6 Cars That Failed To Live Up To Their Predecessors

As countless film critics will no doubt testify, sequels are rarely as accomplished as the original feature. It’s the same story with cars. When a specific model is heralded as the best in its class, or achieves iconic status by any other means, replacing said model come the end of its shelf-life becomes a near insurmountable challenge. Here, in no particular order, are six cars that failed to live up to the reputations of their revered predecessors.

1. Ford Mustang II

Based on the fiery death-trap that was the Ford Pinto, the Mustang’s second coming was a sales success, even if it possessed none of the qualities that made the original 1964 Mustang so desirable. It was ugly, slow (we’re talking 140bhp from the optional V8 - yes, 140), and an affront to the Mustang name.

2. VW Golf GTI MK4

A low-point in Volkswagen’s hot-hatch history. The MK4 was too slow (slower even than the MK1 GTI), too heavy, and consequently no fun whatsoever to drive. Not worthy of the GTI badge by a long shot.

3. Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

Image; some rights reserved - Ed Callow

With its predecessor, the 246GT (pictured, top), heralded as one of the world’s best looking cars, the 308 GT4 had a tough act to follow. Mired in controversy as Ferrari’s first production V8, accomplished though it was, it never possessed the flair and associated desirability of the original.

4. Triumph TR7

Rumour has it, Italian design legend Giorgetto Giugario first encountered the TR7 at a motor-show. He examined the car closely, before walking around to its other side and allegedly saying “My God, they’ve done it to this side too”...

5. Lancia (Chrysler) Delta

Marketed as a Chrysler in the UK, the current Delta is at best a mundane hatchback. At worst, it’s an ugly, unpopular, “badge-engineered misfit” with no real appeal.

6. Ford Escort

A car of unrivaled dismalness (save for the Cosworth), the MKIV Escort’s primary aim was to make Ford money, and lots of it. And you could tell. Top Gear’s script Editor Richard Porter - AKA Sniff Petrol - once wrote the Escort was as exciting as “sitting in the shallow water of the River Humber eating lard sandwiches”.

These are our picks, what are yours? Let us know in the comments.