@yazkaz The main difference between these two is higher roofline and bit different tail lights. apart from that both cars are the same (the same engines, options etc.)
@lukasz12us But JDM models had better equipment packages and options which the export models didn't have. For example, available automatic climate control with colored FL display. The export versions (esp. Europe spec) only came with basic climate control with dials only.
Export models also had no 4WD (VCU center diff type) option, and 4WS wasn't available in all US-bound Diamante models.
Those living in RHD-compatible countries could easily benefit from JDM models.
@lukasz12us In my vicinity, customers have picky tastes and would parrallel-import whatever is superior than genuine imports.
While both JDM Sigma/Diamante shared similar features, the Sigma was never a success even in Japan. The 30R-SE (4WD) trim was once available on the Sigma too, but was later dropped during its final years (around 1994).
@lukasz12us I have not spotted a parrallel-imported JDM Sigma in my vicinity, mostly because the model was officially available. While many resorted to that export version, some customers always wanted something more special. The Diamante, a hardtop sedan (non-pillared doors), did distinguish from the ordinary crowd (ie. normal sedans with pillared doors), not to mention its extraordinary drivetrain.
@yazkaz Hi there. I see there are some Sigma maniacs around the world too, so I'm glad I'm not alone ;). I happen to own JDM Diamante Brochure and I was amazed to see all the features they provided. Makes euro-spec Sigma looking poor :).I'm also aware that Diamante was far more succesful. I'm not sure if this data is correct, but it appears that there were around 140K Diamantes vs around 8K Sigmas. Wish I could get my hands on one of top of the line 4WD 30-R-SE with all the extra features.
@lukasz12us From Asia (not SE). You figure that out.
AFAIK MMC was first to introduce that fancy colored FL graphics display in its auto climate control. The GTO had that first, then the Diamante/Sigma. The FL panel lasted for a few years before being replaced by the monochrome, EL backlighted LCD.
These days you don't find these displays anymore. Most auto climate controls (even multi-zoned) have only knobs, buttons, and (optionally) tiny displays that show the temperature.
@yazkaz Yeah. The reason for absence of them is cost-cutting so common today. But IMHO although FL display looks fancy it wasn't the most clear to read nor easy to operate. I had my Sigma converted back to this older design with knobs as I find them more convenient to use. I think that FL climate control would have worked best if it had steering wheel control as most JDM versions did. Anyway I've only found similar solution on one car - 1996 Oldsmobile Auora.
@lukasz12us The FL display reminded me of the VCRs in the 90s which utilized similar display technologies. IMO it suffers in longterm reliability because the backlighting would eventually fade out badly, resulting in VERY POOR visibility under dim surroundings, and even WORSE under bright conditions. Backlighted LED displays (usu. with bright icons/alphanumeric characters) are much better, but I don't see MMC having incorporated it into later vehicles' A/Cs, but rather the cheaper, mono LCDs.
@lukasz12us But honestly speaking, the graphic display (while displaying the ventilation position/status clearly) is more of a luxury rather than practicality, and does increase manufacturing/maintenance costs. These days even auto climate controls can come with just a few dials (like the current MMC models). Practical but less aesthetic design so to speak, but with dials, you get other issues, mainly mechanical failure of the dials, should that happen.
@lukasz12us The Aurora, Intrigue etc. were GM's luxury models, of course they came with fancy A/Cs with displays. This tradition continues with modern (and current) Cadillac models.
Toyota is another one that retains good auto A/C front panel designs with graphics displays. Just look at the current Camry and Lexus models for example.
@lukasz12us But gadgets aside, IMO it's sad that MMC doesn't have any midsize sedan in the market anymore, only the small Lancer (forget the new Galant/380). And MMC hasn't really devised a true FR platform for its passenger vehicle lineup (except the Pajero and earlier Delica/L200 van) all over these years. Even its flagship GTO coupe was based on FF (transverse engine) platform.
hot track right hurr
veuvecliquot 2 weeks ago
What song is playing?
IndependenceHD 5 months ago
@IndependenceHD Everyone was looking for the music but to no avail!!
You can hear the full song from the longer CF at v=4BXDNYN7tRc
yazkaz 4 months ago
OK vehicle, but was grossly overshadowed by the parrallel imports of the JDM Diamante 30R-SE (4WD) into the market...
I would've done the same and opted for the Diamante back then -- a much better vehicle in the flagship trim level MMC could ever offer.
yazkaz 1 year ago
Comment removed
lukasz12us 1 year ago
@yazkaz The main difference between these two is higher roofline and bit different tail lights. apart from that both cars are the same (the same engines, options etc.)
lukasz12us 1 year ago
@lukasz12us But JDM models had better equipment packages and options which the export models didn't have. For example, available automatic climate control with colored FL display. The export versions (esp. Europe spec) only came with basic climate control with dials only.
Export models also had no 4WD (VCU center diff type) option, and 4WS wasn't available in all US-bound Diamante models.
Those living in RHD-compatible countries could easily benefit from JDM models.
yazkaz 1 year ago
@lukasz12us In my vicinity, customers have picky tastes and would parrallel-import whatever is superior than genuine imports.
While both JDM Sigma/Diamante shared similar features, the Sigma was never a success even in Japan. The 30R-SE (4WD) trim was once available on the Sigma too, but was later dropped during its final years (around 1994).
yazkaz 1 year ago
@lukasz12us I have not spotted a parrallel-imported JDM Sigma in my vicinity, mostly because the model was officially available. While many resorted to that export version, some customers always wanted something more special. The Diamante, a hardtop sedan (non-pillared doors), did distinguish from the ordinary crowd (ie. normal sedans with pillared doors), not to mention its extraordinary drivetrain.
yazkaz 1 year ago
@yazkaz Hi there. I see there are some Sigma maniacs around the world too, so I'm glad I'm not alone ;). I happen to own JDM Diamante Brochure and I was amazed to see all the features they provided. Makes euro-spec Sigma looking poor :).I'm also aware that Diamante was far more succesful. I'm not sure if this data is correct, but it appears that there were around 140K Diamantes vs around 8K Sigmas. Wish I could get my hands on one of top of the line 4WD 30-R-SE with all the extra features.
lukasz12us 1 year ago
Anyway, facelifted euro-spec Sigmas had this fancy climate control with display. What place are you from anyway?
lukasz12us 1 year ago
@lukasz12us From Asia (not SE). You figure that out.
AFAIK MMC was first to introduce that fancy colored FL graphics display in its auto climate control. The GTO had that first, then the Diamante/Sigma. The FL panel lasted for a few years before being replaced by the monochrome, EL backlighted LCD.
These days you don't find these displays anymore. Most auto climate controls (even multi-zoned) have only knobs, buttons, and (optionally) tiny displays that show the temperature.
yazkaz 1 year ago
@yazkaz Yeah. The reason for absence of them is cost-cutting so common today. But IMHO although FL display looks fancy it wasn't the most clear to read nor easy to operate. I had my Sigma converted back to this older design with knobs as I find them more convenient to use. I think that FL climate control would have worked best if it had steering wheel control as most JDM versions did. Anyway I've only found similar solution on one car - 1996 Oldsmobile Auora.
lukasz12us 1 year ago
@lukasz12us The FL display reminded me of the VCRs in the 90s which utilized similar display technologies. IMO it suffers in longterm reliability because the backlighting would eventually fade out badly, resulting in VERY POOR visibility under dim surroundings, and even WORSE under bright conditions. Backlighted LED displays (usu. with bright icons/alphanumeric characters) are much better, but I don't see MMC having incorporated it into later vehicles' A/Cs, but rather the cheaper, mono LCDs.
yazkaz 1 year ago
@lukasz12us But honestly speaking, the graphic display (while displaying the ventilation position/status clearly) is more of a luxury rather than practicality, and does increase manufacturing/maintenance costs. These days even auto climate controls can come with just a few dials (like the current MMC models). Practical but less aesthetic design so to speak, but with dials, you get other issues, mainly mechanical failure of the dials, should that happen.
yazkaz 1 year ago
@lukasz12us The Aurora, Intrigue etc. were GM's luxury models, of course they came with fancy A/Cs with displays. This tradition continues with modern (and current) Cadillac models.
Toyota is another one that retains good auto A/C front panel designs with graphics displays. Just look at the current Camry and Lexus models for example.
yazkaz 1 year ago
@lukasz12us But gadgets aside, IMO it's sad that MMC doesn't have any midsize sedan in the market anymore, only the small Lancer (forget the new Galant/380). And MMC hasn't really devised a true FR platform for its passenger vehicle lineup (except the Pajero and earlier Delica/L200 van) all over these years. Even its flagship GTO coupe was based on FF (transverse engine) platform.
yazkaz 1 year ago