I know C&D recently did this comparison, but I would just like to know what everyone else thinks, and i'd like to add some cars that they "forgot" about.

1. BMW 325i
2. Lexus IS300
3. Audi A4 Quattro
4. Jaguar X-Type
5. Infiniti G35
6. Acura TL
7. Saab 9-3 Arc
8. Mercedes Benz C240
9. Caddilac CTS

I know C&D recently did this comparison, but I would just like to know what everyone else thinks, and i'd like to add some cars that they "forgot" about.

1. BMW 325i
2. Lexus IS300
3. Audi A4 Quattro
4. Jaguar X-Type
5. Infiniti G35
6. Acura TL
7. Saab 9-3 Arc
8. Mercedes Benz C240
9. Caddilac CTS


From the list you provided, I believe (with my limited knowledge) that I would rule out numbers 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 - leaving:

2. Lexus IS300
5. Infiniti G35
9. Caddilac CTS

Reliability wise, the Lexus is probably going to come through. For speed and handling I believe the Infiniti G35 will come through. And the Cadillac is basically also a very powerful sport-sedan with good low-end torque.

Overall, the G35 seems like a more reasonable choice considering the AWD/RWD options, lower weight, good higher-end torque which would help with gearing, short-throw 6 speed tranny, variable valve timing, and nice suspension. Not to mention higher HP and Torque then basically all the others.

I hope I didn't miss anything, but if all is coherent the G35 would seem like a better value.

Great Question!

G35... AWD owns you! lol

hmm, well I don't really like any of the cars you mentioned above anyway. I'd much rather buy a slightly used corvette for that kinda cash. only car i don't mind outta that lot is the Jaguar.

G35... AWD owns you! lol
the AWD tacked on a bit of extra weight with no extra hp to make up for it. they need to start making an AWD sport coupe 6 speed with the 280 hp engine instead of the typical 260. i still voted G35 though. a lot of the cars on the list do certain things well but the infiniti just does almost everything well and looks good too.

I liked the G35 alot when I test drove it too, mucho power, good handling, pretty spacious interior for a $35,000 car, but it just didn't handle like the 3 series BMW, especially the xi (awd), and there much lighter then the competitors. You can get a really nice 325i for $35,000, or a base 330i for the same. I've said it before and i'll say it again, nothing handles like a BMW (except a 911), to bad the 3 series is underpowered, hopefully the next generation will have a little stronger engine.

i say an nsx and the nsx r can outhandle a bmw... knowing that the r outhandles the modena

i say an nsx and the nsx r can outhandle a bmw... knowing that the r outhandles the modena


This a luxury sedan comparo, all out sports car have no place here.


And btw since i would not get a car in this class to drive like a maniac(there are cars much better suited for that) i chose the acura TL, I am very impresed by the its build quality, impresive list of features, and very good styling inside and out.

Many competent cars here, A4, G35, TL, but it's the 325i for me. Silky straight six, perfect weight distribution, great handling, good looks and and a luxurious interior.

The C-class is good but a little grown up and gutless for my liking. The IS300 ive never been a fan of. As for the X-Type, i wouldnt drive that if you paid me...

well i was oposing the capabuilities of the bmw which was listed in this thread so i think it is related :screwy:

Seriously, why would you even mention a NSX in this comparo, its like talking about the McLaren F1 or a Ferrari in a truck comparison. Try to stick to cars in this class. If your talking about BMW in general, then find one in the same class, not the 3 series.

The TL was pretty nice when I drove it, nice interior, tons of power compared to its rivals, but it handles like an Accord. I like to have some excitement in my cars, and the TL just didn't do it for me.

The X-Type is the "wannabe Jag" A few too many Ford Components for my liking. Basically a British family car with a cool logo.

A4 Quattro is good, but badly in need of an overhaul. I know Audi can do better then this and build better cars then BMW (RS6), and will soon.

he said NOTHING out handles a bmw .... so i said in once sentence that it didnt.. its not a big deal i didnt try to "stick it in the comparo" and i didnt even say the 3 series... :screwy: he compares a bmw to a 911 and i just listed another car that can outhandle it yet i dont hear anyone complaning to him about his comparison... you people take thing too seriously

jaguar x-type all the way. the inside of that car makes me fill luxurius :smile:

1. Caddilac CTS
2. Saab 9-3 Arc
3. Infiniti G35
4. Audi A4 Quattro
5. Lexus IS300
6. Mercedes Benz C240
7. BMW 325i
8. Acura TL
9. Jaguar X-Type

5 6 3...
Then I don't need to pick any other.
If, just if. TL is FR. then 6 5 3.
The others are just either too small, or too small in hp, or too small in gear numbers.

I'll take a 3 series and US$35,000 will get you a 330i in the States wonnit? either way it has the near-50:50 wieght distribution, the luxury, the silky engines and transmission. It's getting on, but it's still the best.

The TL is second, huge advancement, but not a lot of driver involvement, which is odd for a Honda..................

Then the G35, good I hear, but I have yet to drive one. Engine is fantastic though

The Lexus is next after that- it's a 3 series clone, but it's also ageing, but will be flawlessly reliable and you'll be well looked after. No manual option either, apparently.

Next is the A4, 3.0 Quattro, a skiers choice, but not as sporty as the above ('cept the TL) and kinda boring in a way.......

Then it's the Mercedes Benz C240- allright car, but electrical woes are a turn off, in spite of D-C promising to fix them.

Then is the 9-3- The wrong wheels are being driven and it's still a flerpin Vectra.........Great engines though.

Second to last- CTS- it's an allright car, that needs better (not flerpin Vectra) engines and a little more firmness and it's still a bloody Vectra in some ways.

And last is the X Type- which is just a case of blah!

yea, the 330i starts at about $35,000 in the US, but with almost no options. The premium and sports packages add a bunch more to the price. So if you want preformance i guess the 330i would be a better car in this class, but for the luxury you really need the packages.