C&D #1. 328i sedan vs #2. G35 sedan comparo
02-25-07, 02:11 PM
#47
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I just read that article...
BMW's always feel quicker than their HP rating would imply for one thing.
Another thing, the BMW weight balance is almost perfect.
Another, it's shorter and wider than the G35 which will feel better.
Finally, their inline six is just incredible. So smooth, great sound, revs effortlessly.
But on 'features' side the G35 is an INCREDIBLE bargain. The comparo is 'rigged' as usual, can't have the top 3 series, and the G35 has LSD and nav and still the same price as the Bimmer.
So Bimmer definitely has a magic chassis formula but it's expensive, the interior is horrible, and why they don't offer an LSD on the 'ultimate driving machine' is beyond me.
G35 wins: more power, LSD, more gadgets, better interior, better value
328i wins: better balance, more refined engine
We know what C&D cares about.
BMW's always feel quicker than their HP rating would imply for one thing.
Another thing, the BMW weight balance is almost perfect.
Another, it's shorter and wider than the G35 which will feel better.
Finally, their inline six is just incredible. So smooth, great sound, revs effortlessly.
But on 'features' side the G35 is an INCREDIBLE bargain. The comparo is 'rigged' as usual, can't have the top 3 series, and the G35 has LSD and nav and still the same price as the Bimmer.
So Bimmer definitely has a magic chassis formula but it's expensive, the interior is horrible, and why they don't offer an LSD on the 'ultimate driving machine' is beyond me.
G35 wins: more power, LSD, more gadgets, better interior, better value
328i wins: better balance, more refined engine
We know what C&D cares about.
02-25-07, 05:47 PM
#48
Yeah, but that has nothing to do with bias. There are many german cars that I love to death, for instance turbo Porsche's, A8L, old 740, old 8 series, mid 90ies S class to name a few. I just would never buy one because of thier history, but I never diss them, they are great cars. But a base frigging 3 series? That thing doesn't excel at anything, it's a prime example mediocrity, yet you have people praising it like it's truly special.
02-25-07, 06:21 PM
#49
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Ladies and Gents, please argue about the article, do not make personal attacks nor make assumptions about the forum.
02-25-07, 07:01 PM
#50
Yeah, but that has nothing to do with bias. There are many german cars that I love to death, for instance turbo Porsche's, A8L, old 740, old 8 series, mid 90ies S class to name a few. I just would never buy one because of thier history, but I never diss them, they are great cars. But a base frigging 3 series? That thing doesn't excel at anything, it's a prime example mediocrity, yet you have people praising it like it's truly special.
As for the BMW 328 in the article I can't find the link to read it but was it really a base BMW tested? Either way, the BMW does accell even in base trim over the G35 on some areas. Too me, the exterior styling is better than the G35. The steering feel and feedback is still better. The over all driving dynamics is better. Sure, the 328 is nothing outstandingly special, but neither is the G35. Both are good cars, and do certain things better than the other. I personally would choose a G35 over the 328 simply because of the more powerful engine in the G35. Otherwise I'd take the BMW 328 because its driving dynamics and feel more suites what I like from a sports sedan. If you were to ask me which car was better based on performance I'd choose the G35. If you ask me which car I prefer to drive I'd choose the BMW 328. If you asked me which car I'd choose to get me to point A to B without drama I'd probably choose an Civic or Corolla.
02-25-07, 07:19 PM
#51
As for the BMW 328 in the article I can't find the link to read it but was it really a base BMW tested? Either way, the BMW does accell even in base trim over the G35 on some areas. Too me, the exterior styling is better than the G35. The steering feel and feedback is still better. The over all driving dynamics is better. Sure, the 328 is nothing outstandingly special, but neither is the G35. Both are good cars, and do certain things better than the other. I personally would choose a G35 over the 328 simply because of the more powerful engine in the G35. Otherwise I'd take the BMW 328 because its driving dynamics and feel more suites what I like from a sports sedan. If you were to ask me which car was better based on performance I'd choose the G35. If you ask me which car I prefer to drive I'd choose the BMW 328. If you asked me which car I'd choose to get me to point A to B without drama I'd probably choose an Civic or Corolla.
02-25-07, 08:37 PM
#52
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LSD has nothing to do with steering. I agree, the G35 having LSD available is a big bonus, but it still doesn't have anything to do with steering.
4WAS is electronically boosted steering, if you like that sort of thing then yes, it's a good system. FWIW, the 328i also has an electronically boosted steering option, it's called Active Steer. Most enthusiasts seem to prefer the good ol' rack and pinion style steering. I definitely do; electronic steering feels too artificial to me. It's a matter of opinion on that front. RE: the rack and pinion, C&D seemed to prefer the 328i's.
"Compared with the BMW, wheel feel is a little artificial and heavy, and the tires impact bumps with a tad more bounce back through the body."
"The BMW outshines in other facets. The steering operates with light effort, but delivers copious road data. When a tire rolls into a depression, the wheel sags. When the cornering limit is near, it quivers."
Which is superior overall? I guess it depends on who you ask.
CK6speed - the 328i in the test was equipped with the sport suspension and the premium pack.
4WAS is electronically boosted steering, if you like that sort of thing then yes, it's a good system. FWIW, the 328i also has an electronically boosted steering option, it's called Active Steer. Most enthusiasts seem to prefer the good ol' rack and pinion style steering. I definitely do; electronic steering feels too artificial to me. It's a matter of opinion on that front. RE: the rack and pinion, C&D seemed to prefer the 328i's.
"Compared with the BMW, wheel feel is a little artificial and heavy, and the tires impact bumps with a tad more bounce back through the body."
"The BMW outshines in other facets. The steering operates with light effort, but delivers copious road data. When a tire rolls into a depression, the wheel sags. When the cornering limit is near, it quivers."
Which is superior overall? I guess it depends on who you ask.
CK6speed - the 328i in the test was equipped with the sport suspension and the premium pack.
02-25-07, 08:47 PM
#53
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02-25-07, 08:51 PM
#54
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02-25-07, 08:52 PM
#55
Well, LSD doesn't have to do directly with steering, but it certainly helps with cornering. And the active steering on the BMW is for the front wheels only, while G35 has four wheel steering. Infiniti is notorious for the 4 wheel steering feature, its also available on the M35/45, and it used to be available back in the days on a limited edition first gen Q45. The only other car to my knowledge that had a similar system was an early Honda Prelude. And then of course you have Chevy Silverado, but thats a different system with different purpose.
02-25-07, 09:03 PM
#57
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But anyway, sorry guys, off topic.
G35 sedan and 328i - both great cars. Which would I buy if I had to pick one? G35 sedan hands down.
02-25-07, 09:05 PM
#58
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02-25-07, 09:20 PM
#59
Well, if you want to make a thread in the offtopic/debate forum, go ahead, we can discuss it further.
But back to the topic - the important thing to remember here is - neither car is a sports car. They are both relatively heavy pigs trying to be sporty, and not intended for hardcore drivers. If you want a true sports car, try an Elise or S2K. As far as 328 and G35, they are intended mostly for drivers that like to have a little fun behind the wheel, and G35 simply provides a lot more fun and then some. To me, saying that 328 is superior to G35 is simply ridiculous.
But back to the topic - the important thing to remember here is - neither car is a sports car. They are both relatively heavy pigs trying to be sporty, and not intended for hardcore drivers. If you want a true sports car, try an Elise or S2K. As far as 328 and G35, they are intended mostly for drivers that like to have a little fun behind the wheel, and G35 simply provides a lot more fun and then some. To me, saying that 328 is superior to G35 is simply ridiculous.
02-25-07, 10:55 PM
#60
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