New car 325xi or 330?

[tom kennedy]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at the AWD series and just how good these cars stack up. Does the AWD give this car considerably more traction in bad weather conditions over base i? Does it offer any tradeoffs? I'd have to think that a 330xi would be one of the best vehicles out there in terms of handling no matter what the condition.

Now its just a matter of what engine to pop in this thing (obviously i'll be aiming for the 330)

- T

[dport]

A co-worker has an E46 325xi and loves it. The traction is amazing, snow, mud, rain it doesn't matter the car handles it great. You can really feel the car pull you through a corner.

[peterkulesza]

325 slow!! 330 much nicer. there is not that much handling penalty in choosing xi, but unless you are in alaska, i woudl not get it. set of snow tires cheaper....

[rms]

I'm in CT and drive to VT all winter. The 325xi is excellent. I have a std 5 speed, up to 113K miles, excellent wear on tires, best car I've owned. I also have a 93 325i. There is no comparison between 325xi and 325i with snows, the xi is outstanding. You will be 1" higher off the ground, I notice it most when getting out of the car or driving over heavy snow (not high enough!). Hope that helps.