Tag Archives: comparison

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Differences and Similarities Between The BMW 328i and BMW 320i

BMW’s three series has been the gold standard in the sports sedan class for decades. The latest G20 variant of this nimble four-door features a revamped set of powertrain options, fresh new sporty styling and a healthy dose of technology to bring BMW interiors up to snuff with the competition from Audi, Mercedes and Lexus.

Prices can climb quickly as you move through the three series hierarchy, so it’s important to know how one model compares to another.

The base-model 320i has only recently become available as a US-market offering, however with the efficient new line of turbo four-cylinders providing all the power many buyers need, you have to ask whether it’s worth spending the extra money to upgrade.

Motivation

BMW 330i GT Luxury Arktikgrau

The 328 is eight more than the 320. In BMW language, that’s good for a boost of 60 horsepower and lb. ft. of torque thanks to a higher state of tune for the 328i’s 2.0-liter engine.

So do you need the extra shove? With 180 horsepower and 200 lb. ft. of torque, the 320i makes the 0-60mph run in under seven seconds. That was proper performance-car quick a few decades ago, and it’s plenty of power to get you up to highway speed and making passes without fearing for your life. It’s nothing BMW should be ashamed of.

The 328, then, is a good option for the buyer who appreciates a more effortless feeling car. While the 320i’s lower boost settings make it more efficient, and not under-powered, you’ll probably find yourself putting your foot into it a little more often. So if that kind of thing stresses you out, choose the still-efficient 328i model and enjoy the extra ponies.

Technology

Interior trim and bodywork are largely shared between the sister 3ers, and it’s the technology where the 328i really sets itself apart. If you appreciate modern driver aids, you might be inclined to drop the extra coin and spring for the more tech-laden 328i.

The 328 gets upgrades to a touchpad GPS navigation system and upgrades your audio equipment from the 205-watt base stereo to BMW’s more premium Harmon-Kardon system.

If you’ve never experienced a premium BMW sound system, you’re in for a treat with the Harmon-Kardon, which we can guarantee is putting out well in excess of 205-watts.

The fancy stereo is a nice touch if you’re an audiophile and might come in handy on long road trips. Then again, if you just need a way to hear your favorite radio station and aren’t interested in the HD radio and other perks of the upgraded system, you can probably live without it.

Bottom Line

You’ll have to pay a $6000 premium to step into the 328i from the 320i. That’s a significant price bump, but not entirely unreasonable considering that you’re getting enhanced engine output. Still, if you’re just dead-set on the performance, you could probably find a tuner chip that would increase the 320i’s output for considerably less.

Realistically, budget-conscious BMW buyers should stick to the 320i unless there is something very specific they like about the 328i.

If you’re going to spend more money anyway, it makes sense to step up to the much more handsomely-adorned 330i or even higher models which feature 6-cylinder power and a gamut of additional upgrades. But that does cost money!

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How Does the 2017 BMW 5 Series Stack up Against the 2017 Mercedes E-Class?

Mercedes leaves no market niche unfilled. In the last decade, the three-pointed star brand has taken a portfolio that was robust and injected it with steroids to achieve some vehicles that can only be described as neurotic. BMW, the market-leader not long ago, has pledged 40 new or updated models by 2020 to compete with their Teutonic neighbors.

Consumers who love crossover coupes and electric runabouts can rejoice at all this puffery, but these brands are still best measured by their staple sedans. There is no competition where BMW and Mercedes are more evenly matched than E-Class vs. 5 Series, and for 2018, both are fresh and ready to do battle.

More Alike Than Different

Back in the 1990s and early ‘naughts, this comparison would have been entirely predictable. BMW, the sports sedan company, delivers a businesslike interior and better on-road dynamics. Mercedes sacrifices nimble handling and delivers a more luxurious experience for the well-heeled socialite.

Now, however, things are different. Technology has allowed each company to toe the line further and further into the other’s “niche,” until what was a blurred line no longer exists at all. You can take your Mercedes to the track, and you can use your 5 Series as a limousine — and in both cases, life will go on quite pleasantly.

Parsing Hairs

Still, while these cars might both strive to be the one-car-that-does-it-all, they are two distinct products and must be judged as such. To be fair, it must be said that within each model designation there are a cavalcade of trim levels that include hybrids, all-wheel-drive models, track stars and even a wagon for Mercedes fans.

Using the middle-of-the-road E400 in comparison against the brand-new for 2018 540i is the closest we can get to a head-to-head. Turbo sixes power both cars. Mercedes is more potent on paper, but we hear the bimmer is underrated. However, with both cars scraping 400 horsepower, it is a little concerning to hear that the Merc can have issues with braking.

Styling and Interior

The BMW benefits from coming fresh out of the design shop, and so it brings sharper lines than the E-class — which was initially penned for the 2014 model year and has since been refreshed. However, the Mercedes has aged well, and the E-class coupé is handsome on a level only a 2-door, which BMW doesn’t offer, can achieve.

Inside, the newer BMW offers a world-class infotainment system that is, of course, the latest iDrive interface. Both cars offer superb interior appointments, with the nod going to the Mercedes for overall interior stylishness — it’s just warmer and more inviting than the austere BMW.

The Final Word

Anyone who can put either of these cars in their garage should count themselves lucky. After all, no one said full-size German sedans were cheap. The BMW is new and exciting for 2018, but the halo will fade, and if you go this route, know that it offers slightly higher operating costs than the E-Class.

Even though it’s been on the market for some time, the E-Class remains relevant. It is perhaps the slightly more comfortable car, thanks to its comfy interior, but it does feel heavy on the road next to the new 5 Series. Will you be much happier in either one than driving a company car, though? Unquestionably.

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2015 BMW M4 vs Lexus RC F

Watch as MotorTrend puts the new Lexus RC F up against BMW’s M4.  Do you think they are good competitors?  MotorTrend gives the nod to the Lexus for it’s luxury factory but ultimate says that the M4 is the better car.

Some members think that the M4 could have had a better track time if they pushed harder.  What do you think?

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