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Article Comments - Comparison Test: 2007-2008 Sport Sedans

475 messages,  Last post on Jul 25, 2008 at 4:41 PM

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

What is this discussion about? Cadillac CTS, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35, Mercedes-Benz 350-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Comparison Test: 2007-2008 Sport Sedans - This is exactly why we gathered this group of sport sedans. That is, to find out if the 2008 Cadillac CTS, 2007 Infiniti G35 Sport, 2008 Lexus IS 350 or 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport can topple the Bavarian champ — the 2007 BMW 335i. In the spirit of the segment, each car in the test is outfitted with sport package hardware — usually a stiffer suspension and bigger wheels and tires — and an automatic transmission. (more)


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#347 of 475
Car and Driver weighs in... by roadburner
Dec 01, 2007 (7:22 am)
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The January CD features its annual 10 Best Cars list. To cut to the chase, both the 3 Series and CTS made the list- along with several other fun-to drive cars such as the Corvette, Miata, MS3(my favorite ), the Boxster/Cayman, and the GTI. The issue also contains a four car comparo between the 328i, the CTS, the G35 and C300. The final ranking was:
1. 328i
2. G35
3. GTS
4. C300
 
Now, I will be the first to admit that you shouldn't blindly accept the conclusions of any one magazine, but I also think that it IS significant when a car receives accolades from a number of enthusiast publications. Therefore, I think it is evident that all of these cars are entertaining and competent sport sedans- they simply come in different flavors. This market segment has a parallel in the low to mid-priced home theater receiver market. Several manufacturers offer some very nice units in the $800-$1200 price range, and there are really no bad choices. It is up to each individual to determine which model best fits his/her needs as to features, performance, and price. The same is true with regards to the cars being discussed here.
#348 of 475
Re: Car and Driver weighs in... [roadburner] by drtravel
Dec 02, 2007 (8:55 am)
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Replying to: roadburner (Dec 01, 2007 7:22 am)

Now, I will be the first to admit that you shouldn't blindly accept the conclusions of any one magazine, but I also think that it IS significant when a car receives accolades from a number of enthusiast publications.
 
But did we forget that the Infiniti has won some magazine comparos and the extremely intelligent folks at Edmunds picked it as the winner? That is also significant, more so given the fact that the Infiniti is the new kid and has to worked extra hard to overcome BMW's long term presence and status. As long as your evaluation criteria matches that of the comparo writers, you're OK. These comparos tend to emphasize sportiness over all else - not sure the general public has the same priorities. The hard core enthusiasts in here yes
#349 of 475
Re: A Few Observations... [roadburner] by drtravel
Dec 02, 2007 (9:02 am)
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Replying to: roadburner (Nov 24, 2007 9:10 am)

BMW has essentially defined this market segment since 1966. It has done so by building cars that combine comfort, practicality, and performance in a way that few automakers have been able to emulate.
 
Would have to disagree that BMW has anywhere near the best comfort or practicality in this segment. Refined performance - definitely yes. Sounds too much like a sales pitch.
 
Name another marque that has a larger and/or more active enthusiast base.
 
Agree on this - however some Japanese makes have very enthusiastic performance forums, just not here at Edmunds. The Japanese market features some high-performance models that don't make it stateside. The new Nissan rocket coming over has been around Japan for quite some time. Why Infiniti isn't selling it - I'll never know.
#350 of 475
Re: A Few Observations... [drtravel] by kdshapiro
Dec 02, 2007 (9:15 am)
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Replying to: drtravel (Dec 02, 2007 9:02 am)

Would have to disagree that BMW has anywhere near the best comfort or practicality in this segment. Refined performance - definitely yes. Sounds too much like a sales pitch
 
MIght be true, but the G35 does not have the best comfort or practicality either. It all depends on what you are looking for. The best comfort and practicality combined would have to go to the CTS. So if those were the criteria, the CTS would win every comparo.
#351 of 475
Re: Car and Driver weighs in... [drtravel] by roadburner
Dec 02, 2007 (10:03 am)
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Replying to: drtravel (Dec 02, 2007 8:55 am)

But did we forget that the Infiniti has won some magazine comparos and the extremely intelligent folks at Edmunds picked it as the winner?
 
You missed my point entirely. The 3 Series, G35, and CTS have all notched wins or second place finishes in the various comparison tests. I also stated:
 
"Therefore, I think it is evident that all of these cars are entertaining and competent sport sedans- they simply come in different flavors." (emphasis added)
#352 of 475
Re: A Few Observations... [drtravel] by roadburner
Dec 02, 2007 (10:22 am)
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Replying to: drtravel (Dec 02, 2007 9:02 am)

Would have to disagree that BMW has anywhere near the best comfort or practicality in this segment. Refined performance - definitely yes. Sounds too much like a sales pitch.
 
I never stated that BMWs were the class leaders in comfort or practicality. Rather, BMWs "combine comfort, practicality, and performance in a way that few automakers have been able to emulate." (emphasis added) -and I'll stand by that comment.
 
however some Japanese makes have very enthusiastic performance forums, just not here at Edmunds.
 
I don't believe that true enthusiasm can be measured by the number of dedicated internet forums alone. I'm also looking at club membership, dedicated marque magazines, and factory support of both amateur and professional driving events. Using my yardstick, I'd rank Mazda/Mazdaspeed tops among the Japanese and Chevrolet among the domestics
#353 of 475
Re: A Few Observations... [kdshapiro] by drtravel
Dec 03, 2007 (8:48 am)
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Replying to: kdshapiro (Dec 02, 2007 9:15 am)

MIght be true, but the G35 does not have the best comfort or practicality either.
 
Never said the G35 did. Just commenting that I do not believe the BMW did.
#354 of 475
Re: A Few Observations... [drtravel] by kdshapiro
Dec 03, 2007 (8:50 am)
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Replying to: drtravel (Dec 03, 2007 8:48 am)

I understand that. I am pointing out that comfort, practicality and the elusive magical BMW quality are mutually exclusive.
 
BMW clearly has comfort and performance. G35 has performance. CTS has comfort and practicality...and on and on. Lexus has performance and comfort.
#355 of 475
Re: A Few Observations... [kdshapiro] by drtravel
Dec 03, 2007 (8:57 am)
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Replying to: kdshapiro (Dec 03, 2007 8:50 am)

elusive magical BMW quality
 
In my three years of renting a BMW I did notice the quality - not all of it was magical. But I could say the same about many other cars I have owned so I'm not picking on the BMW. I would be more interested in the shortcomings of your BMW.
#356 of 475
Re: Car and Driver weighs in... [roadburner] by drtravel
Dec 03, 2007 (9:02 am)
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Replying to: roadburner (Dec 02, 2007 10:03 am)

You missed my point entirely.
 
Wouldn't be the first time : (.
 
I was responding to your bold IS comment about how BMW winning comparos meant so much. Actually did appreciate your constructive criticism of the BMW you owned. Wish more posters would tell us what's wrong with their preferred car instead of telling us how great their car is.

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