Sign In Join 



Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

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

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

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


Messages Page 1099 of 1108
1
...
1096
1097
1098
1099
1100
1101
1102
...
1108
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion

#10977 of 11073
Re: Another vote for less weight on the sedan [plekto] by shipo
Apr 17, 2008 (8:13 pm)
Reply

Replying to: plekto (Apr 17, 2008 3:44 pm)

Ummm, I'm thinking that you've grossly misinterpreted what you quoted from Wikipedia. True, most V6 engines use a three throw crank with some form of an offset between paired connecting rods to achieve an even 120 degree firing interval, however, even the 60 degree engines that use flying arms (an arm that reaches between connecting rods and extends from the throw back through the axis of the crank and some distance beyond) have no more complicated connecting rod assemblies than an inline engine. FWIW, flying arms are cast into the crank itself, they don't move independently and other than a little machining to remove a small amount of metal in the balancing process, require no extra work during engine assembly.
 
Actually, when looked at from a part count perspective, V6 crank shaft, crank bearing, and connecting rod assemblies (bearings included) are actually simpler than an I6. Why is that? Simple, your typical V6 only uses four main bearings with a single 2-cylinder offset throw in between each main pair, however, your typical I6 uses seven main bearings with each cylinder having its own throw situated between main pairs. In spite of this difference, I6 engines usually have a considerably lower parts count compared to a V6 of an otherwise similar design.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo
#10978 of 11073
Re: Another vote for less weight on the sedan [shipo] by laurasdada
Apr 18, 2008 (10:31 am)
Reply

Replying to: shipo (Apr 17, 2008 8:13 pm)

Ok, Mr. shipo-smarty-pants. Now that you've explained that, can you please explain how the Pats lost the Super Bowl???
 
Sorry, still having flashbacks...
 
 
#10979 of 11073
Re: ES300 vs. Acura TL [fredvh] by smacd
Apr 18, 2008 (11:04 am)
Reply

Replying to: fredvh (Mar 24, 2002 11:06 pm)

I bought new an 03 CL Type S (last year for the coupe) and it has been an awesome car. Only normal maintenance and I am at 96K miles. Excellent product, I am going to get the the 09 TSX too.
#10980 of 11073
Re: Another vote for less weight on the sedan [laurasdada] by circlew
Apr 18, 2008 (12:12 pm)
Reply

Replying to: laurasdada (Apr 18, 2008 10:31 am)

Giants were more connected to the desire to win...simple as that! More efficient parts in the GIANT Engine than NEP motor!
 
GIANTS = BMW
NEP = GM
 
Regards,
OW
#10981 of 11073
OUCH! by laurasdada
Apr 18, 2008 (12:44 pm)
Reply

Replying to: circlew (Apr 18, 2008 12:12 pm)

"NEP = GM "
 
Now, that was uncalled for, OW! Low blow! 15 yard penalty and loss of down!
#10982 of 11073
Re: OUCH! [laurasdada] by circlew
Apr 18, 2008 (4:05 pm)
Reply

Replying to: laurasdada (Apr 18, 2008 12:44 pm)

Sorry, the last time I got to vent as a Giants fan...
 
I apologize!
 
Regards,
OW
#10983 of 11073
looking for a new ride... by bfluegie
Apr 19, 2008 (10:00 am)
Reply
I’m looking for a new (to me) ride. I don’t have to decide just now, but probably sometime in the next couple of months. I thought I’d post this here as well as on the “help me decide” forum because this seems to be a very active discussion. Some of the cars I am considering do fit this category, so it’s not too much of a stretch. What I am considering is a (probably) pre-owned BMW 325xi (maybe a 330xi if the deal is right, but I’m not too sure I want a turbo), G35x (I have VPP so I might go new for this), Audi A3 or A4 (I like the A3 better but they’re hard to find in the northern IN vicinity), Acura TSX or maybe TL, but it’s larger and I don’t like it as much. I might consider the Altima coupe as well, but not the sedan. While I like the sedan styling more than the Accord or Camry, I don’t like it as much as the Infinity, and the Altima sedans are everywhere. I don’t want to put my car away for the winter, so I prefer all wheel or front wheel drive. That leaves out the Infinity G-coupe (sigh) and the BMW 3 series coupe. I know several people who drive the G coupe and they either garage it for the winter or get adequate but not great driving with winter tires. I prefer the security of good winter handling. I haven’t completely ruled out a small SUV or crossover, but after 8 years of driving an Exploder I’m ready for a more responsive ride. I joke about the Explorer, but with the exception of an unfortunate “Bambi” incident I have never been left stranded. No significant repairs other than normal wear and tear either. It just has over 130K miles and it is time to move on to something else. As long as I’m moving on, I want to add some fun. I won’t be racing or pushing for maximum speed, but I do like the feel of a car that you don’t have to slow to a crawl when going around a curve. I suppose I want to feel like I am part of a driving system rather than the occupant of a vehicle.
 
I would consider a 2006-2007, maybe a 2005 as well. I know the Infinity was a new model in 2007 but I like the previous model as well. The BMW was a new model in 2006 and I don’t know anything about the 2005. I might be overlooking something else as well, so any suggestions for additional cars to consider (or avoid) are welcome. I’m considering a manual in the BMW or A4 but I didn’t like the manual in the ‘07 TL I drove (the clutch seemed to have a very tiny “sweet spot” and it didn’t help that the salesperson sneered a little when I lurched on a start). I don’t know if the TSX would be any better. The G35X is only available in an auto. Manual vs. auto isn’t a big factor for me so I probably wouldn’t rule out an auto BMW or Audi either. Since I’m going to continue getting older and creakier, the auto might be a smarter choice, just not as much fun in the pre-creaky years.
#10984 of 11073
Re: looking for a new ride... [bfluegie] by ivan_99
Apr 19, 2008 (11:24 am)
Reply

Replying to: bfluegie (Apr 19, 2008 10:00 am)

You have a wide range of requirements...but you didn't clarify the price range you're looking for or any requirement for seating/space.
 
I'm also assuming you're looking at purchasing as opposed to leasing
 
For coupes...If you don't need back seat room very often a TT would be a nice "cool" coupe to have (2.0T FWD). A new Accord Coupe with the I4 5spd would be very economical but look a little different than everything else. I'm a big fan of the A5 (S-line)...especially the S5 (love the torque...gets pricey)...A5 with FWD and manual (s-line) starts in the low 40's. And of course the new BMW 1 series.
 
4-doors...If you can wait the new A4 looks very interesting...the base IS250 can be had with manual and it starts our at a reasonable price...though NOT FWD (have yet to drive). I recently drove a CTS (doesn't get much love) both high end and base (manual) and found them very compelling (but probably not for my $'s)
 
Manual...If you're weighing the pros and cos of a manual versus automatic you can check out VW's DSG. Last year I drove a VW Jetta fahrenheit and it was the most amazing FWD car I've driven (was 27k ish...)
 
Non-Domestic? Most of you choices seem to be "non-domestic" If you want FWD you can add Volvo (S30, S40). Saab 08, 9-3 Turbo X looks aggressive.
#10985 of 11073
Re: looking for a new ride... [ivan_99] by alltorque
Apr 19, 2008 (12:37 pm)
Reply

Replying to: ivan_99 (Apr 19, 2008 11:24 am)

Volvo C30 is cute but quite small and only 2 doors, (+hatch of course). S40 is nice and about 3-series size. S60 is a tad bigger than the 3-series, (but only a tad), and gets my vote - biased owner; albeit a diesel with Geartronic. S80 is well worth a look.
 
Saab's are rated a bit so-so here in U.K. but are premium priced. Audi good in whatever size. A6 is about S80 size.
 
Can't comment on the others, apart from VW, but the current ones are good.
#10986 of 11073
Re: looking for a new ride... [ivan_99] by bfluegie
Apr 19, 2008 (12:40 pm)
Reply

Replying to: ivan_99 (Apr 19, 2008 11:24 am)

Thanks for the input Ivan. While I have not ruled out domestic, I haven't found the blend of performance, features, and solid feel in many domestic cars. Pricewise, I'm trying to stay in the mid 30s or lower. While I could afford more, that's where the comfort zone starts to end and the panic zone begins. The A5 could get me to make an exception, though. Seeing that beauty in my garage every morning could calm a lot of panic.
 
I hadn't considered the Jetta Fahrenheit and I will have to check it out. I have driven the DSG, though in an A3 Quattro. I really liked that car. I forgot the A4 was heading for a redesign. I'll have to check that out as well. The current CTS looks sharp and I can get the supplier discount (below invoice) so I might look there as well. Thank you for some very good suggestions.

Messages Page 1099 of 1108
1
...
1096
1097
1098
1099
1100
1101
1102
...
1108
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion
To POST a message, please Sign In.

New? Join Now!

Forum Tools

Please sign in.
Email Address:

Password:

Forgot Password?

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s)

Advanced Search

Browse by Vehicle



View All Vehicles
Advertisement
Ask the Community
See What People Are Asking

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic


View All Topics
Advertisement