The Carmudgeon Show

The Carmudgeon Show

Hagerty Media

Updated 4 days ago
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Part of the Hagerty Podcast Network, the Carmudgeon Show is a comedic, information-filled conversation with Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott, two car enthusiasts who are curmudgeonly beyond their years. Proving you don’t have to be old to be grumpy, they spend each episode talking about what’s wrong with various parts of the automotive universe. Despite their best efforts to keep it negative, they usually wind up laughing, happy, and extolling their love for cars. Which just makes them angrier and more bitter. Jason Cammisa is an automotive journalist, social-media figure, and TV host with over 300 million views on YouTube alone. Jason’s deeply technical understanding, made possible by a lifelong obsession with cars, allows him to fully digest what’s going on within an automobile — and then put it into simple terms for others to understand. Also, a Master’s Degree in Law trained him to be impossible to argue with. Derek Tam-Scott still tries. He’s a young automotive expert with old-man taste in cars, and a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering — which means he knows how to be civil to Jason. Or at least he tries. With a decade and a half’s experience buying, selling, driving and brokering classic and exotic cars, he’s experienced the world’s most iconic cars. And hated most of them.

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Episodes (192)

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Is The Ferrari Luce The Most Misunderstood Ferrari Ever? — Carmudgeon w/ Cammisa & DTS — Ep 239

Last week was a wild one. We witnessed two of the most controversial models from Ferrari and Mercedes ever to be debuted - none other than the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door and the Ferrari Luce. In case you’re not familiar: - The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door is Mercedes’ replacement to the outgoing version, which has now gone full EV and straight to battle with the Porsche Taycan. It debuts many new design elements in a slippery 0.22 drag coefficient package, doing 0-60 in as low as 2.0 seconds with an 186 MPH top speed. - The Ferrari Luce is Ferrari’s first all-electric vehicle and first true five-seater. It also launches a new and unfamiliar interior and exterior design language from ex-Apple design chief Jony Ive and his collective, LoveFrom. Given that everyone has an opinion on these new EV modes of rapid transport (including your favorite and least favorite journalists, the Italian government, your grandmother, and the pope, to name a few) - we decided to ask, why? What attributes about the Luce and the AMG-GT really make people feel shaken at their core, and why? Would we feel differently if the Ferrari was rebadged as another make? Is the AMG-GT as controversial as the W201 was when it launched in 1982? We explore all of the above in depth, all on this episode of The Carmudgeon Show with Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 02, 2026 91 min 207 annotations

Do Young People Like Cars Anymore? — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 238

As a society, we’ve been throwing around the phrase “The kids are alright” for decades. But in the automotive landscape, is that really true? On today’s episode, Derek and Jason dissect the theory that young people are getting less interested in cars and whether or not it has any validity in 2026. Before getting into the thick of it, Jason and Derek discuss the latest Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo GTS joining them in the studio. Carmudgeonation occurs, naturally. Between unintuitive infotainment and UX, lackluster interior volume, and - naturally being a current Porsche - an eye-watering sticker price of over $180K, the newest Taycan certainly leaves some ground to be desired. But not all is lost, as the updated adaptive air suspension, good looks, and the endlessly mind-bending acceleration certainly make up for lost appeal. And of course, the existence of any wagon still on sale in 2026 - let alone, a Porsche wagon, is a win regardless of its flaws. The bulk of this episode discusses youth interest in cars and how trends have changed in recent years. Most notably, the cultural shift in interest to Porsche products like the 992 GT3 RS over Lamborghini and Ferrari - why do kids fawn over cars that are inherently more commonplace and accessible? Does industry accessibility to press cars affect young tastes? Will broccoli haircuts live on forever? Some of this, and more - on today’s episode of The Carmudgeon Show with Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott, driven by Hagerty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 18, 2026 58 min 130 annotations

What Makes A Restomod Count? — Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 237

The term “Restomod” gets thrown around a lot these days. In an era where more people are modifying and modernizing old cars more than ever before, it’s probably time we draw some boundaries to truly understand what OEM+, OEM++, and Restomod REALLY mean in the current modified car landscape. === Visit https://JasonSentMe.com for a quote on Hagerty's Guaranteed Value® Insurance! === The subject of today’s studio background is a 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230SL - yes, a Pagoda - with a host of Mercedes family modifications including but not limited to: 5.4L M113 V8 engine from a W220 S55 AMG 6 speed manual transmission from an SLK230 Brakes from a C126 560SEC Rear multilink suspension from a W209 CLK And many more odds and ends that make it all play nicely together. Effectively transformed from a grandma cruiser to a backroad hell-raiser, Jason and Derek begin to wonder - is this just an engine/transmission swap, or has enough been done to constitute restomod status? This car comes from none other than Matt Kwiek from Kwiek Classics, who has become known for manual-swapping CLK63 AMG Black Series as well as a host of other Frankenstein’d Mercedes-Benzes. This one certainly got Jason, Derek, and company howling with laughter, but is emotion enough to constitute a restomod? Naturally other restomod vehicles are brought into discussion - like the Cyan Racing P1800, Totem Automobile GT Super, Automobile Amos Delta Futurista, Tuthil 911K, and the Kimera 037. While these cars occupy a different market share and purpose, the Mercedes can probably keep up with the best of them on the right backroad. But does a more honest appearance and single-marque parts origin constitute OEM+? Jason’s MK3 Cabrio VR6 swap seems to fall into that category - but it still resembles a car that could have been built by Volkswagen in period. This Pagoda, however……would drift circles around its swing-armed original - and not flip over!! Maybe it’s in a class of its own. Jason also discusses a recent trip to LA for the Air Water Show weekend, where he attends Good Vibes Breakfast Club with Andreas Preuninger, Director of Porsche’s GT Line. While he didn’t drive the GT3 S/C as expected, he did drive a Supercharged, LS-swapped 1978 Pontiac Trans Am making 700+ WHP. The car was so dialed in, we continue to wonder - does it qualify as a restomod? Or is it just a swap with all the right trimmings?  You’ll have to listen to find out - all this and more on this episode of The Carmudgeon Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 11, 2026 52 min 166 annotations

Is The Longbow Speedster The Future Of British Roadsters? — Carmudgeon w/ Cammisa & DTS — Ep 236

Live in-studio this week we have the Longbow Speedster and co-founders of Longbow Motors Daniel Davey and Mark Tapscott. They join us all the way from the UK to show off and discuss their entry into the rather quiet EV sports car space. You might be wondering - what’s a Longbow Speedster? What does it have to do with a medieval weapon used in the dark ages? And what happened to the windshield? As it turns out, all three of those questions can be answered with a single word: simplicity. While the Speedster is fully electric with a claimed range of 275 miles and a 0-62 time of 3.5 seconds, it’s also one of the only EVs in existence under one ton that isn’t a golf cart. More importantly, it wants to bring a more traditional approach to EV motoring - a handful of tactile buttons and no screens - just driver and machine. Daniel and Mark chat with Jason and Derek about their origin stories as enthusiasts, discussing some festive cars owned like the Seat Marbella Jeans Edition, Toyota Celica ST185, and Mazda MX-6. Having a plethora of experience working at Tesla when the Roadster was in development, the bowmen of the long table also discuss how they plan to make a splash in the industry and why lightness will soon become synonymous with EVs in ways we never quite anticipated. All this and more on this episode of The Carmudgeon Show with Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 04, 2026 94 min 311 annotations

Can The 911 GT3 S/C Be A Real GT3? — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 234

Today’s episode will not be a surprise to anyone who follows the automotive news cycle - because of course we’re talking about the 911 GT3 S/C! In true Carmudgeon-form, Jason and Derek pull apart the blasphemous, recently announced Porsche GT car and discuss whether it’s worth the hate, or better to hate on the haters. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Before this - Jason gives an update on his recent battles with finishing his 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio VR6 swap (Mk3), rooted largely from OBD-II getting in the way of the car passing California smog testing. But really - what is OBD-II, why does it matter, and why can it make engine swaps a total nightmare? Derek and Jason discuss (and moan upon) the variables, including how to do drive cycles, set monitors, and stay sane in the process. To add fuel to the fire, Jason discusses the Cabrio’s latest clutch slave mishap that almost left him stranded before a rally with friends. And putting a nail in the tire of Derek’s 964 Porsche 911. On the subject of 911s - and cabriolets - Derek then explores the origins of disdain on the new GT3 S/C. Interestingly - Porsche is not the first brand to go about taking the roof off a track-focused road car variant - citing the rather cherished existence of the Ferrari F430 Scuderia Spyder 16M, the 599 Speciale Aperta, and the 458 Speciale Aperta. Not to mention - if Porsche is making a convertible GT3, could they also bring back a Speedster too? Time and speculation will tell - but not without Carmudgeonation... Tune in for more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 20, 2026 61 min 193 annotations

Donald Osborne, Live Special Guest! — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 233

On this episode - a Rhode Island man in a bowtie is found in the studio - who flew more than 3000 miles just to talk about strange Italian cars and the people that drive them. If by that description you were thinking of anyone BUT Donald Osborne - we’d be shocked. But today, he’s here with us! In case you’re not familiar - Donald Osborne is a renowned classic car historian, author, media personality, and professional appraiser. He’s also the Consulting Director for the Audrain Group, having been heavily involved with the Audrain Automobile Museum over the last seven years. You’ve also may have seen him as a regular contributor and co-host on Jay Leno’s Garage. Most recently, he’s become the North American Representative for FIVA - short for Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens - a worldwide organization seeking to protect the historic and cultural interest of vehicles around the world 30 years old or older. Conveniently - nearly all of Jason and Derek’s cars are this old - Jason’s second newest car being his VR6-powered 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio. Donald, Derek, and Jason discuss what it means to be an enthusiast of historic vehicles in 2026 - and how the US celebrates classics a little differently than the rest of the world. But perhaps that could change. They also discuss Donald’s current fleet - both in the US and Italy - including but not limited to his Mercedes-Benz SLK230 5 Speed, Alfa Romeo SZ, Lancia Appia, Fiat Panda, Moretta Cinquecento Sport, Lancia Epsilon, and many more that have come and gone… All this and more on this episode of The Carmudgeon Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 13, 2026 113 min 33 annotations

Are Clutchless Manual Gearboxes Better Than You Think? — Carmudgeon w/ Cammisa & DTS — Ep 232

It’s a transmission episode! Inspired by Jason’s recent roadside spotting of a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia with the rare Automatic Stickshift, the Carmudgeons go for a trip into the origins of abandoning the clutch pedal in manual and automatic transmissions. How has human driving behavior changed or stayed the same throughout history regarding the operation of any transmission? === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Jason and Derek begin by discussing the recent repairs on Jason’s (and once Derek’s) Ferrari 308 GT4 - perhaps the only car discussed on today’s episode with a traditional manual transmission. The 308 GT4 just returned from a trip to Aaron Shepherd - one of the most respected auto body specialists in the San Francisco Bay Area - where it received some wonderfully executed rust repair and paintwork. The majority of this episode discusses semi-automatic transmissions throughout history, which begs the question - are any of them any good? Wilson and Cotal Preselector transmissions of the 1930s paved the way for clutchless driving and synchromesh - eventually evolving into applications like Citroen’s Citromatic found in the DS21 and Volkswagen’s Auto Stickshift found in the Beetle and Karmann Ghia. Even after torque converter automatics, clutchless manuals still found their way into road cars - like Mercedes-Benz’s Hydrak Transmission and Ferrari’s Valeo Transmission used in late Mondials. Moving into the 2000s, Jason and Derek remark on how troubled many semi-automatic manuals were at the time - including Ferrari’s F1 gearbox, Maserati DuoSelect, BMW SMG, Toyota SMT, and others which didn’t mind letting a user light a clutch on fire. Luckily - this era was reasonably short-lived, replaced by ZF torque converter automatics and dual clutch transmissions like VW’s DSG and NOT Ford’s horrid SelectShift found in the 2010s Ford Focus, Fiesta, and Escape. All this and much much more on this episode of The Carmudgeon Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 06, 2026 61 min 33 annotations

Could Wagons Finally Make a Comeback? — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep. 222

The last few years have been a rollercoaster for wagon fans in the US and around the world - we’ve gained some and lost many more. But could the tides be changing? Tailgates opening to new beginnings? We dive into the origins of the station wagon to find out... === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Both fans of the station wagon, Jason and Derek discuss their personal origin stories with wagons. Jason’s begins with a 1975 Chevrolet Impala Wagon that he grew up in the back of - which spurs a conversation around 1970s and 80s American station wagons from the GM clamshell tailgate, the Buick Estate Wagon and Roadmaster, to the rare Cadillac Castilian. Derek discusses growing up in the ‘90s (1890s, of course) - while his family cars were convertibles and sedans, the school run was enveloped in Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable wagons, Volvo 240 and 740, Mercedes 300TE and E320, E34 BMW 5 series, and Audi 5000 and 200 Avants. Exploring how many consider wagons to be uncool or frumpy, he explores the advent of new at the time SUV offerings starting in the same time period, like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. Jason and Derek then explore what has become of the wagon market and why- noting the recent departure of the Volvo V90 and V60. Many wagons have inflated greatly in cost, ending up under or over-contented due to lower demand and cost of federalization - a trend explored via the Acura TSX Wagon and Jaguar XF Sportbrake. The classification of wagons has also changed over the years, now grouping CUVs like the new Subaru Outback and Buick Envista that have no business being classified as a wagon. Favorite niche wagons are also discussed, like the Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion 6 Speed, the euro-only Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG, and modified variants of BMW wagons like the E46 Touring with ZHP drivetrain. All this and more, on this week’s episode of The Carmudgeon Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 20, 2026 53 min 71 annotations

First Drive of Jason’s VR6-Swapped MK3 Cabrio — Carmudgeon w/ Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep. 221

The day has come… Jason’s VR6 swap on his Mk3 Volkswagen Cabrio is finally on the road! ….well, sort of. With some frustrating snafus along the way, there’s still plenty of work left to be done. But not enough to prevent a first shakedown (and burnout, of course) from happening with the existing stock 12-valve VR6 before it gets replaced by a built motor from Techtonics Tuning. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Derek and Jason begin today’s episode with a recap of the swap progress so far - in a matter of weeks, Jason’s 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio went from being gutless, to gutted, to glorious - receiving not just an engine swap, but also a full subframe and suspension swap from a VR6 Jetta as well. To top it off, Jason mounted period correct BBS RX multi-piece wheels that really tie everything in together. If Volkswagen had made a true Mk3 GTI Cabriolet, this is about as close as you could get! After discussing hours and dollars spent on the project, Derek circles back on other cars that sound better or worse than a VR6. The Ferrari 512BB comes to mind, even being a Bosch CIS-equipped car. Amongst other CIS cars, Jason also discusses the rich induction sounds of his other cars - including his Mercedes-Benz 2.3-16 Cosworth and Mk1 Volkswagen Cabriolet. And of course, it’s not a Carmudgeon Show without critically blasting other lesser-sounding cars - in this case, the S14 in the E30 BMW M3 and all Nissan VQ engines. Was all the fuss worth it? You’ll have to watch (or listen) and find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 12, 2026 48 min 41 annotations

Carrera RSR IROC: The Sensory-Overload Porsche 911 — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Cammisa & DTS — Ep. 220

2026 has begun - and we’ve already had a healthy mix of highs and lows. But Carmudgeonation carries on, this week bringing along some pretty heavy metal that ISN’T an IROC-Z Camaro - rather, the 1974 Porsche Carrera RSR IROC. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Jason is nearing the finish line on his MK3 VW Cabrio VR6 swap - with much of the car torn apart and roughly put back together again, he discovers a fatal engine flaw that will put him back quite some time. While the VR6 runs, a bastardized time-sert has cracked the head - pushing Jason to make the decision to go big and begin the process of a full Techtonics VR6 engine build. But not all in the land of 6 cylinders is lost. Derek and Jason kick off the new year by driving an iconic race car that happens to be road-legal - the 1974 Porsche Carrera RSR IROC. A car they both agree, is perhaps the most extreme 911 either of them has ever driven. The story goes - in October of 1973, Roger Penske took delivery 15 of special 1974 cars in Riverside California, which had been built to his order. He acquired the cars to participate in the first ever International Race of Champions (IROC), which was actually a series of four races, three at Riverside in late October and the final race at Daytona in February of 1974. The cars would be driven by a dozen of the best racing drivers in the world, hailing from different racing disciplines including Indy, Can-Am, NASCAR, and Formula 1. In the hands of George Follmer and Mark Donahue at Riverside International Raceway, this particular car won twice - more than any other of the 15 cars it competed against. All this and more, on this week’s episode of The Carmudgeon Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 05, 2026 78 min 43 annotations

The Best and Worst Cars This Year — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep. 219

2025 has come to a close - and it’s another year-end episode reflecting on the best and worst cars Jason and Derek have encountered this year. Maximum Carmudgeonation is achieved today, so hold onto your hats - and we guarantee, you’ve never listened to another podcast where the Vinfast VF8 and McLaren F1 are both mentioned. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Before getting into the thick of it, Jason updates us on his MK3 Volkswagen Cabrio VR6 swap - with the 2.slow and the rest of the front + rear subframes out, we learn one other MK3 (Jetta GLX) has been sacrificed in the name of top-down VR6 burnouts. A myth is busted - Harbor Freight plastic carts don’t appear to be makeshift engine stands after all. But they do explode catastrophically! Derek also goes over some highlights of another year dealing cars at OTS - with sales and consignments including the likes of the Ferrari F50, Porsche Carrera GT, and an array of modern Ferrari Challenge cars (360 Challenge Stradale, F430 Scuderia, and 458 Speciale to name a few). He also reflects on a changing market - moving away from 60s Ferraris like 250 Lusso and 330 GTC. Jason begins with his first wave highlights - including but not limited to: Lancia Stratos, Lancia Thema 8.32, Cizeta-Moroder V16T, Saab 9000 Aero, Alfa Romeo 164 Quadrifoglio, E34 BMW M5 with an S70B56 swap, the Kwiek Classics Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series 6-Speed, Ford Sierra Cosworth, Merkur XR4Ti, Jeep Cherokee, and of course Derek’s recently acquired Mk1 Jaguar. Derek follows with the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale, RUF Tribute, Kimera EVO37, the Toyota 2000GT, and more recently the Porsche 911 IROC RSR (to be further explored on a future episode…) Jason remarks on many of the the other great cars he’s driven for various Revelations, Ultimate Drag Race, and Ultimate Lap Battle episodes, including the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C8 and C4), Porsche 992 GT3 RS, Ford Mustang GTD, Ford GT (both generations), W204 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (including the Anderzen manual swap), Alpine A110, Audi RS6 Avant, and the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid (the BMW M5 Touring was unfortunately not so good). But not to worry- plenty of Carmudgeonation goes down - with roasts of the automatic Porsche 996 Turbo, BMW i3 and i8, the ND2 Mazda Miata, and even Jason’s own MK3 Cabrio (while it still had its 2.slow). All this and more, on this week’s end-of-2025 finale of The Carmudgeon Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 29, 2025 75 min 78 annotations

Peugeot 205 Rallye - A Better MK1 Volkswagen GTI? — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 218

Derek brings in a rare French treat to the studio this week - a Peugeot 205 Rallye. Take a 205 GTI, replace the fuel injection with Weber DCOE 45 carburetors, remove weight, and you’ve got the key components to the Rallye.Jason, naturally, attempts to make the episode about MK1 Volkswagens - in particular, the Rabbit and the Golf GTI. He’s always claimed his 16V-swapped MK1 Cabriolet is the most fun car he’s ever driven - but can the 205 Rallye dethrone the gold standard?===Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! ===...well, yes. Sort of. But first, we have to understand where Peugeot was coming from when they conceived the 205. Derek and Jason discuss the stately and reserved aura of the Peugeot brand before the launch of the 205 in 1983, referencing cars like the 204, 304, 404, 504, and 604. Although the 205 was a modern departure from its stodgy (and abundantly French) past, the base car remained quite frumpy - until the GTI came around, boasting fender flares, rev-happy 1.6 + 1.9L engines, sport-tuned suspension, and a host of other upgrades that made it one of the most iconic hot hatchbacks of the 80s.Jason recalls the time he drove a 205 GTI 1.9 and MK1 Volkswagen Rabbit back-to-back, both owned by Rich Griot of Griot’s Garage. Having been thoroughly impressed by the 205 GTI, he dives into his latest drive with the Rallye - in comparison to said GTI, a much more charismatic car wanting to vibrate its nuts and bolts apart all the way up to 7,000 RPM.This naturally triggers the inevitable - what criteria makes a hot hatchback great? Is practicality most important, or can great driving dynamics overshadow the initial intent? Jason and Derek reference other small and fun successes like the Hyundai Veloster N, ND3 Mazda Miata, and Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 - and how none of them are quite as special as the 205 Rallye.All this and more, on this week’s holiday special of The Carmudgeon Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 22, 2025 54 min 41 annotations

Can One Metric Define a Driving Experience? — Carmudgeon w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 217

This week’s episode topic comes from a listener-submitted AMA request - one worthy of its own episode. They ask - what single metric about a car’s driving experience tells you the most before you drive it? === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote!  === At first, you may think there’s one straightforward answer. But you’d be wrong. Discussion begins with Jason’s MK1 Volkswagen Cabriolet - a car he claims is the most fun he’s ever driven. Derek roughly agrees - but counters with the Peugeot 205 Rallye, and much more substantially - the McLaren F1. But how can a nearly 40 year old subcompact convertible be as rewarding to drive as a hypercar? Mass seems like the obvious answer - but a 4000 lb car from today can often out-dance a 2000 lb car from 35 years ago. Take a Lotus Elise (perhaps, with a small cow in it) and a Rivian R1T - both will dance around a race track in a much more similarly than differently vs. any car and truck combination from even 10 years ago. Having covered that base, Jason and Derek explore other possibilities - including peak horsepower per RPM and engine configuration. Derek recalls a time when Alfa Romeo stuffed their Twin Cam four cylinder in everything from GTVs to large Ambulances - simply because it was a such a good engine despite whatever weight it was tasked to pull around. Jason decides to ask AI what it thinks, answering (oddly) with the Toyota Matrix, Honda Fit, and Nissan Versa. On theme with the MK1 Cabriolet, the boys discuss structural rigidity - which leads to another exploration of convertibles ranging from 996 Porsche 911 Cabriolet, to BMW Z3M, Mercedes-Benz SLK, and of course- the Nissan Murano Cross-Cabriolet. There’s an answer for everyone out there - and more on this episode of The Carmudgeon Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 15, 2025 55 min 59 annotations

We Drove A VinFast VF8 So You Don’t Have To — Carmudgeon w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 216

That’s right - on this episode of The Carmudgeon Show, Jason and Derek risk their lives to deliver crucial mass-market automotive journalism by getting behind the wheel of the VinFast VF8 - one of the most criticized vehicles ever to be sold in the US. But c’mon, really - is it as bad as everyone says it is? Well. Uh…yeah. It’s even worse than you thought. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Before jumping down the throat of the VF8, Jason and Derek discuss the recent developments of ADAS systems and vehicle acceleration regulations being considered within the Chinese market: “The cars are too damn fast!” - CCP, probably. Surprisingly, Jason and Derek both agree - and discuss the potential benefits of having acceleration-limited vehicles, referencing the terror of Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat drivers, F80 and G80 BMW M3, and of course the Nissan Altima. As a counterpoint to the VF8, Jason discusses his recent experience driving the newly refreshed Tesla Model Y Plaid, and how he still thinks they are some of the best appliances on the road. Jason was able to test the most recent version of Tesla Full Self Driving (FSD), and how it’s made great improvements in recent years - even without LiDAR. A great appliance, the VinFast VF8 is not. Jason and Derek share their findings in their individual driving experiences - in agreement on nearly all of the shortcomings of which there are many. At just 10,000 miles, the VF8 has experienced broken suspension components, dangerous throttle calibration, and other poorly-executed features that make us wonder how it was ever allowed to be sold to the public in the first place. There are also dumpsters involved. More on that in this riveting episode of The Carmudgeon Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 08, 2025 70 min 38 annotations

Has The Porsche 911 Turbo Been a Worthy Flagship? — Carmudgeon w/ Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 215

The 911 Turbo is 50 years old this year! We’ve come a long way since the days of having just four manual gears to row and enough turbo lag to sustain the birth, life, and death of a civilization. From the beginning of the 930 until now, the Turbo has always been the flagship of the 911 range - but has it been worthy of being at the top? === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === During this episode, Jason discusses his involvement with the latest 50 Years Of Turbo video, discussing some special cars he was able to drive like an early Euro 930 all the way up to the 50th Anniversary 992 Turbo S. Jason and Derek break down the Turbo lineage and where it comes from - first materializing on the Carrera nameplate on the 356, working its way into the nomenclature of the 911 range including the 1973 Carrera RS and Carrera 3.0, and eventually into the 1975 Turbo Carrera. After covering the various versions of 930 (including how the terms “930” and “Carrera” often have different meanings than most people realize) , they eventually work their way up the timeline to discuss the 964, 993, 996, 997, and 991 Turbo models. Jason and Derek discuss their favorite and least favorite models within the range - and their answers may surprise you. One thing is for sure - the character of the Turbo lends itself much more to a drive who simply wants capability and not pure necessarily driving enjoyment. Which begs the question - is it the “best” 911? Or has the popularity of recent GT3 and GT2 models changed the narrative? Find out more on this episode of The Carmudgeon Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 03, 2025 73 min 58 annotations
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