I was curious how a 2000 TL-P would stand up against a manual 2001 330xi. The specs I found were:

BMW
curb weight 3527, 225hp, 214 ft-lbs, max at 3500rpm
TL-P
curb weight 3483, 225hp, 216 ft-lbs, max at 4700 rpm

Am I correct in guessing that this would be a close race, but that my TL would pull after about 85mph or so? I am assuming that the BMW's driver is average. I am reading about hp/torque relationships and cars, but previously I didn't know anything about them, so be patient with me....

 

www.car-stats.com

 

Well according to Motor Trend 2001 330xi Manual the 0-60 times are 5.8sec, It will leave you in the dust, even for a TL-S without mods will be hard to beat. Now if the driver of the BMW screw up taking off well, a TLS will win. Very close against a TLS, you will loose if you have a stock TL-P.

 

I have a 2001 330xi; it owns my 2000 TL-P, no contest.

 

I think you are toast as well...

 

awd + decent driver = better launch
the 0-60 numbers convey this point

 

A TLS is toast as well against a manual Xi with decent driver, good driver its really toasted.

 

Well I guess for 10-12K more it should be an extra .8 secs faster.

 

BMW likes to consistently underrate their cars, or so I've heard ... But for a 225hp car, it makes times closer to a car putting 225hp down to the wheels. (For reference, The CL-S 6spd which has the same 260/232 that the TL-S has, puts down around 230hp to the wheels and runs about 14.5's under good conditions...)

A better match for the TL-P would be the 325i automatic.

 

Yep it would close if both are automatics ! some people compare the TL auto with the manual BMW. An unfair comparison.

 

The 2K1 330xi I own is Automatic; still no comparison in acceleration/speed.

 

I had a 2001 BMW 330i. It would blow away any TL in terms of quick acceleration and speed. I now have a 2003 TL which is supposed to be the same horsepower as the BMW. BMW easily feels like 300 hp if the TL is 225 hp.