MOST(not always) of the time you want a shallow depth of field on a car shot. IE shoot 'wide open'. Something like f/2.8-f/4 is usually a good starting point. When the car is super sharp and the background is blurred out(bokeh) it automatically pulls you into the focal point(the car).

The first shot needs LESS depth of field because the buildings look very sharp. I bet that was shot ~f/8 and it takes away from the photo.

If I had to take a stab in the dark(no exif data) I bet shot 2 was shot with the 50mm f/1.8(very sharp lens for the money) and was shot close to or wife open. Maybe f/1.8. Thus with that SHALLOW depth of the field the front grill and lip area are very sharp but the back of the car is not.