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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

11073 messages,  Last post on Jul 16, 2009 at 1:47 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS 250, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

#10841 of 11073 Re: Don't buy foreign cars! [jpstax1] by louiswei Mar 19, 2008 (3:02 pm)
Replying to: jpstax1 (Mar 19, 2008 2:45 pm) I believe you are referring to this:   The new twin-turbo engine provides the kind of acceleration formerly associated with the high-performance M3, launching the 335i coupe and sedan to 60 mph in close to 5 seconds flat.   But again, you are only focusing on the straightline acceleration. You do know that according to R&T IS350 can do 0-60 in 4.9 sec right? If that's the case I would say it does provide the kind of acceleration formerly associated with the high performance M3 as well.   Nothing in that article indicates that the 335i can hang with the M3 on the track. I wouldn't be surprise to see a 335i beats an IS350 on the track but I don't believe it'll "run away" unless I see it myself.
#10842 of 11073 Re: Don't buy foreign cars! [fedlawman] by jpstax1 Mar 19, 2008 (3:09 pm)
Replying to: fedlawman (Mar 19, 2008 2:52 pm) "One thing positive I will say about the 335d - even it's quicker and better handling than a Buick... "   Better handling? How do you know that? Have you test driven a LaCrosse Super? It was a far better handling car than any of the other Buicks (LaCrosses and Lucernes) that I test drove. It was one of the main reasons I bought one. Replies to this message: louiswei (Mar 19, 2008 3:15 pm) fedlawman (Mar 19, 2008 4:39 pm) jimbres (Mar 19, 2008 5:43 pm) sjaieve (Mar 19, 2008 6:18 pm) shipo (Mar 19, 2008 7:29 pm) fedlawman (Mar 19, 2008 7:39 pm) and 5 more...
#10843 of 11073 Re: Don't buy foreign cars! [jpstax1] by louiswei Mar 19, 2008 (3:15 pm)
Replying to: jpstax1 (Mar 19, 2008 3:09 pm) Better handling? How do you know that? Have you test driven a LaCrosse Super?   Please tell me you are joking. Let me ask you a question: have you ever driven a 3-series before?
#10844 of 11073 Re: Don't buy foreign cars! [jpstax1] by fedlawman Mar 19, 2008 (4:39 pm)
Replying to: jpstax1 (Mar 19, 2008 3:09 pm) "It was a far better handling car than any of the other Buicks (LaCrosses and Lucernes) that I test drove."   High praise indeed!
#10845 of 11073 LaCrosse Super by fedlawman Mar 19, 2008 (5:15 pm)
OK, I can't stay away any longer.   The LaCrosse Super is 3800 lbs, 198" long, has a 63/37 F/R weight distribution, a slushbox transmission, and FWD. Tell me what part of these specs says "sports car" to you?   Here's a Motor Trend comparison from a couple years ago that includes the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP (the Buick's higher performance brother) against the Nissan G35 and Subaru STi. I'll spoil the ending and say that the Pontiac come in dead last in all but one (braking) performance measure. Now, take the already underwhelming Pontiac and add 200 lbs, a softer suspension, slower throttle response, and skinnier/slipperier tires, and you've got a Buick Lacrosse Super.   At least, in a different article, Motor Trend said the Buick rides better than the Pontiac. I guess that's a plus for some people, right?   http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0506_front_rear_allwheel_drive/ind- - - ex.html
#10846 of 11073 Re: Don't buy foreign cars! [jpstax1] by jimbres Mar 19, 2008 (5:43 pm)
Replying to: jpstax1 (Mar 19, 2008 3:09 pm) I know something about large, nose-heavy FWD cruisers because my wife drives (& loves) an '07 Lexus ES 350, which has been called, accurately enough, a Japanese Buick.   As a highway cruiser, it's OK. Quiet, composed, with good seats (the best I've ever experienced in a Japanese car) & a superb stereo. (Her car has the optional Mark Levinson.)   All in all, not a bad car - as long as it's traveling in a straight line. But it doesn't like curves & it hates (if a car could be said to hate) anything that remotely approximates spirited cornering. In short, there is nothing entertaining about driving it. With 270 hp driving the front wheels through a 6-speed slushbox, it's more than powerful enough. But the steering is numb & only those who regularly use the words "fun" & "torque steer" in the same sentence will enjoy driving it.   I also know something about decent handling. My car is a BMW 330i with sport package & stick. Can you guess which car we take if the choice is up to me?   When we do take the Lexus - either because we're going out with another couple & need the extra back seat space or because I'm planning to knock back a few - I'm perfectly happy to let my wife drive.   In short, it's a fast car & it's a luxurious car. But it's not a luxury performance car.
#10847 of 11073 Re: Don't buy foreign cars! [jpstax1] by sjaieve Mar 19, 2008 (6:18 pm)
Replying to: jpstax1 (Mar 19, 2008 3:09 pm) You actually bought the Buick Replies to this message: shipo (Mar 19, 2008 7:29 pm) fedlawman (Mar 19, 2008 7:39 pm) jpstax1 (Mar 20, 2008 7:43 am) and 4 more...
#10848 of 11073 Re: Don't buy foreign cars! [sjaieve] by shipo Mar 19, 2008 (7:29 pm)
Replying to: sjaieve (Mar 19, 2008 6:18 pm) Yeah, and even after buying it, he continues telling himself that it's a "Sports Sedan". :p   Best Regards, Shipo Replies to this message: fedlawman (Mar 19, 2008 7:39 pm) jpstax1 (Mar 20, 2008 7:43 am) louiswei (Mar 20, 2008 7:50 am) and 1 more... kdshapiro (Mar 20, 2008 7:52 am) sjaieve (Mar 20, 2008 9:58 am)
#10849 of 11073 Re: Don't buy foreign cars! [shipo] by fedlawman Mar 19, 2008 (7:39 pm)
Replying to: shipo (Mar 19, 2008 7:29 pm) In all fairness, the Buick LaCrosse is a very nice car. No, it's not a sport sedan, and no it doesn't belong in this discussion, but taken for what it is, it's a heck of a lot of car for the money.   By all accounts (magazine reviews - I've never driven one), it handles well for what it is, solid as a rock and quiet as a tomb on the road, and comfortable and plush inside. And FWIW, Buick consistently ranks at the very top of JD Power and Consumer Reports quality and reliability surveys. Actually reminds me of the Honda Accord. Not directly, but the Accord is one of those cars that, while not a sports car, just feels right when you drive it. The controls, the feedback, the view, etc. It's just a car that feels good. Maybe the LaCrosse is like that? You've got to admit, it's nice to finally see an American car company making such great strides to improve quality and appeal. The LaCrosse and Enclave, the C6 Corvette and CTS, the G8, the Malibu - all nice cars with nice interiors, good looks, and solid performance and quality - they actually compete with imports on a level playing field.   I won't buy an American car yet (the last burn still hurts), but in 5 years, at the rate they're going, maybe I'll have another look.   Anyways, the majority has spoken and I think it's time for us to let the Buick thing rest. Buick enthusiasts from around the world (all 8 of them) can start a thread somewhere else. Replies to this message: jpstax1 (Mar 20, 2008 7:43 am) louiswei (Mar 20, 2008 7:50 am) kdshapiro (Mar 20, 2008 7:55 am) kdshapiro (Mar 20, 2008 7:52 am) sjaieve (Mar 20, 2008 9:58 am)
#10850 of 11073 Gas mileage '08 BMW 328i RWD sedan and G35 by jezmia Mar 19, 2008 (7:42 pm)
Now sure if anyone reading this would already own a 2008 328i sedan automatic RWD, I was curious to know what was really the mileage per gallon in the city and highway, I know this depends varies from driver to driver, but wanted to get an idea. Also if you own a G35 I would love your inputs. thanks! Replies to this message: pat (Mar 20, 2008 5:13 am) jezmia (Mar 20, 2008 6:48 am)

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