Not to hijack this thread... But after months of research and test driving the BMW, Lexus, G35, and Chrysler 300C... I finally went out and bought a 2006 Hummer H3 today. The feeling of towering over the road after years in a Mustang is truly unbelievable. Back to the thread... Seriously, check out a used G35... it will blow away the BMW.
If power was all that mattered, then I could blow both the 330i and the G35 away with a GTO, for less than it would cost to buy either cars. Anyways, it's probably brand preference than anything else. I am guessing that a large number of posters here are under the age of 25 or so, and many of them are probably into tuner type cars, which makes the Hondas and the Toyotas slightly more attractive. I agree that anything from the 3-series below the 330i is a "chick" car and should be avoided if at all possible. A 330i is the way to go (M3, or rather the upcoming M4, are too pricey IMO, I would rather get a 530i if I am going to pay around $46k for a car).
Nice! I really like the new H3, it's proportions are still great, looks a lot more appeaking, costs a lot less, and has good fuel economy for such an off-road beast. Oh, I forgot to mention that it's interior quality/fit-n-finish is much superior to that of the H2. I saw one while going to Starbucks today, the only drawback was that I couldn't see anything ahead because the H3 was blocking my view
Please tell me what you do in terms of handling with your BMW on your drive to work that no other car can do. It sounds like I should fear you on the road or something. lol.
Where did I say power was all that mattered? Anyway, it seems I've been out of touch with cars since I bought my TL. The 2006 330 will be able to keep up with a G35. I guess BMW finally figured out they couldn't justify their price without up'ing the engine performance. Good thing I resubscribed to my car mags... yikes.
It's OK, he will earn back your respect when you see him driving through a flooded area like nothing happened, while your FWD Acura TL is flooded and destroyed
Just wondering if the stats you're looking at are acceleration and quarter mile. Only b/c, IMO, Japanese cars with similar torque/HP to Euro cars are not nearly as powerful in practical terms since they generally must rev at significantly higher RPM's in order to reach their peaks.
Yup, but in comparing say a G35 to a BMW, you're comparing a far more powerful engine in the G35. The redline is 7000 RPM. But it also puts out around 270 lb. ft. of torque and around 300 hp. The torque value is hit at 4800 rpm and the hp at 6400. Max HP on a 2005 330i is at 5900 RPM and max torque 3500. On the 2006 300i, which is more in-line in terms of performance with the current G35, top HP is at 6600 RPM and torque at 2750 rpm. Of course the 2006 330i generates less torque and hp. But in general, most Japanese performance cars are rev-happy - the S2000 comes to mind.
