Reply #44: That really depends on what you're looking for.

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There are plenty of good TVs in the $500 range. Heck, even some larger ones if you know where to look (slickdeals.net and fatwallet.com are really good places to start). I've got a 720P projector that I got a few years ago and after I calibrated it, I'll put my picture quality up against about every LCD and plasma out there today, even 1080P sets. And I know just about how good any set is capable of looking. My reference display device is a professional quality SGI CRT that is capable of outputting 2560x1600.

As for your Hyundai vs. BMW analogy, I'm not sure that's apt either. There currently is no 320 BMW in the U.S., there used to be a 4 cylinder 320i that they made in the early 80s, but it hasn't been sold in the U.S. in quite a while. I'm pretty sure it's no longer sold in Europe now either. So yes, I'd rather have a new Sonata than an '83 320, but that's hardly a fair comparison. Now, if you were to compare a new Sonata against a new 325i or 328i, then the BMW has a rather large advantage in my book (comparing I6 model BMWs to the V6 Hyundai). I'd say that interior quality is similar, but the BMW still has the edge with its more modern and intuitive layout. And Consumer Reports have reported both cars to be fairly reliable (though BMWs, being German, tend to be more expensive to repair). However, the areas where the BMW truly excels are the engine and handling. The 325i makes slightly less power than Hyundai's 3.8L V6, but BMW's I6 is incredibly smooth and has torque everywhere and is less midrange intensive than the Hyundai's big 6. Any model above the 325i (328i, 330i, 335i) makes a good deal more power than the Hyundai 6. Also, BMWs are rear wheel drive (with the exception of the X models which are all wheel drive), and the Hyundai is FWD. Front wheel drive will never match rear in terms of handling capability. Start going into the twisties and the Hyundai just won't be able to keep up. Hyundai just released its first RWD platform in the form of the Genesis Coupe and Sedan. Putting a Genesis Coupe up against a 3 series would be a bit more of a fair fight. The BMW would still come out on top, but the Genesis undercuts the price of the BMW quite a bit. Get a Genesis Coupe with the 4 cylinder turbo and put the price difference into some go fast/stop fast parts and you could have yourself a BMW beater while saving yourself a few grand.