Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans 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
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)
|
Replying to: roadburner (Apr 05, 2008 5:24 pm) One of the most interesting results
|
|
|
Replying to: carzzz (Apr 06, 2008 6:22 pm) The Internet is wonderful. It goes to show anybody can write anything. Seems like this would be enough for C/D,R/T, edmunds etc to make the car last in an AWD sports sedan comparo. |
|
|
I've compared all of the 335i's near and distant competitors from both sides of the cost spectrum. The 335i comes out on top in the majority of considerations. The root of its strengths is its impecible handling, generous low end torque, and involving driving experience. It has some weakness as well. Bland interior, iDrive, and a less Sporty exterior than I'd prefer. These diminish slightly the greatness the 335i posseses. There is news that BMW is working to provide buyers more options with rumors of tii comming back. 2008's lineup seems endless: 335i, E92 M3, C63 AMG, ISF, GTR, S5, ... Out of these, I think the 335i will sell the most, even with its not so cheap price tag of average $48k. With the US economy showing serious signs of weakness, unemployment is creepping up, gas and food prices on the rise, seemmingly endless and growing wars over seas ... I wonder whether or not auto manufacturers picked the right year to flood the market with sports sedans. Sports sedans are a sign of wealth, prosperity. They signify a thriving live-style well above subsistance. I wonder whether these times will last in the near future. It's always wise to enjoy life and persue happiness..thats why I leased a 330i three years ago. Thus far, my plan was to renue my vow to that persuit by leasing the 335i. Given the cloudy economic outlook however,.. I'm having second thoughts. My hunch is that others are as well. Maybe a used Hoda Civic is a wiser choice to temporarilly ride out the clouds. Thanks to the Auto Industry for their 2008 efforts..but it seems like bad timming may spoil their investments. Joseph San Diego my blog: http://www.carspace.com/blogs/enthusiastsdilemma08
|
|
|
Replying to: jmaroun (Apr 12, 2008 8:17 pm) One persons bland interior, is my spot on interior. I can't see what the issue with idrive is, I figured it out in 30 seconds going 50 mph. The exterior of the 335i is perfect. I did feel the seat belt extender was a bit gimmicky though. By the way, in another thread you mention you leased a car through an internet company. How did that turn out? |
|
|
I got the G35 when it first came out. After that I got the current generation 330i when it first came out. Leased them both. Lease on 330i only has 3 months to go. I am struggling with what comes next. Although my G (first generation) and my 3 (330i not 335i) are not exactly the same as the G and 3 used in this latest comparison, I believe I can weigh in from experience with both. Simply put, the BMW is the better car in my view but not worth the large price difference. The price difference does become somewhat smaller, however, when you factor in BMW's better gas mileage and included maintenance. As far as reliability goes, I had many problems with the 3 while I had no problems with the G. Price and reliability matter to most prospective purchasers, while they may not matter at all to auto enthusiasts who are just rounding up these cars and testing them for a performance comparison. Now that I've had the two cars most often rated as #1 and #2 in this market segment, what's next for me? I do want a change. I like to get something new and fresh every 3 years, which is one of the reasons why I lease. But I don't see much out there that fits the bill this time around. The 1-Series has some appeal to me, but it is a coupe and probably too small. The CTS has been getting rave reviews, but according to Consumer Reports Cadillac is near the bottom in reliablity ratings. So I wouldn't take a chance on a Cadillac, especially the first model year of a new generation. An upgrade to a 335i does not excite me. It is basically the same car as I have now, albeit more powerful. It's a lot of money and not much of change. Changing back to the G35 also does not excite me. It really hasn't changed much and the gas mileage is relatively bad. The TL and the A4 are in the last model year of their respective current generations. I cannot wait for the new gens and I do not want to be driving what will before long be the old model. So what's next? Maybe the IS? I like the way it looks, though I'm not so sure about the drive as it does not seem to do exceedingly well in comparison tests (at least not when the G and the 3 are in the mix). So far I have test driven only the IS250AWD, which was the only IS the dealer had for test drives at the time. It was lacking in relative power from a stop, but I am sure the same is not true for the IS350 (or maybe even the IS250 w/o AWD). I found it to be quiet, comfortable, and surprising nimble (given the almost universal knock on Toyota and Lexus cars). I have read criticisms about the handling and room in the rear, but neither is valid from my own personal perspective. I might just give up my gotta be first on the block to have it mentality, as it has been costing me a lot of money over the years. I might be more open this time and perhaps be swayed by which cars in this market segment have attractive lease programs at my time of need. Still thinking . . .
|
|
|
I have driven and priced out almost every alternative to an M35 since my lease is ending next month and I like change. I am down to two options....lease another M35 for two years....or order a 2009 Mercedes C350. I've eliminated all the others including the IS which is just too small and the IS250 is just underpowered. In my opinion the Infiniti EX is much nicer on the inside than the G35 which reminds me of a Nissan Altima/Maxima...but the G35 does have more pep. Agree on A4.,..would like to see the new one, but it comes out too late. CTS has uncomfortably short seat. BMW's overpriced unless you have lots of hills and curves...a great car for Ct but not for Florida. ES/RX 350's are dull...GS350 is much nicer but has terrible resale value. New Jaguar XF is worth drooling over, but it's selling at list price with a terrible lease and one has to wonder who will have the car more often, you or the service dept. Let us know what you do....if you haven't driven a C350...give it a look...you may be surprised. |
|
|
Replying to: davidd3 (May 20, 2008 9:55 am) My car had only one problem at 5K miles and the RFT issue but stellar from then on. Basically, it's either the 3'er or the 1'er as top options going forward. Good blend of everything I need. The 1 is tighter fit for me and the styling is a few clicks down but still in consideration. I will test the G again since I had only tryed the previous G coupe. The 3 was a better choice for me back then. Regards, OW
|
|
|
Replying to: davidd3 (May 20, 2008 9:55 am) Drive the 335 w/ SP and you might just change this opinion  Leave out the iDrive and go with the HK sounds for a little aural pleasure beyond that straight six and you have a wonderful driving machine that is truly well-engineered. Make mine a Coupe!
|
|
|
Replying to: circlew (May 20, 2008 11:02 am) Thanks. Given your timing (lease up in Dec), you will have more options than me (lease up in Aug). The new gens of the A4 and TL will be out, if either of them might appeal to you. Maybe we will both end up in 1s. That would be a nice change for me, after driving sedans for many years. But right now it's still a pay through nose leasing situation - no or small dealer discount coupled with BMWFS's highest current money factor. Let's see what June brings. It should be much better when your time comes. As for the 3, the money factor is decent, but they lowered the residuals by a whopping 4% in May. Regards, DD |
|
|
Replying to: lovemyclk (May 20, 2008 7:46 pm) Maybe. But I'm trying my best not to drive it, because I'd like to have a lower monthly payment this time around. Thinking back 3 years ago, I now recall that I was ready to order a 325i. I supposed the 330i was not worth the extra money, on paper that is. I changed my mind at the last minute, after driving one. To me, it was the difference between adequate (325i) and fun (330i). 3 years later I suppose I might have a similar feeling about a 335i as compared to my 330i. But in any event, since the 335i looks the same inside and out as the car I have been driving for 3 years, it would not have nearly the same new car excitement for me as totally changing to another car.
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Sedans Article Comments - Comparison Test: 2007-2008 Sport Sedans
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 Cadillac CTS
2010 BMW 3 Series
2008 Infiniti G35
1991 Mercedes-Benz 350-Class
2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
