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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16087 messages,  Last post on May 09, 2013 at 9:32 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1002 of 1610

#10003 of 16087 Re: BMW 3xi vs. Lexus IS 250 & Audi A4 [das107] by habitat1

Jul 26, 2007 (1:44 pm)

Replying to: das107 (Jul 26, 2007 9:53 am)
My vote is for a 328i RWD.
 
Unless you really need AWD (i.e. anticipate driving in snow on more than an occasional basis), you are paying a lot for AWD. It is heavier, less fuel efficient and, depending upon how long you keep the car, prone to more expensive maintenance and repairs down the road.
 
The A4 Quatro is a heavy pig, IMO. I've been given one a couple of times as a loaner and was anxious to give it back. For all of the drooling others do over Audi's interiors, I just don't get it. I like the interior and ergonomics of my 2004 TL better. On the other end, I am spoiled by my 911, which has best "German" style interior and seats of any car, IMO.
 
I have not driven the IS250 AWD but, as has been pointed out, it would likely be highest in reliabiity, but lowest in performance and driving dynamics, if that is of any importance. Plus, the rear seat is almost worth a 2+2 designation (closer to my 911 than TL in leg room)
 
If I were in the market for a new sedan today, the 328/335 would likely be at the top of my short list.

#10004 of 16087 Re: BMW 3xi vs. Lexus IS 250 & Audi A4 [habitat1] by plekto

Jul 26, 2007 (1:52 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Jul 26, 2007 1:44 pm)
My vote is for a previous generation 3 series, factory certified.
 
*edit* Or two generations
 
The new ones are like the new IS350 - bloated and heavy things with no soul anymore. Or wait and get the 3 series of old(idea-wise) in a new package when the 1 series comes out.

#10005 of 16087 Re: BMW 3xi vs. Lexus IS 250 & Audi A4 [plekto] by habitat1

Jul 26, 2007 (2:00 pm)

Replying to: plekto (Jul 26, 2007 1:52 pm)
Well, I think you might have to go back a couple generations, not just one, to get a 3 series that has the "soul" you are looking for.
 
I agree that the 3 series has grown practically to the size of the 5 series of 10 years ago. But of the cars under consideration, it still handles that size and weight the best, IMO.

#10006 of 16087 I love this board... by louiswei

Jul 26, 2007 (2:35 pm)

Doesn't matter who comes here to ask for suggestions or whatever his/her criteria is the standard answer is always...
 
BMW 3er RWD with manual tranny and oh, yeah, add the sport package.
 
Cracks me up.

#10007 of 16087 Re: I love this board... [louiswei] by shipo

Jul 26, 2007 (3:20 pm)

Replying to: louiswei (Jul 26, 2007 2:35 pm)
Hmmm, I don't remember suggesting anything other than RWD to him. The roads and the weather in Chicago certainly don't warrant AWD, especially so for an in-town commute. Geez, when it snows, take the train or the bus or the El.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#10008 of 16087 But get some snow tires by jamesspot

Jul 26, 2007 (4:55 pm)

Used takeoff wheels -----------------> $500
New high performance snow tires -------> $500
 
The look on your mechanic's face when you thank him for mounting your 155 mph Z-rated snow tires -------------------------> PRICELESS!

#10009 of 16087 Re: BMW 3xi vs. Lexus IS 250 & Audi A4 - my two cents [louiswei] by dan12

Jul 26, 2007 (5:53 pm)

Replying to: louiswei (Jul 26, 2007 11:20 am)
"Agree about the interior. I didn't notice how "lousy" the cupholders are during my test drive since I don't use it much anyway. However, 3er's interior is the worst out of the 3 IMO. It's just...too plain. I know simplicity is good but there is a difference between simplicity and plain. Interior wise, all 3 have similar quality and fit-n'-finish, it's up to each person to decide which style suits him/her the best. "
 
I tend to agree. The interior in Japanese cars looks much more high tech and modern. But it's a toss up between the 3-series and the Audi for worst interior out of the three cars mentioned. Unfortunately there is not much headroom in the IS. The BMW feels a bit cramped, but at least my head doesn't touch the roof.
 
I would say, get the RWD with manual. Oh, and throw in the sports package.

#10010 of 16087 Re: I love this board... [louiswei] by plekto

Jul 26, 2007 (8:06 pm)

Replying to: louiswei (Jul 26, 2007 2:35 pm)
Actually I loathe the new 3.
 
It's almost 3700 pounds! My father's 1997 Park Ave Ultra is the exact same weight. And it's not a small or unsafe car, either. It's the biggest Buick they made. Ever.

#10011 of 16087 Re: I love this board... [plekto] by shipo

Jul 26, 2007 (8:53 pm)

Replying to: plekto (Jul 26, 2007 8:06 pm)
"It's almost 3700 pounds! My father's 1997 Park Ave Ultra is the exact same weight."
 
While it is true that you can option up a 3-Series to that weight, the entry level weight of the 328i is 3,340 pounds. To put that into perspective, my 1999 328i was smaller than the current E90 and only 143 pounds lighter (3,197 pounds).
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#10012 of 16087 Re: I love this board... [shipo] by kdshapiro

Jul 26, 2007 (9:00 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Jul 26, 2007 8:53 pm)
And the new G37 is even porkier.

Messages Page 1002 of 1610

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