Back in the ’80s, the great corporations known as Coca-Cola and Pepsi were waging all out war on each other on the TV through various commercials. It was a simpler time, when the Cold War was still jacked up and we were all just saying No to illicit substances while saying yes to Big Mac Attacks. In the spirit of looking back to those good old days, here are a few cola war battles for your consideration. Was Pepsi truly better at the time simply because Coke fumbled with their new formula? It’s hard to say. But how about a can of 7UP Gold?
Max Headroom vs. Michael Jackson The King of AI Max Headroom instructs us to “Catch The Wave” while Michael Jackson tells us “You’re the Pepsi Generation” and that we should “feel the Pepsi way.” Unfortunately for Max, he was touting the New Coke. Frankly, I recall not hating New Coke at all. Is there any for sale on eBay that I could enjoy once again?
“Coke Is It!” vs. “Pepsi. The Choice of a New Generation.” Before the great New Coke debacle, Coca-Cola was riding high with their energetic and cheeseball “Coke Is It!” promotion. This damn jingle still runs through my head on occasion. On the other hand, we have Michael J. Fox, also riding high at the time, in a library with no change for the Pepsi machine. But then, a little magic happens with that Xerox machine. Look out! It’s interesting to note how Pepsi was really trying to click with those crazy kids again and all their “New Generation” hype. Nowadays it’s all about Red Bull, AMP, and Full Throttle, baby!
“Just for the Taste of It” vs. “Burger King” While Coke was beating the hell out of everyone with their “Just for the Taste of It!” Diet Coke ads, Burger King wanted you to know that they had recently aligned with Pepsi. Take that, Coke! And who better to share this great news than Andrew McCarthy and Elisabeth Shue all dressed up in Pepsi and BK attire? Man, I miss those BK uniforms!
