datsun-roadsters
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: OT - new car search, long

To: "Hall, Phillip" <Phillip.B.Hall@nasa.gov>
Subject: Re: OT - new car search, long
From: "" <linob@sentex.net>
Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2003 10:44:02 -0400
My sister just took delivery of her BMW330i last week.  She drove all the cars 
you mentioned and ended up with the BMW. I have to agree that it was the best 
choice, even though it was slightly more $ than the others.

My (her $0.02) 

LGB
Auto $$ tied up in older Asian cars 






Quoting "Hall, Phillip" <Phillip.B.Hall@nasa.gov>:

> Hey all - Well I have been looking at new cars.  I set out to drive and take
> a real close look at the Infinity G35 coupe.  I could only find an automatic
> to drive.  So I went off to drive other sport coupes for comparison.  
> 
> G35 (35K with options I want) - It has all kinds of power (280 HP) and love
> the exhaust tone.  It felt big and heavy to me.  I drive the Mazda P5 now,
> so I am a little biased to smaller, zippier cars.  Also, the interior was
> bent to the luxury side and not much "sport".  I did not find and good
> corners with this car, but it felt very light on its feet.  Nice steering
> feel - and the exhaust is to die for!   I need to drive one some more:)
> 
> Mercedes Benz C230 Kompressor and C320 (30K with all options except cell
> phone).  The 230 with 6 speed was nice.  It was real slow until the
> supercharger kicked in, then it was  fun.  It is rated at 189 HP.  The 320
> automatic (did not have a 6 speed in) with 215 HP V6 was very nice.  Felt
> smaller with more sport then the G35, but not as fast.  Funny.. the C320
> felt more like the 350Z (I had to drive one of these too:)) then the G35
> mmmm...  The C320 had more options then one could imagine.  And, that
> Panorama roof is cool.  I drove these cars hard in the corners (white
> knuckled salesman:)).  On a 180 degree off ramp with a tighting corner I
> pushed them to 70 MPH and braked hard on exit to get into traffic.  A very
> unbalanced situation, but the cars did very well, very controlled with
> little push.  With the 17 inch wheel option this car would be great in the
> corners.
> 
> BMW - 325 (35K with options), 330 (42K + - ouch) coupes - Now these cars
> took me by surprise.  I read all about how nice, fast, cornering ability,
> etc, these car are.  So I get into a 330 (225 HP) with the big M3
> wheels/tires.  Really like the design and feel of the car, but..... I did
> not like driving it.  It pushed bad in the corners and below 3000 RPM is was
> as gutless as the 1.8L 230 Kompressor.  The two cars felt much alike - no
> power at the low end and a bust of speed above 3000.  The salesman wanted my
> thoughs on the car - I really had none, and I was a bit speachless.  He
> could see I was dissapointed and just handed me a card and walked off.
> 
> So, there you have it.  To get the G35 I want it is a 6 month wait, but may
> be worth it.  The C320 - need to drive a 6 speed and it is $5000 cheaper
> then the G35.  The BMW - maybe I should drive another one.  Between reading
> all the good things, then driving this car I am a bit confused!?!?!  Being
> Datsun nuts I am sure your vote is for the G35:)  I am trying my best not to
> be biased.  Any other cars I should look at?  I want power, seats four, rear
> drive, leather, sunroof, and quality build.  And it must be new.
> 
> Have a great Roadster day!!

///  datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net mailing list
///  Archives at http://www.team.net/archive


<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>