C/D: 328i vs A4 vs C250 vs S60 and G25

[Saintor]

Another well deserved blow at the horrible BMW N20

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars...ed-to-bmw.html

We bought a new-for-2012 328i for CR's test program--the volume model. It may very well prove to be a good car by just about any objective measures, but does this version put a smile on my face? No.

Here's why:

The standard, creamy-smooth 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine has been replaced with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Even though it's rated at 240 hp, with 10 horses more than the old Six, there is a difference of night and day in the character, sound, and power delivery. At idle, this four-cylinder sounds like a diesel. Incidentally, with its eight-speed automatic, the turbo's 0-60 mph acceleration times are about a half-second quicker than with the old Six mated to a six-speed automatic, but in the real world, you'd never know that. Gone are the effortless linearity, flexibility, and tractable throttle response.

[J-Tim]

Another well deserved blow at the horrible BMW N20

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars...ed-to-bmw.html

What's so horrible about it ? Yes, a 6 cylinder is one smooth engine, but if you're after fuel economy and your name is Saintor, a turbocharged four is just fine.

[RacingManiac]

Motor Trend article had a $50k BMW also. Their point was this isn't how most buy the car and this is how they received the car. Since everyone wants the BMW in this test and most and when normally purchased most of them are competitors I would rather them include the 328 than not. I also realize that if I was to buy the A4 or the 328 that the price with similar options that the price would be much closer than what is in this test and the results wouldn't change.

Everyone complains about test results when they don't agree, this is why it is a magazine's opinion, read the test and buy what you want. Some of the points are valid even if you don't agree with the outcome.

Its f-ed up though they decided against including the G37, and yet they throw in a T6 Volvo.....and even then the Bimmer is still $7k+ more than the Volvo.....

[dmorrow]

Its f-ed up though they decided against including the G37, and yet they throw in a T6 Volvo.....and even then the Bimmer is still $7k+ more than the Volvo.....

I agree, doesn't seem fair to have the G25 when the G37 would sit in the price range of the rest. If I was considering the 328 or A4 I would also be looking at the G37.

[jepva]

I agree, doesn't seem fair to have the G25 when the G37 would sit in the price range of the rest. If I was considering the 328 or A4 I would also be looking at the G37.

Yep.

And for those who think a 328i might be cheaper than a G37..I highly suggest you go to BMW's online configurator. For the same options in my G37, the BMW came out to $51k. I paid $38k for my G37, and its loaded. BMW has made so many really-should-be-standard options extra now, like the xenons, keyless entry, alarm..even paddle shifters are now a $500 option, and another $500 to get sport mode on the transmission.

Sure, you can get a stripper model with the MT for the base price..but have fun with that. It's really about the badge, I guess.

[maskedSONY]

So very happy to see that C&D rates the G's chassis so highly and heaps it with praise, so many years after the platform's introduction. The Toyobaru and the RX8 show that Japan still loves RWD and knows how to put it to use, but the Nissan's FW chassis is not as new and still manages to impress. That it's come from a company which faced an uncertain future during its development is all the more impressive.

Here's to hoping Nissan keeps the brilliant chassis know-how in its upcoming products. A car with narrow all-season tires on an old platform excelling in steering feedback, grip and braking is nothing to casually dismiss. They should be proud.

I find it funny that ten years ago Nissan was killing everybody with their superior V6 engines, but those same engines now are just mediocre. Also, ten years ago there wasn't a Nissan or Infiniti with a decent suspension, but now comes this G25 and it's supposedly brilliant.

The 3L VQ engine that was in the Maxima a long time ago was insanely smooth and powerful and apparently none of the engines produced since then can match it.

[badb5]

You forgot the truck like 190 feet stopping distance. The BMW stopped like a block farther than all other cars
Also all BMW eco, extra mile crap ads aside, reality showed it barely ekeing over regular cars from competition.

Truck like indeed - In the 3/4 ton diesel truck comparo in the same C/D the Silverado crew cab duramax took 5 feet more to stop from 70 than the 328 which is pathetic. That alone would be a deal breaker for me. The aging Silverado placed #1 in that comparo over Dodge & Ford btw.

[6cylVWguy]

Yep.

And for those who think a 328i might be cheaper than a G37..I highly suggest you go to BMW's online configurator. For the same options in my G37, the BMW came out to $51k. I paid $38k for my G37, and its loaded. BMW has made so many really-should-be-standard options extra now, like the xenons, keyless entry, alarm..even paddle shifters are now a $500 option, and another $500 to get sport mode on the transmission.

Sure, you can get a stripper model with the MT for the base price..but have fun with that. It's really about the badge, I guess.

If you're a gadget person who likes a lot of "stuff" in their car, then sure, I see your point. But some people, like myself, would pay more for less "stuff" and a better, more balanced driving experience. Try as they might, the G has never been able to match the 3 series when it comes to driving dynamics. So they play the "features" game where they offer more "stuff" for less. So were back to what I was saying earlier: if you like "stuff", then the BMW likely isn't the car for you.

And that $38k you spent on your car wasn't the MSRP, at all. You can't compared the price you negotiated in addition to any rebates with the MSRP of a BMW. As I saw it, a " loaded" G37 AWD sedan with the sport package (which IIRC, is what you drive) is actualy ~$44k. I'd rather have a "base" sportline 335i with a manual (which isn't even available with your particular car) for $45k.

[InfinitiG]

If you're a gadget person who likes a lot of "stuff" in their car, then sure, I see your point. But some people, like myself, would pay more for less "stuff" and a better, more balanced driving experience. Try as they might, the G has never been able to match the 3 series when it comes to driving dynamics. So they play the "features" game where they offer more "stuff" for less. So were back to what I was saying earlier: if you like "stuff", then the BMW likely isn't the car for you.

And that $38k you spent on your car wasn't the MSRP, at all. You can't compared the price you negotiated in addition to any rebates with the MSRP of a BMW. As I saw it, a " loaded" G37 AWD sedan with the sport package (which IIRC, is what you drive) is actualy ~$44k. I'd rather have a "base" sportline 335i with a manual (which isn't even available with your particular car) for $45k.

C&D just said in their article that the G had the best chassis, handling, and steering feel of the group.

Where is your god now.

[RacingManiac]

If you're a gadget person who likes a lot of "stuff" in their car, then sure, I see your point. But some people, like myself, would pay more for less "stuff" and a better, more balanced driving experience. Try as they might, the G has never been able to match the 3 series when it comes to driving dynamics. So they play the "features" game where they offer more "stuff" for less. So were back to what I was saying earlier: if you like "stuff", then the BMW likely isn't the car for you.

And that $38k you spent on your car wasn't the MSRP, at all. You can't compared the price you negotiated in addition to any rebates with the MSRP of a BMW. As I saw it, a " loaded" G37 AWD sedan with the sport package (which IIRC, is what you drive) is actualy ~$44k. I'd rather have a "base" sportline 335i with a manual (which isn't even available with your particular car) for $45k.

Base G37S with 6MT is only $41k MSRP....Which would still undercut I believe every single car in this comparo....

To get a 335 Sportline with Nav, heated seats, and optional sound system(all of which are standard on G37S) you are looking at $51k.....

[jepva]

Try as they might, the G has never been able to match the 3 series when it comes to driving dynamics.

I'm not even going to take the bait on that one..

BUT, to your point about the price/features - it's all about the value to me. I actually test drove the 3 series extensively before I got the G37. I was looking at a 335d at the time. I also went back and recently test drove a new F30 328i, just to see if I was missing something. Overall, in the old and new 3 series, I felt like I was in a cheaper car compared to my G37. The chassis of the G feels more solid..and I know that there are haters of the Infiniti interior, but I found the 3-series to actually be more bland, simple, and less luxurious. If you really like that "spartan" Euro look, it's great I guess, but I really felt more at home in the G. Also enjoy the N/A power more and the sounds from the G motor. I kinda already did the whole 4 cylinder turbo thing awhile, so wanted something different.

For me, buying a stripper 3 series, I would feel poor and like I cheaped out. I don't want to feel like that when buying any $35k+ car that I'm going to keep for a few years.

[GolfVIDriver]

Another well deserved blow at the horrible BMW N20

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars...ed-to-bmw.html

Don't knock it. It could very well be YOUR next BASE MODEL BMW.

[Max Rebo]

You forgot the truck like 190 feet stopping distance. The BMW stopped like a block farther than all other cars
Also all BMW eco, extra mile crap ads aside, reality showed it barely ekeing over regular cars from competition.

Regarding the stopping distance (and to be fair) BMW equipped the car with lousy low-rolling resistance all-season run-flat tires. They also mentioned that even the Sport Line trim level gets the same (or similar) tires instead of more appropriate hi-po street tires, all in the name of fuel economy marketing.

Looking at the configurator now, I don't even see an option for different tires. It sucks in terms of the comparison. Good thing tires are easily replaced.

I don't know whether I'd like the new 4-cyl. turbo engine, as I have yet to drive a new 328.

[1Point8TDan]

Don't knock it. It could very well be YOUR next BASE MODEL BMW.

Even in Canada they dropped the pathetic naturally aspirated engines in the 3-series. Camry V6 might be his next car.

[GolfVIDriver]

Even in Canada they dropped the pathetic naturally aspirated engines in the 3-series. Camry V6 might be his next car.

He would never deem a mass market car acceptable. It would have to be the world's sh**tiest, most basic E90 you have ever seen.

With 75K miles on it.

And automatic.

...oh, wait...

[ElixXxeR]

And yet, the G25 managed a third-place finish by  virtue of  its best-in-class handling and steering feel.

One of the reasons why I'll always look to Infiniti in this class. Hopefully the V37 does not sacrifice the fun factor to compete better with Lexus and the Germans.