Comments on Comparison to BMW 1 Series
#1
08-05-2008, 10:09 AM
Comments on Comparison to BMW 1 Series
http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/gui...mentid=8974093
I hope the link works. This is a comparison between the 135i and a 3.2. Comments?
Personally I think the article was written by a BMW employee, but what do I know?
I hope the link works. This is a comparison between the 135i and a 3.2. Comments?
Personally I think the article was written by a BMW employee, but what do I know?
#2
08-05-2008, 08:14 PM
Don't shoot me but...
Actually, I mostly agree with much of the article based on:
test driving a 2009 (new body style) A4 and a 2009 A5 both with the 3.2l V6 and also test driving a 2008 335i(with the twin turbo 6). (It was fun trying cars before I settled on my TT.
So, to be fair, I have never driven either of the two cars in the test, but have driven cars equipped with the same drive train.
So...in my honest opinion...the 3.2, as smooth and great sounding as it is, is a little boring from a driver's point of view. Of course, it is great at what it does, so that is NOT a shot at the 3.2. (I can see why people love it, I'm just not one of those people who likes those kinds of engines)
But in my honest opinion...it's a very dull engine, and virtually no modding potential unless you really go big (And then why not by a higher cost, higher performance car in the first place?)
When I drove the 335, the driving dynamics are incredible. Sure footed, responsive, and communicative. The engine? I honestly think it's god's gift to enthusiasts! Incredible power, no turbo lag, raw sound, and you can mod to north of 400BHP without too much effort.
BUT...the A3 has it the 1-series beat hands down on styling and practicality. I saw my first US style 1-series this week...couldn't really believe that BMW makes such an ugly car. The curving line under the doors....ugh!
It feels like a 335 for those who can't afford one...BMW corporate talking...not their design department! Style, interior and fun are also why I ultimately chose the TT over the 335. (oh, and a $20 000USD price difference in the TTs favour played a role too!) I would, and did, make the same choice with the A3 over the 1-series.
So...in my opinion...as a pure driver...the BMW is the better car...but as a consumer and car user...the A3 wins hands down. Interesting to read, but you are right...he did seem to have it in his mind from the get go that the Bimmer was the winner.
test driving a 2009 (new body style) A4 and a 2009 A5 both with the 3.2l V6 and also test driving a 2008 335i(with the twin turbo 6). (It was fun trying cars before I settled on my TT.
So, to be fair, I have never driven either of the two cars in the test, but have driven cars equipped with the same drive train.
So...in my honest opinion...the 3.2, as smooth and great sounding as it is, is a little boring from a driver's point of view. Of course, it is great at what it does, so that is NOT a shot at the 3.2. (I can see why people love it, I'm just not one of those people who likes those kinds of engines)
But in my honest opinion...it's a very dull engine, and virtually no modding potential unless you really go big (And then why not by a higher cost, higher performance car in the first place?)
When I drove the 335, the driving dynamics are incredible. Sure footed, responsive, and communicative. The engine? I honestly think it's god's gift to enthusiasts! Incredible power, no turbo lag, raw sound, and you can mod to north of 400BHP without too much effort.
BUT...the A3 has it the 1-series beat hands down on styling and practicality. I saw my first US style 1-series this week...couldn't really believe that BMW makes such an ugly car. The curving line under the doors....ugh!
It feels like a 335 for those who can't afford one...BMW corporate talking...not their design department! Style, interior and fun are also why I ultimately chose the TT over the 335. (oh, and a $20 000USD price difference in the TTs favour played a role too!) I would, and did, make the same choice with the A3 over the 1-series. So...in my opinion...as a pure driver...the BMW is the better car...but as a consumer and car user...the A3 wins hands down. Interesting to read, but you are right...he did seem to have it in his mind from the get go that the Bimmer was the winner.
#3
08-05-2008, 08:38 PM
I have also driven a 335i. In fact I ordered one last year (black w/6 speed), but cancelled it when common sense took over. It was going to cost me $65,000, taxes included. Nice car, but not nice enough to live in....since I would have to sell my house to afford it.
I wonder how the 2.0T and 128i would have compared? I have seen a couple of 1 series here....ugly!
I wonder how the 2.0T and 128i would have compared? I have seen a couple of 1 series here....ugly!
#7
08-06-2008, 12:08 PM
I'd like to see a comparison of the 128i to the 2.0T. I know its comparing apples to oranges since you're talking FF vs. FR, but it would be an interesting comparison. I can't believe anyone would spend $50k on something that looks so hideous that tells your neighbors that you just didn't have enough money to buy a 3 series coupe.
#8
08-06-2008, 01:24 PM
I hate when people compare the 1 series to our A3 and not to the TT which it is far more like...
Whats the point?
You are comparing a 4-door hatchback to 2 door coupe...
I am not going to lie, I would prefer a 2 door coupe as well, but it just isn't practical for me nor do I have the money to get it as a second car... I do feel it was a great choice however. I wanted the 3 series coupe (before the A5 came out) but quickly realized I could realistically only have 1 passenger and my dog in the car so it was a poor choice.
To continue further, the 1 Series they tested had the M package and it didn't say anything about the S package for the A3!
Whats the point?
You are comparing a 4-door hatchback to 2 door coupe...
I am not going to lie, I would prefer a 2 door coupe as well, but it just isn't practical for me nor do I have the money to get it as a second car... I do feel it was a great choice however. I wanted the 3 series coupe (before the A5 came out) but quickly realized I could realistically only have 1 passenger and my dog in the car so it was a poor choice.
To continue further, the 1 Series they tested had the M package and it didn't say anything about the S package for the A3!
#9
08-06-2008, 01:47 PM
I haven't seen the 128i yet here in Texas, it's a lot more horsepower and rwd so I'm sure it's fast around the track. I'd hate to get stuck with that insane I-drive. I doubt the interior is as nice as the Audi. Like the article says the A3 is the practical choice and that was what I was looking for. Get the 2.0T 6-speed and have all the fun you want.
Last edited by byrun; 08-06-2008 at 01:52 PM. Reason: redundent text
#10
08-06-2008, 08:24 PM
TPE_A3, would you like to pay my taxes next year? Being Canadian, you know how much the various governments take out of our jeans!!
One thing not mentioned above. I see more 1 series than I do A3's, and the 1 series was just introduced. I think we all love to have a car that is rarely seen.
One thing not mentioned above. I see more 1 series than I do A3's, and the 1 series was just introduced. I think we all love to have a car that is rarely seen.