BMW M235i Reviewed Against CLA45 AMG and WRX STI (Motor Trend) |
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03-20-2014, 07:11 PM | #23 |
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I thought it was common knowledge that STI's and Evo's were handling machines. Sure they lack refinement and don't have the bells and whistles but the platform in terms of performance for a track or whatever is already there...No surprise here and can't be mad.
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03-20-2014, 07:13 PM | #24 |
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The options thing is pretty stupid since the heated seats are such an inexpensive option and add weight a lot of people who live in the lower half of the country don't need. The cars are all prewired for satellite so no big deal on that gripe. And the STI's looks get worse with each generation. They teased everyone with that beautiful concept and then released a pig.
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03-20-2014, 07:15 PM | #25 |
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Blame AWD and a peak powerband between 4000 and 6000 rpm Gotta rev that engine silly to get any real power out of it. That's another thing I love about the M235i- peak torque starting at 1300 rpm which is essentially right above idle and a nice wide powerband.
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03-20-2014, 07:16 PM | #26 |
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03-20-2014, 07:38 PM | #27 |
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Coming from five M3's spanning three generations from E36 to E90, plus an E39 M5 and an E30 325is that I dearly miss, and now have an 13 STI for DD along with an 06 M3 ZCP...
The STI is what it is. That is, it is indeed a 35K car with a 30K drive train. It is our DD and kids car, and the low rent interior is really quite LOL, especially compares to even the E36 M3. Everything rattles in the STI when the temp goes below 50 degrees. The AC doesn't work if you are in traffic at 100 degree weather (as in, it blows semi cool air. Once you get moving it starts blowing cold air.) And if you forget to set it to S#, it really feels dog slow, even compares to the E46 M3, which has pretty similar power to weight ratio, which my wife currently drives. But, it has 4 doors, and was dirt cheap to lease (0 down sub 500 bucks sales tax included a month with 15K miles a year). It is a total rattle box, and anyone getting into the cockpit of it after getting out of that of the M235 would get why BMW is a better car. Well, except the lack of LSD. For slapping an M letter, BMW really should put an LSD in it. So, BMW has nothing to worry about.
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03-20-2014, 07:42 PM | #28 | |
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Good perspective. Thanks. |
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03-20-2014, 07:46 PM | #29 | |
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03-20-2014, 07:51 PM | #31 | |
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Civic mix with Evo
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03-20-2014, 07:54 PM | #32 |
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I drove one m235 last week and I wasn't that impress... I have a 135 with Cobb stage 2+ and it still make me smile .. Here in PR the m235 starts about 62k...damn taxes!!
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03-20-2014, 07:54 PM | #33 |
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I don't know what Subaru is doing in this comparo, but each with its own..
A car is not only an engine, there are many other things included in a car, and some people don't give a $#!t about 0.3 sec here or there, a certain vehicle offers other amenities that makes it more attractive to a certain niche of customers. Not to mention there are many variables in every comparo. BMW is a winner in here too, they just don't want to say it, it is still faster except the start when AWD has a certain advantage, its peak power is available sooner and it has an excellent handling. I guess it is not appealing for some people since it doesn't have gold rims. Anyway, I am waiting for the BMW versus Kia Rio comparo... Last edited by Teutonic; 03-20-2014 at 08:06 PM.. |
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03-20-2014, 08:12 PM | #34 |
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Good read. I like the STi for the driving experience, but couldn't own one again unless it was an extra vehicle for fun stuff and crushing the mountain with DH bikes on the back. It's too obnoxious for an only car daily driver. No doubt they will sell well here in Seattle though.
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03-20-2014, 08:37 PM | #35 |
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good review!
I wonder what would have happened if the M235i was manual. If you want an all out sports car, get the WRX STI. nothing wrong with it. my brother has one, and it is awesome! shell out a bit more (M235i), and you get more refinement, maintenance, and better daily driver (in terms of MPG and torque), and what I think, better looks. Can't go wrong with either car! I think this review just showed how bad the CLA45 amg is because of price. Scott wasn't lying when he said the M235i, a half M car, could outperform a full blown AMG. Also - does every review have to knack against the M badges and lack of oil gauge? They never talk about the bad interior of the subaru
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03-20-2014, 08:44 PM | #37 |
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CLA45 had fastest 0-60, best 1/4 mile time, best Figure 8, and second fastest road course lap time. Tied for road-holding at 0.97 g. And second-best stopping distance.
And comes in third. Makes sense.
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03-20-2014, 08:44 PM | #38 |
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I would take the STI if I didn't care for refinement and build quality. But since I do, I'll stick to BMW's for now
I feel bad for MB. Well not really, but honestly, how can you load up that car and justify spending $60k when only a few thousand more can get you an M3 with Nav-standard, Bi-xenon-standard, heated seats-standard. I just think MB is over charging for what you're getting here, but that's just me. I'm sure some people are not going to feel that way. |
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03-20-2014, 08:46 PM | #39 | |
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03-20-2014, 08:56 PM | #41 | |
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For example, the M235i was slower on the road course lap, in the Figure 8, and in the 1/4 mile. Emotionally I guess it was more satisfying because of the RWD. That's fair. I would always prefer RWD to AWD as well.
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03-20-2014, 08:57 PM | #42 | |
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03-20-2014, 08:58 PM | #43 | |
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So having said all of that, and by MT standards of the car not being as fun to drive....you think that warrants about a $13k price difference compared to the M235i as tested when you load it up? If you think it does, then I respect your opinion. For me however, if I were to load this up and see a $60k price tag, I would shop around and see what else is out there. Again, I'm sure some people will not see it that way. |
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03-20-2014, 09:00 PM | #44 |
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Agreed. The M235i does look to be a hit though. And if you get the Technology Package you can still access vital fluid temperatures despite the lack of actual gauges. So that's very encouraging.
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