Apples and Apple Flavored Oranges

Car Commercials. When I think of how many car commercials I come across and how much money is poured into these things, it nearly makes me cringe.  But, we live in America and the car is the epitome of who you are, so we need to make sure  you are expressing yourself correctly, No?  I've started paying close attention to the themes of car commercials and what emotions they are playing/preying on. Recently, 2 commercials have caught my eye.  It's the "compare our car to a car in a COMPLETELY different category" commercial.  By comparing a basic car to a high-end car, our basic car will feel more high-end.  I personally have NOTHING against any of these cars, but it just seems interesting to be advertising in this way. #1:  The Hyundai Tuscon is more agile than the Land Rover LR3.  So you are telling me that this luxury vehicle the size of a small African nation can't out maneuver a low-profile SUV, which is only slightly larger than most cross-overs?  Unfathomable!! I can't possibly imagine someone sitting there thinking.  Well, I have the money and was going to buy the status symbol and luxury of a Land Rover which could set me apart from the majority of SUV owners everywhere... but ya know?  That Tuscon sure does handle those cones well.  This commercial is preying upon those who may not be able to afford Land Rover in the first place, and makes them feel better about it.  Everyone is tired of listening to comparisons between the Tucson and a Suzuki, Honda, Ford, Chevy or anyone else in their class.  You know what honor they give the LR 3 at the end of the commercial?  They snidely remark it has more cup-holders.   I dare you to ask ANY car salesman which question they get more often.  "How agile is this car?" or "How many cup-holders does it have?"  One of the biggest car complaints revolves around cup-holders.  It SHOULD be a big deal to car manufacturers because it's a big deal to consumers.  Remember... this IS indeed America and we need somewhere to put our grande, no-fat, double, yadda yadda... you get it. #2:  The Ford Edge is faster than the BMW X5.  Awesome.  Once again, a lightweight cross-over SUV which pales in comparison on so many levels to a LUXURY SUV...  where is the comparison?  Show me someone who is debating an X5 or a Edge and just can't make up their mind.  I will gladly give respect to the Ford Edge, but this factor is a non-issue in comparisons.  I assume there are a lot of cars faster than an X5, but that isn't why anyone buys (or doesn't buy) this car. These commercials are comparing apples and oranges to make the apples look MORE Orange.  Genius, but sad. Here's a few more to consider: The Timex watch is better than a IWC because it keeps better time due to a battery.  Forget the fact that this watch doesn't need you to change the date for the next 500 years. Felipe Lopez is a better shortstop than Derek Jeter because he is more cost-efficient. Felipe still stops a LOT of the balls hit at him and look at all the money we're saving! Kraft American Singles is a better cheese than Tillamook cheddar because you don't have to slice anything.