By FRANK A. AUKOFER, Scripps Howard News Service

Specifications for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro RS two-door sports coupe.
Engine: 3.6-liter V6, 304 horsepower.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode.
Overall length: 15 feet 10 inches.
EPA passenger/trunk volume: 93/11 cubic feet.
Weight: 3,719 pounds.
EPA city/highway fuel consumption: 18/29 miles per gallon.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro arrives as a bright star in a firmament of mostly flickering siblings, a hopeful beacon for other General Motors vehicles to follow.

Specifications for the 2010 Kia Soul Exclaim four-door sport wagon.
Engine: 2-liter four-cylinder, 142 horsepower.
Transmission: Four-speed automatic.
Overall length: 13 feet 6 inches.
EPA passenger/cargo volume: 102/19 cubic feet.
Weight: 2,820 pounds.
EPA city/highway fuel consumption: 24/30 miles per gallon.

One look at the 2010 Kia Soul and you begin to understand how the automobile times are changing.

If you don't mind turning back the clock to where many of us were a generation ago, the 2009 Nissan Versa 1.6 could be the car for you.
We can remember when a lot of cars had stick shifts, hand-crank windows, manual door locks, heaters but no air conditioning, plain cloth upholstery, sometimes not even a radio, and outside mirrors that you had reach out to adjust.

Specifications for the 2009 Nissan Versa 1.6 four-door sedan.
Engine: 1.6-liter four-cylinder, 107 horsepower.
Transmission: Five-speed manual.
Overall length: 14 feet 8 inches.
EPA passenger/trunk volume: 94/14 cubic feet.
Weight: 2,534 pounds.
EPA city/highway fuel consumption: 26/34 miles per gallon.

Specifications for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI four-door sedan.
Engine: 2-liter four-cylinder diesel, turbocharged with direct fuel injection, 140 horsepower.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode.
Overall length: 14 feet 11 inches.
EPA passenger/trunk volume: 91/16 cubic feet.
Weight: 3,285 pounds.

Americans have mostly treated Rudolf Diesel like an unwanted relative. Many still think he's unkempt, smelly and noisy, so they don't want to spend any time with him.

Specifications for the 2009 BMW 750i four-door sedan.
Engine: 4.4-liter V8, turbocharged, 400 horsepower.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode.
Overall length: 16 feet 8 inches.
EPA passenger/trunk volume: 106/14 cubic feet.
Weight: 4,564 pounds.
EPA city/highway fuel consumption: 15/22 miles per gallon.

In luxury cars and competitive sports, the smallest thing can provide an advantage. It's especially true in a miniature universe of exceptional players.
The length of a cleat on a running back's shoe can spell the difference between victory and defeat. A slightly heavier or lighter club can improve a golfer's opportunity for a lower score.