The Best and Worst Cars This Year — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep. 219
About this episode
Jason Camisa and Derek Tam-Scott reflect on the best and worst cars of 2025, sharing highlights and lowlights from their automotive experiences throughout the year. They discuss memorable drives, including a range of unique vehicles like the CLK63 AMG Black Series and the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, while also addressing disappointments such as the VinFast and a Triumph Spitfire. The episode is filled with humor, technical insights, and personal anecdotes, making it a comprehensive recap of their automotive adventures.
Barbara Freight
"But I bought carts from Barbara Freight. And my thought is I'll just lower the subframe engine transmission, suspension brakes, steering all of it onto a cart and push it down the parking lot"
Barbara Freight sells car parts that mechanics use when they need to change or fix engines and other vehicle components.
Barbara Freight is a company that specializes in providing automotive parts and accessories, often used by mechanics for engine swaps and other vehicle modifications.
rear trailing arm
"And I dropped the rear subframe, the rear trailing arm, which is rear suspension and brakes all together as one unit..."
It’s a metal arm that lets the rear wheel move up and down when you hit bumps, keeping the car stable.
The rear trailing arm is a suspension component that connects the wheel hub to the vehicle’s chassis, allowing vertical movement while controlling axle alignment.
rear subframe
"And I dropped the rear subframe, the rear trailing arm, which is rear suspension and brakes all together as one unit..."
Think of it as a frame at the back of the car that holds the parts that help you brake and steer when you’re going straight or turning.
The rear subframe is a structural component that supports the rear suspension and braking system, often bolted to the vehicle's chassis.
coolant hoses
"All coolant hoses, all like, you know, easy to reach gaskets"
Coolant hoses are tubes that move hot liquid from the engine to a radiator where it cools down. They keep the car’s engine from overheating.
Coolant hoses carry the engine coolant between the radiator, heater core, and engine block to regulate temperature.
gaskets
"All coolant hoses, all like, you know, easy to reach gaskets"
Gaskets are thin sheets that sit between parts of the engine to stop fluids from leaking out. They keep oil and coolant where they belong.
Gaskets are sealants placed between two mating surfaces to prevent fluid leaks, such as oil or coolant.
suspension
"and fully new suspension. So new control arms"
Suspension is the part of a car that keeps it stable and comfortable by cushioning bumps and keeping tires on the road.
The suspension system supports the vehicle’s weight, absorbs road shocks, and maintains tire contact with the road.
tie rods
"So new control arms, new tie rods, new ball joints"
Tie rods are wires that connect the steering wheel to the wheels, letting you turn the car left or right.
Tie rods transfer steering input from the steering wheel to the wheels, allowing directional control.
control arms
"So new control arms, new tie rods, new ball joints"
Control arms are metal pieces that link the wheel to the car’s frame, letting the wheel move up and down while keeping it in place.
Control arms are suspension components that connect the wheel hub to the vehicle frame, allowing vertical movement while controlling steering geometry.
ball joints
"So new control arms, new tie rods, new ball joints"
Ball joints are like ball bearings that let the wheels move up and down while still turning when you steer.
Ball joints are spherical bearings that connect the steering knuckle to the control arm, allowing smooth wheel movement.
axles
"new, not doing axles, but basically everything else"
Axles are long metal shafts that run through the wheels, sending power from the engine to make the car move.
Axles are shafts that transmit power from the transmission to the wheels and support vehicle weight.
brake lines
"but basically everything else, brakes. So pads and rotors wall in there, new brake lines"
Brake lines are tubes that move the liquid from the brake master to each wheel, so when you press the pedal, pressure builds up and stops the car.
Brake lines are hydraulic tubes that carry brake fluid from the master cylinder to each wheel’s caliper.
brakes
"but basically everything else, brakes. So pads and rotors"
Brakes are the parts that stop your car when you press the pedal, usually made of metal discs and friction pads.
Brakes are the system that slows or stops a vehicle, typically using discs (rotors) and pads.
pads
"but basically everything else, brakes. So pads and rotors"
Brake pads are the pieces that rub against the metal disc to slow down or stop the car when you press the brake.
Brake pads are friction materials that press against rotors to slow the wheel.
Volkswagen Jetta
"I also can't wait to get rid of the fucking Jetta."
The Jetta is a small, everyday car made by Volkswagen. It’s easy to drive and usually not too expensive to own, but if it’s an older one you might need to watch out for rust or a worn timing belt.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that has been produced in various generations since the 1970s. It’s known for its practicality and fuel efficiency, though older models can have issues like rust or timing belt wear.
engine harness
"but it is, you know, it is just an engine harness and it should be two or three wires that you hook up and that should be it."
Think of it like a set of cables that bring electricity to all the parts inside an engine so they can work together.
An engine harness is a bundle of wires that connects the various electrical components inside an engine—such as sensors, actuators, and the ECU—to power them and allow communication.
Ferrari F50
"And, you know, there's like an element of imposter syndrome where you're like, wow, I can't believe we did a deal on a F-50 or an F, career GT or something like that. And then you're like, oh, well, that was just a one off."
Porsche Career Gt
"... I can't believe we did a deal on a F-50 or an F, career GT or something like that. And then you're like, oh..."
Pontiac Gtos
"... Boy Ferraris, like 360 CSS and Scuderias and 599 GTOs and any Spiccialli, you know, those are all goin..."
Ferrari 599 Gtos
"Like all the Hot Boy Ferraris, like 360 CSS and Scuderias and 599 GTOs"
It’s a very rare Ferrari from 2006 with a powerful V12 engine and special aerodynamic features that make it extremely fast.
The Ferrari 599 GTO is a limited‑run, high‑performance version of the 599 GTB, produced in 2006 with a 6.0‑liter V12 engine and advanced aerodynamics.
Ferrari 360 CSS
"Like all the Hot Boy Ferraris, like 360 CSS and Scuderias and 599 GTOs"
It’s a Ferrari sports car from the early 2000s with a V8 engine and a lightweight design that makes it fast and fun to drive.
The Ferrari 360 CSS is a mid‑engine sports car produced from 1999 to 2005, known for its lightweight chassis and powerful V8 engine.
EVs
"their sales are down tremendously since the summer. Obviously, we lost the $7500 federal tax credit."
EVs are cars that use electricity from batteries to move, instead of gasoline or diesel.
EVs stands for electric vehicles, cars that run primarily on battery-powered electric motors instead of internal combustion engines.
Lexus
"a Lexus December to remember. And then it occurred to me,"
Lexus makes fancy cars that are usually more expensive and feel very smooth to drive. They’re made by the same company that makes Toyota cars.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation, known for its high-quality vehicles and strong resale value.
Lancia Tema
"... I'm sorry to hijack this, but this is too good. Lancia Tema 832. Huh. Third car, Chazzetta Moroder V16T. For..."
Audi Quattro
"...h a Alpha 164 Quadrifoglio Q4. Q4 doing the Tipo Quattro episode, obviously. And then, oh my God. And then..."
Jeep Cherokee
"... then an XR4 TI and a Sierra Cosworth. And then a Cherokee. Oh my God. And then your Jaguar, Mark I, 3.4 li..."
Jaguar Mark
"manual swapped. And then a Pagoda. And then an XR4 TI and a Sierra Cosworth. And then a Cherokee. Oh my God. And then your Jaguar, Mark I, 3.4 literate saloon. And then a Vinfast VF8. And then a Chevy color. I put 631 miles on a Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison four wheel drive crew cab."
Chevrolet C8
"...ly. Well, technically. Yeah. And then a prototype C8. Oh my God. And then an M5 touring. Oh my God. O..."
Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale
"[1275.4s] We didn't. Tell us. Let me see. What did I say? Alpha Romeo, Julieta, Sprint Speciale."
The Sprint Speciale is a faster, sportier version of the Giulietta that Alfa Romeo made for racing and track use.
The Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale is a high-performance version of the Giulietta, featuring upgraded engine tuning and lightweight components for better track performance.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
"[1275.4s] We didn't. Tell us. Let me see. What did I say? Alpha Romeo, Julieta, Sprint Speciale."
The Giulietta is a small, stylish car from Alfa Romeo that many people like for its fun driving feel.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a compact sedan produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo, known for its sporty styling and performance.
Mercury Marauder
"...hat this is one of one, this is the only Chizeta marauder. All the other ones were just Chizetas. This was ..."
seat belt
"Like I cannot crash this car. I will die for sure because I have no seat belt."
A seat belt is the strap you fasten over your body in a car to keep you safe if something happens.
A seat belt is a safety device that restrains occupants in the event of a collision, reducing injury risk.
clutch
"it's the, and the likely the heaviest clutch I've ever encountered, but it's forgiving."
The clutch is a part that lets you shift gears by disconnecting the engine from the wheels temporarily.
The clutch is a mechanical component that connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing gear changes.
steering
"Steering isn't bad, but it's damped likely because it was originally a power steering..."
Steering is how you turn the car left or right by moving the wheel.
Steering refers to the mechanism that allows a driver to control the direction of the vehicle, usually via a steering wheel and rack-and-pinion system.
crossplane V8
"it's straight crossplane V8 most of the time. Sounded amazing, very loud, but not obnoxiously."
A crossplane V8 is a powerful engine with eight cylinders arranged in two banks; it’s known for its deep rumble and smooth performance.
A crossplane V8 is a type of eight-cylinder engine where the crankshaft has four crankpins on each bank set at 90 degrees, producing a distinctive sound and smooth power delivery.
Lamborghini Diablo
"...kay. Although I think that was probably closer to Diablo by that point. Diablo was about to come out, but..."
Honda Accord
"...'s so much car for the money or like a new Honda Accord. Right, a base, a base Accord. I would agree wit..."
Porsche 911
"...n that drive, I got stuck behind a red air cooled 911. And I just took a picture and I'm like, look at..."
fuel injection
"...that fuel injection, if you start the car, move it and turn it off before it gets fully warmed..."
Instead of a carburetor, modern cars spray fuel into the engine using tiny nozzles. This makes the car run smoother and use less gas.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel directly into the engine’s combustion chamber or intake port, replacing older carburetor systems for better efficiency and performance.
Volkswagen Scirocco
"... a while and then getting it. So I just drove the Scirocco here. And I, you know, I just drove that down to..."
forced induction
"Technically, the replacement for displacement is forced induction. The answer to that is no."
Forced induction is a way to make an engine stronger by squeezing more air into it with a turbo or supercharger, so it can burn more fuel and produce more power.
Forced induction refers to adding air into an engine’s combustion chamber using a turbocharger or supercharger, allowing more fuel to be burned and increasing power without enlarging the engine’s displacement.
Alpine A110
"...his one might have made it to your list also the A110. It wasn't actually on my list. But it, and I, th..."
Volkswagen Golf GTI
"...ion. And in the same way that I would use like a GTI or, you know, maybe you'd use some modern 911 tha..."
Lotus Elise
"...ct, it exceeded it because I expected it to be an Elise and it's a McLaren. Yeah. It's very special. You..."
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
"...s so much work. But we had Corvette ZR1 plus 911 GT3 RS plus Mustang GTD around the Sonoma Raceway. We di..."
Ford Mustang GTD
"...rk. But we had Corvette ZR1 plus 911 GT3 RS plus Mustang GTD around the Sonoma Raceway. We did set a productio..."
Ford Thunderbird
"...d of the spectrum would be something like a Ford Thunderbird redo that they did or the current Mini Cooper or..."
Ferrari F40
"...und a million dollars. But if you can't afford an F40 buy a Chimera, but the conceptually they feel qu..."
Shelby Cobra
"...ses, the answer is very literal. Like with an AC Cobra, the answer is a good Cobra replica that is like ..."
Mclaren F1
"...is was something that well, this was true of the McLaren F1 also. It's like what experience, what car can you..."
Lamborghini Kuntosh
"...anaging stuff the way that you are in a Mira or a Kuntosh or a Carrera GT. But please tell me it's not bor..."
Volkswagen I Volkswagen
"...he fundamentals... That's just nervously at Mark I Volkswagen. Although no one ever said they were bad cars, r..."
EV
"[3039.2s] In an EV, I can't do that."
An EV is a car that runs on electricity, using batteries and electric motors instead of an engine that burns gasoline.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, a car powered by electric motors and batteries instead of gasoline.
Ford Sierra
"...being nice to it. Another standout to me was the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth. Holy shit. I'd like to experience t..."
electro hydraulically actuated Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control
"Porsche's new active EHPDCC. So electro hydraulically actuated Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, which is a high voltage system that can actually move the car up and down."
It’s a fancy Porsche system that uses electricity and hydraulics to make the car sit higher or lower while you drive, helping it handle corners better.
This is Porsche’s full‑name for the active suspension system that uses electric motors and hydraulic actuators to adjust damping and ride height on demand, improving handling and comfort.
Porsche 911 Turbo S
"...se it was a drag race, we had a Porsche Panamera Turbo S with Porsche's new active EHPDCC. So electro hydr..."
Porsche Panamera
"...ust because it was a drag race, we had a Porsche Panamera Turbo S with Porsche's new active EHPDCC. So elec..."
Porsche 911 Turbo
"...quality. And I think, wow, that's now on the new 911 Turbo S, the 992.2. Like this is a new era. And if BMW ..."
Chevrolet Camaros
"...t, they used an American car, some kind Dodge or Camaros or you know, Transams. But the first year they di..."
Lamborghini Miura
"...because there's not a lot of cars. You know, the Miura certainly does that, but there's very few cars fr..."
V8 engine
"[3802.0s] one of the best sounding engines I've ever heard, best sounding V8s I've ever heard"
A V8 engine is a type of car engine that has eight cylinders in a V shape, which helps the car go fast and run smoothly.
A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, providing strong power and smooth performance.
1064 horsepower
"I was also in the presence of 1064 horsepower Corvette ZR1"
Horsepower tells you how strong a car’s engine is. 1,064 horsepower means it can go very fast and pull heavy loads.
Horsepower is a unit of power that measures the engine’s ability to do work over time. 1,064 horsepower indicates a very high‑performance engine.
Lotus Carlton
"...'s the gearbox that they then put into the Lotus Carlton. But the Lotus Carlton, I think, had even longer ..."
Smart Crossblade
"... amusing car that I drove last year was the smart crossblade. That's the one that has like no windshield and ..."
Mazda Miata
"... it amuses you. And then the most scared was ND2 Miata. On our rally, I swapped with somebody who had an..."
Toyota Prius
"...ave been sufficiently excited and exciting for a Prius and it was in a car with a GTI badge on it. I jus..."
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