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I did a test drive of a MY06 BMW 330. Lot's of notes regarding this car versus my 02 Aero.
As most of you may know, the BMW 30 series engine has 255hp V6 engine. Basically it's negligible in HP to the Aero (or a now standard 95) so it's 4 cylinder turbo and a six cylinder non-turbo.
The new design of the 3 series is finally a decent sized car. I'm 6'3" and the previous 3 series were simply way too small. Back seat room was a after-thought and thus a joke. The new model is actually fairly spacious and can finally accommodate someone my size. I actually had a decent amount of leg room and wasn't rubbing shoulders with the passenger. Good job BMW, though I'd still probably get a 5 series since I have kids and occasionally have people in the back (and then that cranks the price up just short of 10k).
As with most BMWs the suspension was rock solid. I gotta admit, it was nice. And this was without the sports package (and thus stiffer suspension).
So, how did it fair against my Aero?
Well, the short of it - giving the price and real world driving of each I'm still going to stick with the Aero. Here are my thoughts:
1. A cup holder even lamer than SAAB - thy name is BMW (I know, cup holder, but still . . . I didn't think there was worse - turns out there is)
2. Everyone says the SAAB interior and instrument panel is long in the tooth. True, but so too is BMW's. Even with the new body, the panels aren't all that special. Please, let's not even discuss iDrive. Plus, I love the night panel on my SAAB. I use it frequently and love it and think it to be a great feature.
3. Engine - off the line the BMW was faster. While the torque is better on the SAAB the front wheel drive negate this. Off the line the BMW is just a quicker ride.
4. Real word driving - personally, I don't really put all that much in a cold start. I just don't drive that way. To me, fun driving is an on ramp to a highway and going from 30mph to 80mph. No competition here, the Aero rules the day. Don't get me wrong, the BMW was fast, but the Aero with turbo was just a better experience and far faster (plus you get the kick in the pants of the turbo being engaged). Add to this things like EZPass tolls and going from 20mph back to 80mph and I'll take the AERO.
Giving the price of the Aero and the fact that it has real room for adults - I'm sticking with my 95 Aero. Add to this the over 30 miles per gallon I routinely achieve and I'm a pretty happy camper. I think the real loser in all this might be the 93. I'm not in the market for a 93, but if I were I know people who got a 325 with premium package and euro delivery for $30,400. I hate to say it, but giving the two, I might take the 325.
So what are some of the things Saab can borrow from BMW. Ok, I know this is a small thing, but I have to admit I really liked it - the stalks on the BMW were stiff and had a great feeling with a small throw to operate. Saab stalks are just par for the course. Kinda big and kinda plastic. The BMW stalks just exuded class. Suspension, like I said, I didn't drive a 330 with the sport package so their are lots of cars with even stiffer suspension, but the suspension did make it feel like I could corner very well (I have no clue if real world driving would really make me corner better, giving I'm not a pro and I certainly don't drive on a track). Still, it gave a sense of sport and confidence to the car.
Anyone else have any thoughts? Oh, the lack of turbo force feedback in the wheel - the BMW didn't have that and actually I found myself missing it. It kind of makes you engaged in the car and I missed it (might just be me, though).
posted by 69.247.10...
, Mon, 13 Feb 2006 13:22:00
, Sun, 12 Feb 2006 12:16:18
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