OT: Entry-Level Luxury Car Comparison

[kcal09]

I favor the German cars over the Japanese as they tend to be more fun to drive. Infiniti may be the exception – it drives very peppy.

My ranking:
328 – Audi 5 – G37 – C300.

[Coronita]

It was true before. But frankly, I think the German’s are getting crazy about bloating the cars.

BMW 3 series was suppose to be the affordable luxury..Fully loaded 3 series can ring up $50k (335), which is just ridiculous.

Audi A4’s are the same way. You can spend $40k on a 2.0T engine…

C300 are nice, but sorry the reliability on a Mercedes are just headaches. Plus servicing these things are $$$$. It use to be all the german cars provided free scheduled maintenance, but not anymore. BMW is the only one doing this (Audi you can buy a package)… This would definitely make me cross of the C300 the list if I was concerned about upkeep cost. I’ve never been able to make it out Mercedes of SD with a maintenance bill less that $100 each time, because for one thing it it will require 6+ quarts of full synthetic, not including the labor.

The other thing I’d be concerned about the latest Audi’s with are the FSI engine….Great engines, but they until recently they haven’t been enough long term “real world” examples of what happens with these engines that squirk fuel directly into the combustion chambers. The feedback for longer term owners is that, there’s a lot of concern about (1) excessive carbon buildup and (2)need for more frequent oil changes because the oil breaksdown quicker..even synthetic..Probably not a concern if you aren’t going to keep the car for a long time. But if you plan on it, just google for “FSI engine problems” or “Audi FSI Engine Carbon Build-up Megathread” and make the appropriate decisions…

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/336187-S5-FSI-engines-doomed-due-to-intake-manifold-carbon-build-up

I’d stick to the BMW 3 series for the true German balanced machine, at the sacrifice of less power. But G37 would top the A4 and C300 for me.

Regarding A4’s. Just don’t get one that isn’t AWD. Because otherwise they are FWD, and A4’s in general already tend to understeer (though the latest ones are better than before). Unfortunately, you’ll have a heavier car and slightly less gas mileage though. Curb weight of the A4 is 3680…It’s overweight and needs to go on diet.

[Coronita]

It was true before. But frankly, I think the German’s are getting crazy about bloating the cars.

BMW 3 series was suppose to be the affordable luxury..Fully loaded 3 series can ring up $50k (335), which is just ridiculous.

Audi A4’s are the same way. You can spend $40k on a 2.0T engine…

C300 are nice, but sorry the reliability on a Mercedes are just headaches. Plus servicing these things are $$$$. It use to be all the german cars provided free scheduled maintenance, but not anymore. BMW is the only one doing this (Audi you can buy a package)… This would definitely make me cross of the C300 the list if I was concerned about upkeep cost. I’ve never been able to make it out Mercedes of SD with a maintenance bill less that $100 each time, because for one thing it it will require 6+ quarts of full synthetic, not including the labor.

The other thing I’d be concerned about the latest Audi’s with are the FSI engine….Great engines, but they until recently they haven’t been enough long term “real world” examples of what happens with these engines that squirk fuel directly into the combustion chambers. The feedback for longer term owners is that, there’s a lot of concern about (1) excessive carbon buildup and (2)need for more frequent oil changes because the oil breaksdown quicker..even synthetic..Probably not a concern if you aren’t going to keep the car for a long time. But if you plan on it, just google for “FSI engine problems” or “Audi FSI Engine Carbon Build-up Megathread” and make the appropriate decisions…

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/336187-S5-FSI-engines-doomed-due-to-intake-manifold-carbon-build-up

I’d stick to the BMW 3 series for the true German balanced machine, at the sacrifice of less power. But G37 would top the A4 and C300 for me.

Regarding A4’s. Just don’t get one that isn’t AWD. Because otherwise they are FWD, and A4’s in general already tend to understeer (though the latest ones are better than before). Unfortunately, you’ll have a heavier car and slightly less gas mileage though. Curb weight of the A4 is 3680…It’s overweight and needs to go on diet.

[Coronita]

It was true before. But frankly, I think the German’s are getting crazy about bloating the cars.

BMW 3 series was suppose to be the affordable luxury..Fully loaded 3 series can ring up $50k (335), which is just ridiculous.

Audi A4’s are the same way. You can spend $40k on a 2.0T engine…

C300 are nice, but sorry the reliability on a Mercedes are just headaches. Plus servicing these things are $$$$. It use to be all the german cars provided free scheduled maintenance, but not anymore. BMW is the only one doing this (Audi you can buy a package)… This would definitely make me cross of the C300 the list if I was concerned about upkeep cost. I’ve never been able to make it out Mercedes of SD with a maintenance bill less that $100 each time, because for one thing it it will require 6+ quarts of full synthetic, not including the labor.

The other thing I’d be concerned about the latest Audi’s with are the FSI engine….Great engines, but they until recently they haven’t been enough long term “real world” examples of what happens with these engines that squirk fuel directly into the combustion chambers. The feedback for longer term owners is that, there’s a lot of concern about (1) excessive carbon buildup and (2)need for more frequent oil changes because the oil breaksdown quicker..even synthetic..Probably not a concern if you aren’t going to keep the car for a long time. But if you plan on it, just google for “FSI engine problems” or “Audi FSI Engine Carbon Build-up Megathread” and make the appropriate decisions…

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/336187-S5-FSI-engines-doomed-due-to-intake-manifold-carbon-build-up

I’d stick to the BMW 3 series for the true German balanced machine, at the sacrifice of less power. But G37 would top the A4 and C300 for me.

Regarding A4’s. Just don’t get one that isn’t AWD. Because otherwise they are FWD, and A4’s in general already tend to understeer (though the latest ones are better than before). Unfortunately, you’ll have a heavier car and slightly less gas mileage though. Curb weight of the A4 is 3680…It’s overweight and needs to go on diet.

[Coronita]

It was true before. But frankly, I think the German’s are getting crazy about bloating the cars.

BMW 3 series was suppose to be the affordable luxury..Fully loaded 3 series can ring up $50k (335), which is just ridiculous.

Audi A4’s are the same way. You can spend $40k on a 2.0T engine…

C300 are nice, but sorry the reliability on a Mercedes are just headaches. Plus servicing these things are $$$$. It use to be all the german cars provided free scheduled maintenance, but not anymore. BMW is the only one doing this (Audi you can buy a package)… This would definitely make me cross of the C300 the list if I was concerned about upkeep cost. I’ve never been able to make it out Mercedes of SD with a maintenance bill less that $100 each time, because for one thing it it will require 6+ quarts of full synthetic, not including the labor.

The other thing I’d be concerned about the latest Audi’s with are the FSI engine….Great engines, but they until recently they haven’t been enough long term “real world” examples of what happens with these engines that squirk fuel directly into the combustion chambers. The feedback for longer term owners is that, there’s a lot of concern about (1) excessive carbon buildup and (2)need for more frequent oil changes because the oil breaksdown quicker..even synthetic..Probably not a concern if you aren’t going to keep the car for a long time. But if you plan on it, just google for “FSI engine problems” or “Audi FSI Engine Carbon Build-up Megathread” and make the appropriate decisions…

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/336187-S5-FSI-engines-doomed-due-to-intake-manifold-carbon-build-up

I’d stick to the BMW 3 series for the true German balanced machine, at the sacrifice of less power. But G37 would top the A4 and C300 for me.

Regarding A4’s. Just don’t get one that isn’t AWD. Because otherwise they are FWD, and A4’s in general already tend to understeer (though the latest ones are better than before). Unfortunately, you’ll have a heavier car and slightly less gas mileage though. Curb weight of the A4 is 3680…It’s overweight and needs to go on diet.

[Coronita]

It was true before. But frankly, I think the German’s are getting crazy about bloating the cars.

BMW 3 series was suppose to be the affordable luxury..Fully loaded 3 series can ring up $50k (335), which is just ridiculous.

Audi A4’s are the same way. You can spend $40k on a 2.0T engine…

C300 are nice, but sorry the reliability on a Mercedes are just headaches. Plus servicing these things are $$$$. It use to be all the german cars provided free scheduled maintenance, but not anymore. BMW is the only one doing this (Audi you can buy a package)… This would definitely make me cross of the C300 the list if I was concerned about upkeep cost. I’ve never been able to make it out Mercedes of SD with a maintenance bill less that $100 each time, because for one thing it it will require 6+ quarts of full synthetic, not including the labor.

The other thing I’d be concerned about the latest Audi’s with are the FSI engine….Great engines, but they until recently they haven’t been enough long term “real world” examples of what happens with these engines that squirk fuel directly into the combustion chambers. The feedback for longer term owners is that, there’s a lot of concern about (1) excessive carbon buildup and (2)need for more frequent oil changes because the oil breaksdown quicker..even synthetic..Probably not a concern if you aren’t going to keep the car for a long time. But if you plan on it, just google for “FSI engine problems” or “Audi FSI Engine Carbon Build-up Megathread” and make the appropriate decisions…

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/336187-S5-FSI-engines-doomed-due-to-intake-manifold-carbon-build-up

I’d stick to the BMW 3 series for the true German balanced machine, at the sacrifice of less power. But G37 would top the A4 and C300 for me.

Regarding A4’s. Just don’t get one that isn’t AWD. Because otherwise they are FWD, and A4’s in general already tend to understeer (though the latest ones are better than before). Unfortunately, you’ll have a heavier car and slightly less gas mileage though. Curb weight of the A4 is 3680…It’s overweight and needs to go on diet.

[SanDiegoDave]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. This helps. Much appreciated.

[SanDiegoDave]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. This helps. Much appreciated.

[SanDiegoDave]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. This helps. Much appreciated.

[SanDiegoDave]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. This helps. Much appreciated.

[SanDiegoDave]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. This helps. Much appreciated.

[Coronita]

Ahhh… I hope it’s not as disappointing as the rest of the f30’s….

http://www.motorauthority.com/pictures/1065019_2014-bmw-m3-sedan-f30-spy-shots_gallery-1#100397516

I think the e90/e92 is a more driver’s car than the f30….

I drove a f30 328 recently as a loaner. It feels like a nice luxury lexus, not a bmw.

What the hell is going on BMW?

Kinda disappointed, but oh well guess it will sell well. Seems like the new 3 has gotten porkier… Minor grips….I can’t stand what the did with the Nav display. I thought it would retract or something, but it doesn’t. It just seems like the interior designer designed the rest of the inside first, and then said “oh, wait, I forgot about the nav screen. Let’s just stick it here”..You’ll know what I mean when you see it in person. Glad they had a real hand brake instead of an e-brake though.

sdr when are you gonna chip that thing?

[an]

[quote=flu]Ahhh… I hope it’s not as disappointing as the f30’s….

http://www.motorauthority.com/pictures/1065019_2014-bmw-m3-sedan-f30-spy-shots_gallery-1#100397516

I think the e90/e92 is a more driver’s car than the f30….

sdr when are you gonna chip that thing?[/quote]
I have high hope for the F30 M3 due its turbo I6. I’m also looking forward to the new Infiniti G30t as well. It should share platform w/ the next Mercedes C-class (which they say shed some weight from the current one). My hope is ~3300 lb and turbo V6. I also heard the next C-class AMG will be turbo V6 as well. The next wave of cars around $40-60k sound like it’ll be fun for us enthusiast (lighter and turbo).

[Coronita]

[quote=AN][quote=flu]Ahhh… I hope it’s not as disappointing as the f30’s….

http://www.motorauthority.com/pictures/1065019_2014-bmw-m3-sedan-f30-spy-shots_gallery-1#100397516

I think the e90/e92 is a more driver’s car than the f30….

sdr when are you gonna chip that thing?[/quote]
I have high hope for the F30 M3 due its turbo I6. I’m also looking forward to the new Infiniti G30t as well. It should share platform w/ the next Mercedes C-class (which they say shed some weight from the current one). My hope is ~3300 lb and turbo V6. I also heard the next C-class AMG will be turbo V6 as well. The next wave of cars around $40-60k sound like it’ll be fun for us enthusiast (lighter and turbo).[/quote]

AN,
I heard that the GTR is being canned. Maybe we should go get one before then… Team FLU and AN 🙂
Oh, wait but dual clutches suck and the GTR is a sissy car…

Quick question. Why infiniti, and not a stripped down Z?

I’m hoping for things back down to 3200. My B5 a4 weighs about that much, and even then I think it feels like a porker. I’m really trying to get a used miata, and turn that into spec miata for my weekend special.

[an]

[quote=flu]AN,
I heard that the GTR is being canned. Maybe we should go get one before then… Team FLU and AN 🙂
Oh, wait but dual clutches suck and the GTR is a sissy car…

Quick question. Why infiniti, and not a stripped down Z?

I’m hoping for things back down to 3200. My B5 a4 weighs about that much, and even then I think it feels like a porker. I’m really trying to get a used miata, and turn that into spec miata for my weekend special.[/quote]
Yeah, I heard they’re thinking of canning the GTR as well. I looked for used ones and not too many are available. Even 2009 model are selling for around $60k and they were selling new at high $60k. That’s what you call retaining your value. I’m not ready for a GTR type track car yet, so Team FLUAN would have to wait.

I’m not set on Infiniti yet. What I want is a 4 door luxury car with turbo 6-cylinders or larger and priced around $40k. My current option looks like M5, M3, next C-class AMG, 335i, next C-class (assuming the rumor is true with turbo V6), Infiniti G30t. I like value, so G30t or M5 would probably be highest on my list. But, it really depends on the tune-ability of the G30t as well. 335i with chip + intake & exhaust only make around 370WHP. So, I expect the G30t to be more responsive to mods than that, or I might consider 335 instead.

The reason I don’t want a stripped down Z is because I need/want a 4 door and I already have a 2-door G35. A Z is not that much lighter than my car and I get two extra back seat. I’m keeping my G, so a Z would be redundant IMHO. Unless they reduce the weight to around 2800lb-2900lb.

If you’re thinking a used Miata for track, why not consider an Exige? Or wait for the next Miata. It supposed to be around 2200lb instead of 2500lb (the current gen Miata) and it supposed to be turbo as well. So, hopefully, you’ll get tune-ability and light weight.

[Author]

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