2012 BMW 335i: 0 to 60 = 4.7 sec
03-03-12, 12:23 PM
#47
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
The brand new F30 335i M-sport is 300 pounds lighter, is 1 full-class size smaller, has the new 340hp engine and 8 speed auto yet will lose to the 2013 GS350, with its 7 year old engine/powertrain and its 6 speed transmission, in terms of handling/braking and just barely keep up with it on the Motortrend Figure 8 Slalom course.
The 8 speed auto with start/stop tech allows it to achieve 23/32 MPG!!! while going 0to60 in 4.7sec.
While the handling #s are EQUAL, it has always been the STEERING FEEL and CONFIDENCE that the 3 Series inspires the driver with when you drive it which separates it from other cars.
Performance #s are great but the feeling and communication of driving a car is what makes it SPECIAL.
Oh and BTW the new 3Series and GS350 are almost the SAME SIZE, as the new 3 has grown a bit - it is now the same size as e39 5 series.
GS350 Specs:
Wheelbase 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length 4,848 mm (190.9 in)
Width 1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Height 1,455 mm (57.3 in)
335i Specs:
Wheelbase 2,810 mm (110.6 in)
Length 4,624 mm (182.0 in)
Width 1,811 mm (71.3 in)
Height 1,429 mm (56.3 in)
Last edited by RNM GS3; 03-03-12 at 12:31 PM.
03-03-12, 08:16 PM
#48
Pole Position
While the handling #s are EQUAL, it has always been the STEERING FEEL and CONFIDENCE that the 3 Series inspires the driver with when you drive it which separates it from other cars.
Performance #s are great but the feeling and communication of driving a car is what makes it SPECIAL.
Oh and BTW the new 3Series and GS350 are almost the SAME SIZE
Performance #s are great but the feeling and communication of driving a car is what makes it SPECIAL.
Oh and BTW the new 3Series and GS350 are almost the SAME SIZE
If you have been paying attention, many reviews have stated that the tables have turned : it is now Lexus with its 4th Gen GS that is more confidence inspiring in the turns and handling course than BMW. I guess that means the 4GS is more SPECIAL than the BMW now LOL
The size of the F30 3 series still doesn't change the fact that it is 300 pounds lighter than the 4GS yet no better on the handling circuit.
And BTW, the handling numbers aren't equal, the 4GS > F30 335i in terms of braking and skidpad. Only the greater hp/mass ratio of the 335i keeps it in the hunt on the MT Figure 8 test track. Given the same hp/mass ratio, the 4GS would probably win decisively with better times.
Last edited by natnut; 03-03-12 at 09:18 PM.
03-03-12, 09:18 PM
#49
Lexus Test Driver
Just got my Autoweek and the newly tested 335i stick did the deed in 5.4 seconds. Where is the brilliant numbers? I know AW is usually on the slower side, but a half of second?
03-03-12, 10:09 PM
#51
They were doing some road work on one of the local highways, and they built a temporary overpass, with very narrow, wavy lanes, very uneven, constant camber changes, and driving most any car above 40mph just felt unsafe. Yet you could do 70mph on it in the 3 series, and it didn't phase at all, it feels as confident as driving on a perfectly smooth road. If the new GS can do it, it's going to be my next car.
03-03-12, 10:37 PM
#52
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
If you have been paying attention, many reviews have stated that the tables have turned : it is now Lexus with its 4th Gen GS that is more confidence inspiring in the turns and handling course than BMW. I guess that means the 4GS is more SPECIAL than the BMW now LOL
The size of the F30 3 series still doesn't change the fact that it is 300 pounds lighter than the 4GS yet no better on the handling circuit.
And BTW, the handling numbers aren't equal, the 4GS > F30 335i in terms of braking and skidpad. Only the greater hp/mass ratio of the 335i keeps it in the hunt on the MT Figure 8 test track. Given the same hp/mass ratio, the 4GS would probably win decisively with better times.
The size of the F30 3 series still doesn't change the fact that it is 300 pounds lighter than the 4GS yet no better on the handling circuit.
And BTW, the handling numbers aren't equal, the 4GS > F30 335i in terms of braking and skidpad. Only the greater hp/mass ratio of the 335i keeps it in the hunt on the MT Figure 8 test track. Given the same hp/mass ratio, the 4GS would probably win decisively with better times.
BTW the GS350 FSport that achieved those handling and braking figures has 4 Piston 14in Brake setup upfront and active rear steering, none of which the 3 Series has and yet it achieved Equal handling/braking #s.
I have owned a modded GS and currently have a STOCK 335i.......they are 2 different cars when it comes to confidence and steering feel.
Last edited by RNM GS3; 03-03-12 at 10:51 PM.
03-04-12, 02:15 AM
#53
I'm not sure you understand difference between STEERING FEEL/CONFIDENCE and HANDLING #S...........I'm sure the new GS is great handling car but I will highly doubt it provides the steering feedback, nimbleness, and fun to drive factor that matches the 3 Series. No review has stated that steering feedback was excellent, if anything that was what is left for Lexus to improve on.
BTW the GS350 FSport that achieved those handling and braking figures has 4 Piston 14in Brake setup upfront and active rear steering, none of which the 3 Series has and yet it achieved Equal handling/braking #s.
I have owned a modded GS and currently have a STOCK 335i.......they are 2 different cars when it comes to confidence and steering feel.
BTW the GS350 FSport that achieved those handling and braking figures has 4 Piston 14in Brake setup upfront and active rear steering, none of which the 3 Series has and yet it achieved Equal handling/braking #s.
I have owned a modded GS and currently have a STOCK 335i.......they are 2 different cars when it comes to confidence and steering feel.
But I am sure it would be a lot more nible, confident and feel like a proper car if it only had BMW badge :-).
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