Another Acura press release:Acura wants a stronger image (New York Newsday)
02-11-06, 04:10 PM
#61
Originally Posted by Incendiary
A BMW 325i with a MT and sports package will outhandle >95% of the cars on the road.
02-11-06, 05:06 PM
#62
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Vehicle MSRP 0-60 time 1/4 mile time skidpad
2006 325xi $34,695 7.9 sec 15.9 sec 0.77
2006 TL $33,525 6.0 sec 14.4 sec 0.83
That's the 325xi with sport package and no other options, and the TL with performance tires and no other options. Except for AWD (where the Bimmer clearly has an advantage), the TL is loaded with far more luxury features standard. It's got better initial quality rankings, reliability ratings, and customer service rankings.
But purely looking at the objective numbers above, how can you say that the lady in your office "drove the BMW and one drive was all it took", and that it will outhandle >95% of the cars on the road? That skidpad rating is pretty horrible, it would seem. In fact, it's amazing that anyone considers the 325i in any way either a luxury car or a performance car. It's really just an econobox with a very expensive roundel.
2006 325xi $34,695 7.9 sec 15.9 sec 0.77
2006 TL $33,525 6.0 sec 14.4 sec 0.83
That's the 325xi with sport package and no other options, and the TL with performance tires and no other options. Except for AWD (where the Bimmer clearly has an advantage), the TL is loaded with far more luxury features standard. It's got better initial quality rankings, reliability ratings, and customer service rankings.
But purely looking at the objective numbers above, how can you say that the lady in your office "drove the BMW and one drive was all it took", and that it will outhandle >95% of the cars on the road? That skidpad rating is pretty horrible, it would seem. In fact, it's amazing that anyone considers the 325i in any way either a luxury car or a performance car. It's really just an econobox with a very expensive roundel.
02-11-06, 05:12 PM
#63
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Originally Posted by Iceman
Vehicle MSRP 0-60 time 1/4 mile time skidpad
2006 325xi $34,695 7.9 sec 15.9 sec 0.77
2006 TL $33,525 6.0 sec 14.4 sec 0.83
2006 325xi $34,695 7.9 sec 15.9 sec 0.77
2006 TL $33,525 6.0 sec 14.4 sec 0.83
Of course, they rank the 330i higher because the TL is FWD & lacks the BMW driving feel. So even in handling, the 330i isn't that dominant by objective measures, never mind the 325xi.
02-11-06, 10:07 PM
#64
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Originally Posted by Iceman
Vehicle MSRP 0-60 time 1/4 mile time skidpad
2006 325xi $34,695 7.9 sec 15.9 sec 0.77
2006 TL $33,525 6.0 sec 14.4 sec 0.83
That's the 325xi with sport package and no other options, and the TL with performance tires and no other options. Except for AWD (where the Bimmer clearly has an advantage), the TL is loaded with far more luxury features standard. It's got better initial quality rankings, reliability ratings, and customer service rankings.
But purely looking at the objective numbers above, how can you say that the lady in your office "drove the BMW and one drive was all it took", and that it will outhandle >95% of the cars on the road? That skidpad rating is pretty horrible, it would seem. In fact, it's amazing that anyone considers the 325i in any way either a luxury car or a performance car. It's really just an econobox with a very expensive roundel.
2006 325xi $34,695 7.9 sec 15.9 sec 0.77
2006 TL $33,525 6.0 sec 14.4 sec 0.83
That's the 325xi with sport package and no other options, and the TL with performance tires and no other options. Except for AWD (where the Bimmer clearly has an advantage), the TL is loaded with far more luxury features standard. It's got better initial quality rankings, reliability ratings, and customer service rankings.
But purely looking at the objective numbers above, how can you say that the lady in your office "drove the BMW and one drive was all it took", and that it will outhandle >95% of the cars on the road? That skidpad rating is pretty horrible, it would seem. In fact, it's amazing that anyone considers the 325i in any way either a luxury car or a performance car. It's really just an econobox with a very expensive roundel.
The car (325) inspires confidence - even without sports package. I drove one back to back with a Legacy GT in a C&D test here in Chicago. On paper, the Legacy GT is faster and handles better. But that was not the "subjective" case. The 325 was the more fun car - felt faster, turned better, made you feel like one with the car.
You are correct, the TL has better initial quality rankings, reliability rankings, and customer service rankings - but it has a lower satisfaction amongst owners. Go figure.
Oh and Och, your parents would like the BMW as it requires fewer oil changes.
Edit:
Here are the latest C&D numbers on the E90 325i (without AWD) - car is a 6 speed manual just like the TL numbers you quote.
Price as tested: $33,190 (base price: $30,995)
Zero to 60 mph: 6.1 sec
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g
Last edited by doug_999; 02-11-06 at 10:13 PM.
02-11-06, 10:57 PM
#65
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Originally Posted by Iceman
Vehicle MSRP 0-60 time 1/4 mile time skidpad
2006 325xi $34,695 7.9 sec 15.9 sec 0.77
2006 TL $33,525 6.0 sec 14.4 sec 0.83
That's the 325xi with sport package and no other options, and the TL with performance tires and no other options. Except for AWD (where the Bimmer clearly has an advantage), the TL is loaded with far more luxury features standard. It's got better initial quality rankings, reliability ratings, and customer service rankings.
But purely looking at the objective numbers above, how can you say that the lady in your office "drove the BMW and one drive was all it took", and that it will outhandle >95% of the cars on the road? That skidpad rating is pretty horrible, it would seem. In fact, it's amazing that anyone considers the 325i in any way either a luxury car or a performance car. It's really just an econobox with a very expensive roundel.
2006 325xi $34,695 7.9 sec 15.9 sec 0.77
2006 TL $33,525 6.0 sec 14.4 sec 0.83
That's the 325xi with sport package and no other options, and the TL with performance tires and no other options. Except for AWD (where the Bimmer clearly has an advantage), the TL is loaded with far more luxury features standard. It's got better initial quality rankings, reliability ratings, and customer service rankings.
But purely looking at the objective numbers above, how can you say that the lady in your office "drove the BMW and one drive was all it took", and that it will outhandle >95% of the cars on the road? That skidpad rating is pretty horrible, it would seem. In fact, it's amazing that anyone considers the 325i in any way either a luxury car or a performance car. It's really just an econobox with a very expensive roundel.
And I did say >95% of cars (by which I meant vehicles) on the road... You know how many Savanas and RVs and Camrys and Aveos there are out there?
02-11-06, 10:58 PM
#66
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Originally Posted by Och
On quick turns and auto-x, maybe, but so will any car with stiffened suspension. Take it around a nice high speed curve, and its a flop compared to real sports cars.
02-12-06, 12:15 PM
#67
Originally Posted by Incendiary
That's not fair, we're not talking sports cars are we?
02-16-06, 03:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Och
Well, no, but then again, like a 3 series may impress someone who's been driving buick park avenue's all their life, but for someone who's driving a wide range of cars, including luxury cars, sports cars, suvs, the 325 is mediocre. While it's ok in most categories, it doesn't excel in anything in particular, and that price tag is unjustified.
02-16-06, 04:00 AM
#69
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That doesn't mean the price tag is unjustified. For one thing, you get a lot more with the Lexus for the price. But independent of that, BMW's products are (to many of us) simply priced too high for what you get.
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