Performance Of 325ci Manual Vs. 330ci Manual

[mandms7]

Hello all,

I am trying to decide if it is worth spending the extra 3-5K on a manual 330Ci as opposed to a manual 325Ci. Personally, a base 325Ci has everything I need, so I'm only looking at the performance aspect. In terms of 0-60, the 325Ci is only .7 seconds slower (7.1) compared to a 330Ci (6.4). But what about other performance aspects? For people who have driven both, is there a considerable difference between the two engines? Most of the dealerships in my area don't have manuals of both cars, so its difficult for me to do the comparison.

Thanks for your help!

[dbtheo]

Originally posted by mandms7@Sep 26 2004, 05:59 PM
Hello all,

I am trying to decide if it is worth spending the extra 3-5K on a manual 330Ci as opposed to a manual 325Ci. Personally, a base 325Ci has everything I need, so I'm only looking at the performance aspect. In terms of 0-60, the 325Ci is only .7 seconds slower (7.1) compared to a 330Ci (6.4). But what about other performance aspects? For people who have driven both, is there a considerable difference between the two engines? Most of the dealerships in my area don't have manuals of both cars, so its difficult for me to do the comparison.

Thanks for your help!

[snapback]199519[/snapback]

The difference is worth the price, IF performance (power) is important to you. There is more of through out the whole range, and it is significant. It doesn't really stand out in test drives, but it does over the long hall, in real driving situations, and the extra power is appreciated. Plus it get's slightly better gas mileage.

[BMWLotAttendant]

I know a manual is cheaper than getting an automatic. I think it is by $1200. But yes, the manual in the 330Ci does get better performance. I think bigger is better. The 3.0 liter will help further you and your quest for more power! I've driven the e46 325Ci and the 330Ci...and 330Ci performs/handles much better.

[white 330ci]

Originally posted by BMWLotAttendant@Sep 26 2004, 08:21 PM
I know a manual is cheaper than getting an automatic. I think it is by $1200. But yes, the manual in the 330Ci does get better performance. I think bigger is better. The 3.0 liter will help further you and your quest for more power! I've driven the e46 325Ci and the 330Ci...and 330Ci performs/handles much better.

[snapback]199618[/snapback]

how would a 330ci handle better than a 325ci? used they have the same suspension, unless one has sport and the other doesnt.

[BMWLotAttendant]

1. Sport suspension is tuned more aggressively on 330Ci Performance Package.
Performance Package*
235-horsepower engine
More aggressively tuned sport suspension
8-way power front sport seats with 2-way manual headrests and thigh support; 3-driver memory for exterior mirror and seat positions; automatic tilt-down of passenger’s side-view mirror when vehicle is shifted into reverse gear
Anthracite interior headliner
Alcantara/cloth upholstery
Aluminum “black cube” interior trim
M 3-spoke Alcantara-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheels with fingertip cruise, audio and accessory phone3 controls
M Double Spoke (Styling 135M) alloy wheels, 18 x 8.0 front, 18 x 8.5 rear; 225/40R-18 front, 225/35R-18 rear performance tires7,11
High-Gloss shadowline exterior trim
Matte stainless steel, 35mm dual exhaust pipes
Aerodynamic package
Tachometer with 300 rpm-higher redline and red needles
Short, sport gearshift lever

Well I kinda was assuming mandms7 was going to pay more for the Performance Package....not the manual transmition.

[RealBMW 02]

IMO its definately worth it to get the 330ci if you can't get the 325 in manual.

thats the only input i can offer as I have only driven the 330 and of course love it dearly.