or the United States. It's true I prefer European cars, I have owned something like 6 or 7 cars that are built by either VW or Porsche, but just because I don't buy a particular car doesn't mean I don't like it. I am a bigger person, I'm about 6'2" and a little over 2 bucks and I have never been able to get comfortable in a Honda product or several other Asian cars. A family member has a very nice STi. I love the car, but it just doesn't fit right. I sit in the thing and my knees are above the dash. I have sat in several Japanese imports and I feel like I have to reach down for everything, like all the controls are positioned a good four inches too low for me. This can be extremely frustrating.

I love Miatas, I think the older models are of the best bang for the buck sports cars out there, but there is just no way for me to comfortable in one. My brother bought an RX-8 not to long ago and when I drove it, I felt the same way. The shift knob is way too small for my hands, I have to lean the seat way back to get my head in it, and there is no way I could ever hope to get in the thing with my helmet on.

I started thinking about this earlier this week because I got some seat time in a Lamborghini Gallardo. The Gallardo is a relatively small car. It is short and snug but for some reason I fit absolutely great in it. I also felt instantly at home in the car. It is extremely confidence inspiring and I was driving it like any other car almost immediately. When I have driven S2000s, Zs, G35s, RX-7 and 8s I have never felt comfortable, I always feel like I am out of place in the car. I don't know why that is, but maybe why thats why I stick with Euros, they just fit right. I have nothing against other cars, but its whats comfortable to me. The next time you find yourself judging someone based on the car they drive, ask yourself if you would also judge them based on the brand of jeans they wear.