I think that this is a great post and an interesting question ! I am really surprise it hasn't gotten a much stronger response !
We have a fellow member looking to travel to the US :wavingflag:for a car show lets give him all the info we can to help him make the descision that is best for him !
Number one US car show rule 85% of everything you hear is BS
Now that said
Well ozrt4406 whitesatinmopar does bring up a great point about Mopar Nats have a drag strip and Carlisle not . I have never been much on racing and would have never thought of that .
For me I live much closer to the Nats about 2 hours verses around 8 hours to Carlisle . I have been to every Mopar Nationals ( even the Indy ones ) since 1986 . it is a very large gathering of cars and parts . in my opinion the nats is not only more expensive to enter but parts are alot higher also . It has a much higher end business feel to the parts area . If it was been raining it can bee a real mud mess but thats few and far between in August . All the retails are located together in a central area . There is a nice large car for sale area .
As for the car show side of it you can be there the whole weekend start to finish and never see all the cars ! Why you ask ? Is there that many ? Who knows because there is zero organization ! Cars are not grouped by make or body style or color or even gas mileage ! So at the end of each day whatever cars leave when they return tomorrow they park where ever they can find along with all the cars that you missed that parked where you had already looked yesterday ! lol and the Chinese fire drill starts over again tomorrow morning . Are you confused ? If so you are experiancing the feeling of the Mopar Nats car show !!
Now for my opinion on Carlisle I believe I have only been maybe 5 times I will be there again this year
Lower gate price ( almost half ) very relaxed easy to get along with atmosphere . ( I know alot of people at both shows so I always have a good time visiting ) the parts area at Carlisle is also very impressive but the isles at least feel wider and everything doesnt feel like it is piled onto every available inch of space there is alot more breathing room . I my experiance the sellers will work with you alot more on pricing than at the Nats and the same part at the Nats seems to cost more already ! You can find almost any part at either show with a little knowledge , some networking , alot of patience , and some sunscreen .
Carlisle also was a set aside cars for sale area that is very nice . And they have a few buildings were you can get a break from the sun
When it comes to the show car side that is were the most noticable difference jumps out at you ! Cars are grouped by body style A body together B body together E body together ect . You can look at just your favorites or time permitting you can look at them all !!!! And tommorro pick up were you left off and not miss awhole lot . If your on the parts side about to buy something but you arent sure if it is the correct part you know right were to find a car to look at and find out if it is correct
I hope this helps you some in your descision !! And I hope other member post to agree or disagree with me in an effort to help you .
I will say one thing mate If you make it all the way over the the states to see either car show (this year , next year , or whenever ) it would be a pleasure to meet you . I will even pay your admission into the show and all the Dr Pepper you can drink is on me !! I have hear Dr Pepper is very popular Down Under .
Good Luck to you and safe travels
aarcuda33
