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2007 BMW 328/335 vs Nissan Altima 2007 3.5 SE/SL

41 messages,  Last post on Jun 26, 2009 at 6:24 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 4 of 5

#22 of 41 Re: I have both Bmw 328i 2007and Nissan Altima 2006 [absolutic] by jd10013

Mar 13, 2007 (4:02 pm)

Replying to: absolutic (Mar 12, 2007 3:58 pm)
Actualy, I believe the 2007 altima is wider, but an inch or two shorter.

#23 of 41 I stand corrected by absolutic

Mar 13, 2007 (5:02 pm)

I stand corrected, the 2007's Altima is wider than 2006
 
2007 Altima Sedan width - 70.7 in.
2006 Altima Sedan width - 70.4 in.
2007 BMW 328i Sedan width - 71.5 in.
 
Of course, all mfrs measure width from the outside, the inside width depends on shape and thickness of doors etc...

#24 of 41 Re: :) [absolutic] by lili1

Mar 13, 2007 (7:59 pm)

Replying to: absolutic (Mar 13, 2007 9:03 am)
Hey, one do not pay 10K for only the badge and nothing else.
You got more for what a machine can do.
 
For 10K less, you got quite a lot in an Altima!
 
I was in Germany just last week and was shuttled on a 1 hr. run from the airport to the destination in a chauffered company MB & back and got talking to these professional drivers. Their general observation is very interesting: all these newer German brands (the 3)are great performing machines to drive no doubt but they are not so reliable anymore particulalry with the electronics but the Japanese cars (sedans, not the top models which are not sold there but more the second model of the brand's line up)just keep runnng and needs only oil changes. Well, can't talk about Altimas - not sold there.
 
On the other hand, those statement can only speak for the NMW but not the Altima. Other than the engine, it is hard to predict the reliability of things on this new platform. even the engine is hard to guess given the fact that these are hi-tech consumer engines, lighten for faster rev plus emission and not bred for racing or heaier duty. Yea, it can pump out the HP for occassional playing around but not sure how long it will run under stress before loosening up. Well, who knows. However, for 100K Hwy cruising - light load stuff and that should be no biggie.

#25 of 41 Re: 2007 BMW 328/335 vs Nissan Altima 2007 3.5 SE/SL [car111] by bf109ace

Mar 16, 2007 (8:12 pm)

Replying to: car111 (Mar 07, 2007 7:52 pm)
No disrespect. But Altima and Camry are family sedans which are too damn big and long for being sporty and fun.
 
Extensively test drive all 3 cars and let us know how you feel. Raw horse power and straight-line acceleration is not everything.

#26 of 41 Re: 2007 BMW 328/335 vs Nissan Altima 2007 3.5 SE/SL [bf109ace] by fedlawman

Mar 16, 2007 (10:15 pm)

Replying to: bf109ace (Mar 16, 2007 8:12 pm)
Huh? The Altima weighs 50 lbs. less than the 328i. It's wheelbase and width are also within 1" of the BMW.
 
There are many reasons why the Altima doesn't drive or handle as well as the 328i, but physical size isn't one of them.

#27 of 41 Re : 2007 : BMW vs Camry vs Altima by car111

Mar 17, 2007 (10:35 pm)

I find BMW 3 steering and pedals little tight (stiff). The 5 series steering was very stiff to even enjoy the quick turn ability.
 
Altima I found its hard to maintain speed of car with the way I sit - after seat adjustments and putting thigh support cushion. The car just wants to accelerate and I get tired preventing touching gas pedal every often. My friends don't have this problem (perhaps like rest of buyers) but after showing the issue to my friends, there does not seem to be much that can be done. I like to sit comfortably so that my knee, ankles don't need to stretch, my hips don't feel compressed - just like sitting on office chair. Then I like the car and its pedals to have good response but also be able to maintain the speed so I can rest my foot a little on the pedal.
 
Don't know if the Altima CVT that makes the car go faster or the softer pedals, vs the 6-speed Camry ???
 
Camry 2007 3.5 V6 is a little stiffer than Altima (for my sensitive knees/feet), though softer than BMW, and I feel can rest my foot more easily on gas pedal (using thigh support cushion) and don't feel tired - unlike Altima. I find V6 easier a little for my knees/legs than its V4. In Camry, its easier to maintain the speed and also very responsive, especially on slopes.
 
I think I might just buy 2007 Camry now V6 LE loaded. Its handling does not seem as good as Altima (which is not as good as BMW) but since this is my only car, I need to ensure commuting is not painful.
 
Perhaps in future, when my knees/legs have recovered, I will buy the 335i.

#28 of 41 Re: 2007 BMW 328/335 vs Nissan Altima 2007 3.5 SE/SL [lili1] by ggurr54

Jun 23, 2007 (5:59 am)

Replying to: lili1 (Mar 10, 2007 3:34 pm)
what?

#29 of 41 Re: Re : 2007 : BMW vs Camry vs Altima [car111] by madpistol

Jun 14, 2008 (11:21 am)

Replying to: car111 (Mar 17, 2007 10:35 pm)
Try again. The '08 Camry SE that I drove had much stiffer steering than the current Altima. I'm not sure how the LE drives, but I would assume its easier.
 
I have to very kindly disagree with you on this one. The LE is not the way to go if you want a responsive car. The loaded Camry LE V6 is a bore when it comes to driving manners. Now I don't know if you like to have a little fun in your car sometimes, but if you ever like to goof around in your car, even a little, DON'T GET THE CAMRY! It is the most boring car on the road toady. The V6 may make it feel fast in a straight line, but as soon as you turn the wheel, the Camry dies... it loses all appeal for anyone that wants to have fun in their car.
 
Also, if you're comparing the Camry LE V6 to the Altima 3.5 SE, you're comparing 2 different types of cars. The 3.5 SE has a tuned sport suspension, while the LE V6 has a cushiony ride. If you want a true comparison between cars, go test drive an Altima 3.5 SL. It has softer suspension tuning, but it's still soooooo much more fun to drive than the Camry. Look at what people have to say about the Altima vs. Camry, and look at how the Altima has been rated by consumers. There are a lot more people that are happy with their Altima vs. those happy with the Camry. The Altima is simply a more enjoyable car for day to day driving.
 
Back on topic, there is a reason the BMW 3 series costs at least $10k more than an Altima. The driving dynamics are more balanced on the Bimmer. The quality of the ride on a tuned german car is pretty hard to beat in this market.
 
As another side note, have you looked a Infiniti's G35 sedan? 300hp 3.5L V6 is nearly on par with BMW's 3.0L TT I6, but it costs far less than the BMW. It's a great solution to any sort of money dilemma that people may have with spending so much money on a German import.

#30 of 41 Re: Re : 2007 : BMW vs Camry vs Altima [madpistol] by cdnpinhead

Jun 15, 2008 (6:56 pm)

Replying to: madpistol (Jun 14, 2008 11:21 am)
Don't be expecting to hear back from "car111."
 
He posted 15 months ago, and the turnover in Edmunds has to be seen to be believed.
 
Either way, the world is full of people who think they got a smokin' deal on whatever non-BMW they ended up with.
 
It's a cottage industry.

#31 of 41 Re: Re : 2007 : BMW vs Camry vs Altima [cdnpinhead] by madpistol

Jun 15, 2008 (7:47 pm)

Replying to: cdnpinhead (Jun 15, 2008 6:56 pm)
lol! I didn't even realize it said 2007

Messages Page 4 of 5

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