The Smoking Tire Podcast - Episode Summary: Comedian Abbas Wahab

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Hosts: Matt Farah & Zach Klapman
Guest: Abbas Wahab

1. Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Smoking Tire, hosts Matt Farah and Zach Klapman welcome comedian Abbas Wahab to the studio. Abbas, known for his clever automotive-themed humor on Instagram Reels and TikTok, brings a unique blend of comedy and deep automotive knowledge, stemming from his engineering background and experience in Detroit's automotive sector.

2. Abbas Wahab’s Background

[06:06] Abbas Wahab:
"I was raised in London, Ontario, two hours from Toronto, but then like cutting my teeth in comedy. Was all in Toronto."

Abbas shares his journey from pursuing an engineering degree to working as a tier one supplier in Detroit, where he built fuel tanks for Jeep Wranglers. His technical expertise and lifelong passion for cars laid the foundation for his comedic ventures, allowing him to create content that resonates deeply with car enthusiasts.

3. Transition to Automotive Comedy

[07:00] Matt Farah:
"But like, most comedians, even the ones who like cars aren't making like insidery car industry sketches. So like that had to come from somewhere."

Abbas explains how his insider knowledge of the automotive industry enables him to craft authentic and humorous content that stands out in the comedy scene. His ability to blend technical insights with humor has garnered him a dedicated following.

4. Car Discussions and Anecdotes

a. Nissan and Car Reliability

[07:48] Matt Farah:
"They've just heard that you did a thing they haven't actually seen."

Abbas discusses his often critical yet fair stance on Nissan vehicles, highlighting their reliability issues humorously. This segment delves into the common woes associated with certain car brands, making it relatable for many listeners.

b. Mustang GTD vs. Porsche GT3RS

[60:00] Matt Farah:
"He's driven a couple. He's driven a couple Chinese cars."

The conversation shifts to high-performance vehicles, comparing the Ford Mustang GTD's impressive Nürburgring lap times to the Porsche GT3RS. Abbas and Zach explore the balance between performance, price, and practicality, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on luxury sports cars.

Notable Quote:
[61:08] Matt Farah:
"That's still pretty impressive. It's under seven minutes."

c. Volkswagen ID Buzz and Kia Soul Fusion

[43:46] Matt Farah:
"And aura has a great deal for mother's day."

Abbas shares his experience driving the Volkswagen ID Buzz, discussing its range anxiety and charging challenges. The hosts also touch upon the cultural shift from VW Beetles to Kia Souls among younger drivers, underscoring the evolving landscape of compact cars.

Notable Quote:
[44:30] Zach Klapman:
"Mazda has a crossover that is same size battery pack, but gets 310 miles. But the Buzz gets 234."

5. Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure

Abbas provides firsthand insights into the practical aspects of owning an electric vehicle (EV). He discusses the challenges of range limitations, especially when driving long distances, and the costs associated with fast charging in areas like San Diego.

[45:14] Abbas Wahab:
"I think San Diego is the most expensive electricity in the country."

The hosts debate the economic and logistical aspects of EV ownership, emphasizing the importance of home charging solutions to maximize cost-effectiveness.

6. Car Culture and Collecting

a. Concept Cars and Museums

[63:10] Matt Farah:
"It's completely insane down there. There's a video of Jim Farley..."

The discussion delves into the allure of concept cars like the Ford Indigo and their place in automotive culture. Abbas and Matt explore the passion of collectors who invest heavily in unique and rare vehicles, highlighting the intricate relationship between automotive design and personal expression.

Notable Quote:
[65:35] Matt Farah:
"It's a testament to our engineering."

b. Hostile Architecture and Urban Driving

[36:03] Matt Farah:
"Yeah, it's pretty discreetly a pretty aesthetics disguised."

Abbas critiques urban planning elements like hostile architecture, which deter individuals from parking or resting in public spaces. This segues into a broader conversation about the challenges of navigating dense city traffic, especially in places like New York City.

7. Car Maintenance and Reliability

Abbas shares personal anecdotes about dealing with car repairs, such as his experience with a Nissan Sentra's unreliable mass airflow sensor and the frustrations of costly dealership fixes.

[78:23] Abbas Wahab:
"I put it too close to the serpentine belt, and my AC just stopped working."

These stories underscore the importance of understanding vehicle mechanics and advocate for more reliable car engineering practices.

8. Conclusion and Upcoming Events

As the episode wraps up, Abbas Wahab announces his upcoming comedy shows across various cities, including New York, Seattle, and Portland. The hosts express gratitude for Abbas's insights and humor, encouraging listeners to follow his performances and continue supporting his automotive comedy journey.

[92:29] Matt Farah:
"Thank you for having me."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [07:00] Matt Farah:
  "But like, most comedians, even the ones who like cars aren't making like insidery car industry sketches."

• [60:00] Matt Farah:
  "He's driven a couple. He's driven a couple Chinese cars."

• [61:08] Matt Farah:
  "That's still pretty impressive. It's under seven minutes."

• [44:30] Zach Klapman:
  "Mazda has a crossover that is same size battery pack, but gets 310 miles. But the Buzz gets 234."

• [45:14] Abbas Wahab:
  "I think San Diego is the most expensive electricity in the country."

• [65:35] Matt Farah:
  "It's a testament to our engineering."

• [78:23] Abbas Wahab:
  "I put it too close to the serpentine belt, and my AC just stopped working."

These quotes highlight the depth and humor Abbas brings to the discussion, making the episode both informative and entertaining for car enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

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