Autocar compares M235i vs. M4 and Alpina B4... which is the real modern day M3 coupe? |
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08-22-2014, 03:16 PM | #46 |
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08-22-2014, 03:16 PM | #47 |
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Let's throw the m2 into the equation. M4 makes that much less sense in 18 months...
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08-22-2014, 03:19 PM | #48 | |
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One the biggest differences, to me, is that the interior of the M235 is much better in the 2er than the old 1er. To each their own though.
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08-22-2014, 03:26 PM | #49 | |
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That, to me, is a much more "fair" comparison because the major differences will really be styling at that point, assuming that the engine in the M2 gets "some" special ///M treatment and has the M3/4's underpinnings. One of the things that makes the M235 so good is simply price. But when you're north of 50k and potentially pushing 60 for an M2, many people will weigh the M2 and M3/4 pretty evenly. Now, if the M division somehow makes a handling monster/maniac and the characters of the M2 and M3/4 are very different, then you have more comparisions from which to draw. Personally, I alwaysa thought the 2er was much better looking...until I saw the M3 and M4 in person. They're bigger cars for sure, so that matters. But they are very good looking too.
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08-22-2014, 04:13 PM | #51 |
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08-22-2014, 04:21 PM | #52 |
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08-22-2014, 05:14 PM | #53 | ||
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Personally, I would take an M235i over an M4 in a heartbeat. As others have mentioned, for that kind of money, there are better options than the M4 out there.
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08-22-2014, 05:15 PM | #54 |
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Same thing here... Drove a 435 and it did feel pretty big so I waited for the M235 to come out and I love it.. Price of the M4 is a little hard to justify to myself at this point..
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08-22-2014, 05:41 PM | #55 | ||
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08-22-2014, 07:36 PM | #57 | |
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Nice article - thanks for sharing. It will be interesting to throw the M2 in the mix once its available and see how it stacks up to its M siblings. |
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08-22-2014, 07:39 PM | #58 |
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Interesting comparison. I'm sure BMW didn't bless this review -- leading to this outcome. I'm still moving on to a M3 and, as always, show love for other BMW models. They make great machines. I'm just surprised they'd let a cheaper car get this close to the ultimate of the ultimate driving machines. The M235i is a nice car, but perhaps for the money, the M3/M4 should not be even close in a comparison. JMHO
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08-22-2014, 07:47 PM | #59 | |
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I would like to add, that I just don't wholly agree on the success of the 2-series. There wasn't a leap on engineering, & it gained 200lbs? Secondly, a lot of //Marketing involved here, but kept at bay, cuz a too powerful 235i, would interfere with their 911. Hence, we all know the 235i comes pre-gimped. I believe the 235is can be all those things.. (A pure reflection of BMW's past yor), but it wont be done in stock form, it will all be done in aftermarket & add-ins. Becoming a subculture of it's own. The pursuance.. The M's will be more about driving, without having to phuss. They should reflect BMW's clear engineering & have an exact focus, & reason. To some, their hierarchy doesn't matter, it focus does. That is why after some drove the 1M, would've paid the same as a M3 for it.. because it was moAr of what that person wanted. SMall.. tossible BMW's are rare.. watch Advevo .. tell me that isn't an expression of person. You can wear that car... zero nannies! I think the M235i is the clear winner here^.. it cost way less & with just $5k in aftermarket, you can tailor to your needs, more-so than in an stock //M-Car. Coincidently, the M2 will be the clear winner in nearly anything.. because it will focus on handling.. and that lures everyone in! |
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08-22-2014, 08:59 PM | #60 | |
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As far as the review I find it hard to believe that the M4 is difficult to drive at the limit. The 235 with fewer suspension upgrades and an auto box is as solid as can be up to the governor.
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08-22-2014, 09:14 PM | #61 |
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Lol wut? They all have 60 liter fuel tanks with M235i getting 34.9 mpg and M4 getting 34.0 mpg yet M4 gets 40 more miles per tank?
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08-22-2014, 10:18 PM | #62 |
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+1 they are all great cars, depends on preference and what you're willing to spend
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08-22-2014, 10:32 PM | #63 |
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Drove both, tried both. Still thinking until M2 shows up.
Love the 2 design more than 4. Love the 4 interior more than 2 interior. Between the two, M3 is the choice. M2 is not that skinny, and on the M4 you get 35 more HP/litre. In regards with the price, I found it justified, it is obvious that 4 series has a lot more to offer in terms of materials. It is however harder to drive due to dimensions, 2 series it is very agile in traffic, you can sneak and turn in a different manner; practically is a really nice package. Like many in here, I am waiting for M2 but I am afraid that my problem is not going to be solved. I believe that a 235 Xi is the perfect DD and an M3/M4 is the perfect toy. Actually love the design and interior of M6 to death, but in no way I am going to buy that Panzer. Too big for my needs. Questions: How come the Alpina is smaller in with and length? Don't they use the same body? Ok, maybe the bumpers are different but the width?? And something is fishy, 2 series consume less but M4 gets more range on the same tank? Last edited by Teutonic; 08-22-2014 at 10:39 PM.. |
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08-22-2014, 11:12 PM | #64 | |
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BMW USA says the M235i weighs 3535 lbs. BMW UK and DE says it weighs 1545 kg (3399 lbs). So 136 lbs difference from the standard sunroof on the M235i and some other standard options it gained after coming stateside. Didn't the 135i weigh 3400+ lbs? Was the sunroof a standard option on the 135i? What's the weight of a 135i with a sunroof? Why is euro spec M235i "kerb weight" so light? So it's missing a sunroof, so what? On the other hand, the 1612 kg (3546.4 lbs) M4 curb weight Autocars and BMW UK stated is practically SPOT ON. BMWUSA puts the M4 at 3585 lbs, or a little heavier than euro spec M4. On BMW UK/DE, the M3 is 1595 kg (3509 lbs). BMW USA puts the M3 at 3540 lbs. On a scale, an M3 with full tank is 3562 lbs. http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=974479 So? What's going on? Anyone weigh their cars? Did Motor Trend/Car and Driver ACTUALLY bothered to weigh the M235i? Did BMW? Do people bother calibrating their scales? Why does it seem like people enjoy pulling numbers out of their asses? Me included, obviously. |
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08-23-2014, 12:36 AM | #65 |
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I agree with the author/editors that the M235i is the most sensible choice for my lifestyle and actual vehicle usage patterns and quite likely the one I'd buy. The price to performance -- as a daily driver -- difference is just too vast to make the M4 or Alpina alternatives worth pursuing right now. Were I buying the car as a "fun" car, and thus enlisting my 5er for DD duty, I'd likely pick the Alpina, mostly just to give it whirl seeing as very few Aplinas of any designation make it to the States.
Unfortunately, the whole matter of which to choose is a moot point for me I suspect. Once I retire and my kids are out from under my wing, the E92 will go, the 5er will fill its role, and I intend to buy a "fun" car that is in the "dream" category. Nice as all three of these cars are, I do rather like all three of them, none of them is on my short list of "dream" cars. All the best.
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08-23-2014, 12:38 AM | #66 |
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After driving the M235, M4, and having owned every M3 - a 228 manual with track handling package and the BMS tune is the real drivers car and what I would take to the track, even if money was not a factor.
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