I spotted an odd juxtaposition on my way to today’s first press conference when I saw a Maybach Landaulet – called a “design study” – and the Honda FCX Clarity displayed next to each other.

David Champion, CR’s Senior Auto Test Director, casually said, "They probably cost about the same…"

If you have to ask, you can't afford it, but for the record, a new Maybach 62 retails between $390,000 - $429,500.

But the children’s nursery rhyme "One of These Things (Is Not Like the Others)" was never more true here: The Maybach weighs 6,294 pounds and is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 6-liter V12 engine. The Clarity, on the other hand, weighs considerably less, and is a zero-emission, hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicle.

Honda will soon launch a pilot program, putting the FCX in California consumer driveways, and fortunately Honda will not pass along the true development cost to these select drivers. Ultimately, driving the car of tomorrow may carry more prestige.

—Mike Quincy

See our complete coverage of the 2008 Detroit auto show. And discuss the event in our auto show forum.