Both U.S. car manufacturers and European car manufacturers have been around for about 100 years now, both having their own individual characteristics and "ways". Perhaps one of the more interesting characteristics of these manufacturers is that they have both had some legendary iconic models that defined them. In sports they would call these "franchise players".

Everyone can recall seeing these eye catching icons if you are lucky to see them on the street or if you are very lucky, own one. Of all the thousands of models that have rolled off the production lines in the past century or so, here are a few cars that have done just that, from either side of the Atlantic.

We've all seen the typical "supercar" comparisons like Dodge Vipers and Porsche 911's, but have you ever seen cars compared in terms of what they mean to their manufacturers?

Ford Mustang vs. Lamborghini Murcielago
At first, this may seem like a completely bonkers comparison, but allow me to explain why I have put the two side by side. Both have become icons in the eye of the public. Their images are seen in magazines, and on T-shirts and posters the world over.

The Ford Mustang can trace its roots way back into the 50s when muscle cars and flat-nosed cars were in. Big engines became the thing to have before all the governmental regulations. For me, the Ford Mustang is a great car for numerous reasons.

The design team at Ford created something beautiful. The bumper jutting out from under those glaring headlights and the long hood line covering a sporty engine is something that only Ford could perfect. The interior has always been simple, stylish and practical all rolled into one. The driving experience is simply like no other. Sure, the suspension has been a little loose at times and the steering has not been up to the Murcielago's standards, but despite these characteristics, millions of people, myself included, have fallen in love with the Mustang.

The reason I really adore the Mustang is because it has stood the test of time. A test which is a difficult one in the car industry because after all, it takes one hell of an engineering team to keep a car up to date with the times while still keeping its original charm. I mean really, how many cars can you point out that have the same image and status as the Mustang and have been around for almost three generations. I can only remember a few, but none that are quite on par with Ford's Mustang.

At this point, you are probably wondering why I put it in comparison with the Murcielago. Well just, think about it for a moment. Lamborghini's Murcielago has broken through barrier after barrier, broken records, received mixed reviews (just like the Mustang) and done it all without flinching. It has the looks of a sumo wrestler with the precision and fury of a ninja. When you see one you cannot help but stare at every single piece and wonder how much thought and design has gone into it.

However, what I admire about it the most is the fact that it could be zooming around a racing circuit or keeping its wheels firmly planted on public roads. Lamborghini has done quite a bit in accomplishing this. Not only have they created a super car, but also they have created an image for the company by emblazoning it on many other products. If you look around, you are sure to find pencil cases, T-shirts, DVDs, magazines, toys, etc.

Both of these cars have achieved an image and reputation that precedes them. It is for that reason that I have chosen to compare them side by side. However, I have to pick one of these to be the 'winner' if you will. It is going to have to be the Mustang simply because of the fact that it has been redesigned and redesigned but has kept the Mustang appeal.

Corvette vs. Lotus Elan
These two cars are affordable, fast, well designed yet never really received quite the following that they deserve. Don't get me wrong. Both have a huge number of fans and owners, but they have an image of begin second to something or the alternative to a more prestigious model. This  seems harsh for such great cars.

First, let us look at the Corvette. It has starred in numerous films and has since its release, developed a huge number of owners and fans. Its design was innovative with its great interior, large wheelbase, sleek lines and most of all, the fact that it was easily customizable. This developed the Corvette following and image.

The same kind of thing happened to the Lotus Elan. Even though the design, features and components are simply awe inspiring, it still has not really achieved that kind of success that it should have. Only a few thousand roll of the production line each year, yet even though this is more than Ferrari, you probably would not have known about it if you hadn't read it here.

The interior is small and compact, the engine intense and the features included, such as racing seats with a touch of luxury, is superb. Think of it as a cross between a Mazda MX-5, Mercedes SLK and a Smart car.

Despite receiving almost all positive reviews, it never did get big sales figures.  I hope Lotus has better luck with future models because their small team of designers and engineers are some of the most committed and enthusiastic teams in the smaller scale industry today.

Out of these two cars, I think the Lotus Elan has won the race. Its design team used pure creativeness and passion to create a marvelous little car that can really go.

Ford Thunderbird vs. FIAT 124
Both of these cars are in a completely different league compared to the cars above. They do not have engines tuned to perfection, they do not have the aerodynamics of a jet fighter, and they do not have an expensive interior. However, what they do have is an ability to appeal to the masses by using two of the biggest desirable features that anyone looking for a new car needs, style AND practicality.

The Ford Thunderbird was the flagship so to speak of Ford's superior build quality in comparison with competing manufacturers. Take one look at it and you will be able to tell what decade it is from, the 60s.

The two tone color schemes, elegant curves, lush interior. The white wheels, chrome parts, and stylish headlights all made up a car that you could bring the kids to school in, go on a road trip, or hangout at a diner.

What's more, it was simple. There was no extra body fat on the Thunderbird. You had a radio, front and rear seats, a trunk, engine and some simple styling features. Ford really cracked the code on this one because they created a car that would become a recognizable symbol of the decade. Think about it; if you watch a film and the first thing you see is a sparkling Thunderbird you will automatically know where the film is set, when it was set and how cool the people are driving it.

Such a trend setting icon may seem strange aside a Fiat 124, but they are one in the same in terms of what they did for their respective car industries. Sure, the FIAT has reliability problems, and it may not look as attractive, but it did set the Euro car scene up for ten years or so.

If I had to pick one word to sum the Fiat 124 up it would be 'bland'. Everything about it says that it is boring, cheap, and frankly, more design enthusiasm may have gone into cardboard boxes. Yet it is still a fabulous car. It was Italy's Volkswagen; the common people in post-war Italy could afford to buy one. This was a major factor because until then, only the upper classes could afford to buy a car.

Its simple design also became the backbone for the design of Fiat's future releases right up to the Millennium, perhaps because the budget car manufacturer had seen some tough times during the 80s and 90s, but this is a testament to the 124.

However, for my choice in the category, it has to be the Thunderbird. It influenced the design of not only future Ford models but also the design of other manufacturers' cars. In addition, when it compared with a 124, it is easy to see which one anybody would prefer.

Both US and European manufacturers have had their ups and downs, however it is of paramount importance to remember their roots which were influenced by war, economical difficulties and the demand of the public.

By Dean Sherwin

Dean is based in Ireland and has extensive writing experience, especially in the area of the auto industry writing car features, reviews and blogs, as well as other cultural and sporting events, and the gaming industry.

http://www.artofstinginess.com- Owner and Editor

www.deansherwin.com Freelance Technology, Culture and Opinion Writer