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Sedans BMW 3-Series Article Comments - BMW 328i vs. Volvo C70
22 messages, Last post on Oct 26, 2007 at 2:17 PM
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Article comments for Hardtop Convertible Comparison Test: BMW 328i vs. Volvo C70 - Malibu should be the perfect place to compare two convertibles like the 2006 Volvo C70 and 2007 BMW 328i Convertible, a little slice of the Cote d'Azur in America. Actually, it's quite terrible. (more)
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Replying to: sddoc07 (Jun 17, 2007 5:12 pm) It's not clear that mediocre collision rest results on a multi-tiered test would affect a buyer's decision if the car in question otherwise outperformed or outstyled the 'safer' car. If this were true, all car sales would be in direct relation to all safety testing. But they aren't at all, interestingly enough. Visiting Host
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 17, 2007 5:44 pm) Sorry to inform you but the BMW 3 didn't get an 'M' on side impact & 'G' on all other tests: It got only a 'G' on the front impact test, an 'M' on the side impact test and a 'P'OOR on the Rear Impact Test. Both the BMW3 & Audi ended among the 3 worst cars among the safety test (out of 10).
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What'd you guys think about the article that is the subject of this discussion? 
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Replying to: yega (Jun 17, 2007 10:43 pm) The comparison results do mirror my own impressions of these cars when I (briefly) drove them. I'd also pick the BMW overall and take my chances on safety. I don't think any car is safe, that is an illusion IMO. Cars are inherently dangerous. Actually if you gave me either car, I'd take it  Visiting Host
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 18, 2007 6:55 am) Put another way, the answer comes out different for different individuals, depending on what they value most. When I bought my C70, I hadn't been able to drive the new 328i, since it wasn't out yet. But I HAD driven the prior model BMW convertible, and also knew a fair amount about the soon-to-be-out new model. I was projecting a $4-5K price difference, for comparably-equipped cars (looking at the things I would have gotten in both cases). At that price differential, I had no real interest in the BMW. Perhaps more telling, even if it was a tie, I was probably still leaning toward the C70. Despite being a bit slower, and not having as good a handling/steering "feel" (albeit with handling numbers that are just as good), I still like the C70 more. It looks better, both inside and out (admittedly a highly personal choice), and I won't see a ton of them on the road in a year or two, versus the much higher volume BMW. The better safety design of the Volvo is just a bit of icing on the cake. I also believe (only time will tell, though), that the Volvo will prove to be more trouble-free. That said, I accept the fact that more people are probably going to be leaning toward the BMW, given the sales volume history. (But you probably won't find too many of them on this C70 forum.) One comment made in the review that I just disagree with is that the C70 interior is too plastic. My own opinion is that the materials used are all of high-quality, including the look and feel. If anything, I think that the C70 interior has more of a high-quality look than the BMW, and also is better than the Audi A4, whose interior everyone seems to love. (Although all three are nicely done.)Perhaps this is a personal preference issue between the Scandinavian approach and the German approach. (I say this as someone of German ancestry.  )
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Replying to: rschleicher (Jun 18, 2007 1:00 pm) People will like what they like and buy what they want. I have yet to meet a person (although I'm sure they are out there) who decides on a car solely on the basis of a review. If anything a review might add some information the potential owner might not have thought of. I am not interested in purchasing a Volvo, although I realize the appeal they have to their target audience. |
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Okay: first off, everyone knows the C70 and 3-series are similar, but not meant to compete directly... that being said here is my $0.02 on the issue: We put our deposit down before the new BMW was available. After reading the specs about the car, we are very happy with our decision, so far. Both cars are nearly the same weight, so the lumbering "heavy" feeling would probably be present with both cars. The BMW may have better 0-60 and handling, but at a compromise of capability in the snew, safety, and no better fuel economy (three important issues for us). We had a BMW before this and were very pleased with the reliability and performance. Our main concern was the aging top and winter drivability (RWD). The C70 addressed both of these issues to our satisfaction by adding a RHT and front wheel drive. On a race course, you will see the difference between FWD & RWD pretty easily, but my wife won't let me race her car anymore (after the BMW); so we didn't sweat the performance compromise. I haven't had our volvo serviced yet, so not sure if it is a fair comparison yet. However, we have been to three BMW dealers in the seven years we owned our 328ic. Only one of the dealers treated us with respect and greated us with a smile as we came in the door. The other two dealers made me hunt for a service rep and even reprimanded me once for attempting to speak with a service writer who wasn't assigned to my vehicle . Sheesh! It wasn't like I was trying to get an F18 overhauled Based on this, my wife was interested in exploring options. The bad part is our Volvo dealer has the same owner and doesn't seem much better than BMW so far... All that being said: Seven years ago it was a hands down decision in favor of the 328ic in our eyes. I also miss the BMW club. Nashville had a great club, but we moved a few years ago... not such a great club here... |
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Based on the setup I want, there is ~$4500 diff between the Volvo and BMW. Given that our '04 C70 is now worth quite a bit less than half of MSRP, I would think the BMW would cover the spread over the next 3-4 years(not to mention the no-charge maintenance offer). Given that no one has exactly what we are looking for in terms of color and accessories, we have a bit of time to think over our purchase. I've always maintained that a BMW purchase lowers the driver's IQ(based on driving habits of those owners...they know who they are) so I never thought I would be driving one...never thought I would drop $45k on a car, either. Taking our C70 out on the highway sure is a pleasure but, boy, this thing is a rattle trap in town...hard to forgive Volvo for the front suspension/steering...not so sure they got it right on the new one. Haven't had a RWD vehicle since my '91 Miata...don't really need FWD here in the South. It's a pleasant problem to have but I sure don't want to be disappointed in my next purchase. Any updates out there from those with either model? Thanks for putting up with my ramble...
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Replying to: 10scoachrick (Oct 17, 2007 9:06 pm) I think the resale comparison is difficult, because older BMW and Volvo convertibles were soft tops and probably dropped a lot in resale when the new models came out. I do know the safety reviews (cras tests) of the BMW were near the bottom of the convertibles tested this year, while Volvo and Saab were tied for best safety performance. I also found the back seat of the Volvo to be nicer and roomier, even though we rarely have rear passengers. Both cars have their pluses and minuses. I agree it is a pleasent situation to be in...  This was also our fist car purchase north of $40k, so I know how you feel 
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Replying to: 10scoachrick (Oct 17, 2007 9:06 pm) |
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