Spider, I agree in theory, but a GN is single wall metal, that has NO sound deadener, no trunk liners, nothing extra. To say a GN is a brick isnt looking at the big picture. At a 3,500 lbs rated weight, its 205 lbs more than my Jetta... my 4 cyl jetta. That is also nearly 1200 lbs LIGHTER than a lightning truck is rated to be (4670 lbs), and 300-400 lighter than a 8 cyl late model F Body (depening on equip).
After seeing Year Ones cars at Road Atlanta, you can appreciate what technology in suspension can do for even an old "straight line" car.
So yes, they are heavier than a civic, they are certainly stronger in a straight line, but do in OEM trim technically out handle a coupe EX, and what OEM civic ever turned 13.8s...especially in middle of the 1980s in an all factory trim level and only 245 hp like the 87 GNs?! BTW, An LS1 SS camaro will teach a Si a lesson in OEM trim in the mountains, (the curves as well as straights) and it is heavier as well.
The term Brick is maybe OK for a 40s merc, think lead sled... Or my old Widebodied Si! :P
