35K Sports-Sedan Comparo

[jefft325i]

Topic title taken right from the March 2004 Car & Driver - just arrived today!

To cut to the chase, the BMW included in the test was a 2004 325i - it took 2nd place behind the G35.

Pretty good article - many great things to say about the 325i. With all the praise, it sounds like it should have come in first. They noted with a little more power, it would have.

A few little tidbits I noticed - 1) it had the worst HP to weight ratio of the group but was still 3rd fastest 0-60 out of 7 vehicles (Acura TL, Audi 3.0, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-type 3.0, Lexus IS300, & Sabb 9-3 Arc). 2) Rated 1st overall in the chassis category, and 3) placed first (perfect score 25 out of 25) in the 'fun to drive' category. That's what it's all about, right?!

There was also an article about the new Cadillac CTS-V being compared to an M3 & M5. I recommend picking up the issue!

[Torque]

bmw knows how to build their cars... they should have tested a 330 and it would have placed first.

i'll pick it up tomorrow (if i am not trapped by snow...looks like it)

[alanh]

i hate that mag anyways

[BimmerKris]

Tough call infinty's are sweet two overall drive though nothin beats BMW

[jefft325i]

They noted a 330i would have fallen in the price range of the test at it's base price, but good luck finding one at that. Most are around 40K + with the right options.

I've always enjoyed C & D - their articles include some wit and humor, unlike those bums at MotorTrend. Their tests usually involve a Taurus vs. Malibu, or Voyager vs. Windstar.

[Torque]

no magazine for me today... at least not during the morning hours. too much work cleaning the car from all the damn snow

[nosuchsol]

BMW just has some good competition now. =) The Infiniti is a great car.. entry-luxury just like the 3er... Sport Luxury if you will. The Infiniti is on a great platform, has a very sturdy and proven engine, great suspension setup, and pretty good looks. I was looking at them way before I even considered getting a 3er. The thing is.... when I drove the BMW there was no contest. I liked the steering input and other driving feel over the G35. I also felt that the interior was a few points above the G35. The leather is a bit more comfy, better use of wood, and almost exclusively soft-touch plastics(which the G35 has little if any inside).

It's really going to come down to personal preference on that one... They're close enough in price to be shopping buddies(4-7k difference). If I had one I wouldn't be complaining.