Why G35c outcompetes the 3 series

[Verit8]

The luxury sport coupe arena is even smaller than the luxury sport sedan. I'm a coupe fanatic. That is, I want a two-door, 4-seater setup. My choices are very slim. I currently drive a 325Ci and wanted more power. I was destined for a 330Ci because there was obviously noting else out there that interest me (CL-s is FWD ). After extensive research on available resources on the G35C I did a comparison on the vehicles. I feel this is fair since I don't own either. I will try to be as fair as possible. The coupe's numbers are based on the Sedan's numbers and a more aggressive setup.

330Ci
225 HP, 214 lb.ft torque
L 176.9"
wheels/tires-225/45/17 front, 245/40/17 rear
stereo-12 speaker, Harman-Kardon
0 to 60-6.2 sec
braking from 60-126 ft
skidpad-.84g
base price (MSRP) 34,990
options I wanted:
xenon headlamps-700
leather-1450
sport package-500
moonroof-1000
cold weather package-500
metallic paint-475
destination-645
total cost (not including TTL) 40,260

Pros: great acceleration, surgical handling/steering, great road feel, good brakes (modulation), great interior, great wheel package, great reliability, good looks, great after-market support, prestige, resale value

cons: cost, shifter is just ok (too high), clutch take up, expensive options, meager standard equipment, noisy at high speeds, "snobby" stigma attached to owning a BMW.

G35 Coupe Sport model
275+ HP, 267+ lb/ft torque
L 182.2"
wheels/tires-225/45/18 front 245/45/18 rear
stereo-8 speaker BOSE
0 to 60-Inifinity est 6.0, my estimate 5.6 (6 sp)
braking from 60-116 ft (Sedan) coupe may have bigger brakes
skidpad-.84 (Sedan) coupe will have a more aggressive sport suspension, lowered, and bigger tires/wheels maybe do .87
Base price-the luxury model will start at about 30K so the Sport with 18" wheels and LSD should cost maybe 32,000 (est MSRP)
options I want:
xenon headlamps-0 (std)
leather appointed seats-0 (std)
Navigation-2000
Winter package- 650 (est)
Moonroof-1000 (est)
Premium package-2200 (maybe cheaper for coupe ???)
destination: 645 (est)
Total cost-(not including TTL) 38,495

Pros: (based on Sedan)great handling, excellent acceleration, great road feel, great steering (quick), great wheel package, good interior, great brakes (touchy but good), very good looking, great standard list and MSRP

cons: unproven first year model run, interior could use some work on the luxury side, Resale Value??

The BMW is less than 2k more than the Coupe's "estimated" cost. However, these are true BMW figures and modest Infinity estimates. The Coupe's MSRP is purely based on LSD and 18" wheels added to the price of the standard coupe. It may be lower or higher. The premium package for the G35C might be less considering it won't have rear reclining seats or one touch rear windows. If I skip the premium package and buy the BOSE separately, I save an extra 1300 and widen the price difference to over $3k (who needs Homelink, auto-dimming, and auto off-on headlights anyway?) and titanium trim is standard. Basically, I feel I'm getting a only a car that out-accelarates and handles just as good as the 330Ci and great road feel for less based on sedans's numbers and test drive. I also get more features like Nav, LSD and 18' wheels and tires thown in for a lesser price. To me, the 330Ci holds no true advantage except maybe resale value. I may keep the car for 3 years. The BMW will hold its value, but the Infinity probably won't. So the question is do I want to pay an extra 75 dollars on my car note for the BMW or get the G35C and get lose later? I guess its all in financing and down payment. 10K down will ensure I'm always "right side up" and as long as the car is worth that in 3 years, I'm happy to get the cash back.

[TatII]

well it will cost less to service a infinity then it does iwth a bimmer, and the insurance will also be less, and the G35 coupe is a very very good lookin car.

[crayzayjay]

Its a no brainer.
330Ci

[Tom_S8]

Originally posted by crayzayjay
Its a no brainer.
330Ci

w3rd... I don't know about the US but here 330s are very fast and it's not easy to outcompete them... i once didn't pay attention at the lights in my S8 and the guy had like 5 lenghts head start and it wasn't very easy for me to catch up... of course i did in the end , but hey my car is a 360 hp 4.2 V8...