Just read the new consumer report of the BMW 330i.

Overall reviews were positive. But, w/ that 255Hp, they get poor mileage. 16/23, ouch.

But the 0-60 number was 5.1, wow.

What's the TL 0-60 number? Consumer reports has the auto at 6.7, and I thought I remember the 6mt being below 6 (although more torque steer). Can anyone verify?

Thanks!

 

Ok, my numbers were slightly off, hold on.

 

Consumer Reports mixes the models around sometimes.

Ignore those numbers.

Sorry.

 

the 330i is faster, hands down. but the difference won't be noticeable. i think the quickest 0-60 time for the TL was 6.1, but this was posted by C&D, so you can't compare the two obviously.

i would be more concerned about 1/4 mile time and the trap speed... it's a better way to compare straight line acceleration, imo. my money says they're about the same.

 

Car and Driver has indentical #'s when it comes to the new 3 and the a-spec. Not sure about the trap speeds but horse to weight ratio is slighty in the tl's favor, plus the extra torgue. The 3 does have rear drive and lauch control though. Best 0 - 60 was 5.6 on an a-spec and 5.8 on hpt both from C & D.

 

Just saw this new 3 commercial and if you have dishnetwork a hit "select" icon pops up for more info and pics, you can even order a brochure and request a testdrive. Seems BMW is spending big bucks on advertising its new 3, and going about it in an original way, I just would have loved to have seen this for the TL.

 

Wierd, C&D tested the 330i and got a 5.8.....I think Consumer report mixed something up
BTW, what's TL's 6-speed 0-60?

 

Some mags got 5.8-6.2 on the 6MT TL.

 

I've got as low as 5.6 for the a-spec 6 speed TL.

I havent seen sub 5.8-6.0 for the 330.

 

Best time reported in a magazine road test of a TL was Car and Driver in May 2004 (an A-Spec version with manual transmission). They managed a 0-60 in 5.6 seconds and a quarter mile in 14.3 seconds at 99 MPH. As you know, there is no difference in the drive train between an standard 6MT and an A-Spec.

 

Is the A-spec quicker due to the tighter suspension, making it more efficient.

 

Ouch on the mileage. I think I'd rather have the TL's better mileage, even if it somewhat slower.

 

Car and Driver TEST RESULTS for base 2006 BMW 330i :
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCELERATION: Seconds
Zero to 30 mph: 1.9
40 mph: 3.0
50 mph: 4.4
60 mph: 5.6
70 mph: 7.7
80 mph: 9.7
90 mph: 11.8
100 mph: 15.3

Street start, 5-60 mph: 6.0
Top-gear acceleration, 30-50 mph: 9.5
50-70 mph: 8.6
Standing 1/4-mile: 14.3 sec @ 98 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph

BRAKING
70-0 mph @ impending lockup: 168 ft

PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY
EPA city driving: 21 mpg
EPA highway driving: 31 mpg

INTERIOR SOUND LEVEL
Idle: 41 dBA
Full-throttle acceleration: 73 dBA
70-mph cruising: 66 dBA

 

The 330 and TL should be essentialy the same 0-60. The 3 might have a small edge in the twisties. The new 330 is not radicaly better than the previous simply a mostly cosmetic and content upgrade. The TL and it should be pretty close all-around. The TL is even more inexpensive now (the 3 increased in price) thus the TL will continue to beat it in value quotient by a large margin. More comfort, more equipment, essentialy same performance for 5K less, better reliability, its a no-brainer! The only reason to buy twirly spinners or pointed stars is to feed a underdeveloped egos

 

The biggest speed factor for the Aspec would probably be the aerodynamic difference since its lower. I guess the wheels move maybe half a centameter less before the car catches up upon sudden acceleration with the ASPEC, But I dont think the Hardness of the suspension makes the difference, maybe the ride hight.

 

I think the Aspec would be slightly slower because of the 18" wheels. I know when I go from my 17's to 18's at summer time, I can definately notice the drop in acceleration due to the increased weight of the wheels...and I am using the OEM 17's and 18's. On the other hand, the tighter suspension would keep the car from squatting, thus keeping more load on the front wheels. I seriously doubt the aerodynamic package will come into play on a 0-60 time.

 

Why there is a need for 300 japanese HP to be equal to 255 german HP?
I don't get it!

 

wider power band vs. peak power.

 

Why are you guys even reading C&D beats the hell out of me. It's the crapiest car rag on the market.

I mean really.... "must have" scores on their comparision tests? WTF is that?

PS: Saw another E-class mercedes broken down today. Looked brand new. I guess consumer reports is pretty accurate in their reporting.

consumer reports "New car buying guide" 2005. Page 41 - Acura TL

Model tested 2004 3.2L V6 5 speed auto

0-60Mph = 6.7 sec
Quarter mile = 15.2

^ pretty much what I'm getting with my car give or take a tenth or two.

 

I own both a 2004 TL and a 2004 330I (the 330I is the wife's car).

The 330I has fewer bells and whistles (heated seats, xm, bluetooth, navigation etc). It is also a LOT smaller than the TL, I would compare the interior room of the TL to a 5 series, not a 3 series.

What the bimmer has that I really like is the handling. It drives like it is on rails and until you have aggresively driven one, there is no way you can understand what I am talking about. It also has less acceration off the line, but in sport shift mode if you keep the revs up it is very fast and has a lot of torque.

(the 330I cup holders are terrible too)

 

I totally agree with you on the handling...the 330 is incredible. It also has one of the best suspension compromises on the planet. It takes bumps easily and is still smooth while handling is top notch. The TL just doesn't compete as well in this area.

 

The 5.1 second figure is for the BMW M3 which is the last 3 series they tested. BTW the M is considered the best sport car they ever tested (no arguements there). The 330 turns the same figures as the TL.

 

That may be so.. But I believe the 330 turns their figures much more consistenly than the best time recorded for the TL. I have not known anyone to be able to duplicate the 5.4 sec run that was reported for the 6MT. I see times in the 6 second range.. which is fast but far from the 5.4 run

 

The RWD have a HUUUUGE advantage in terms of consistency of launches. Try launching a FWD maxima....hard as hell. I've never seen either the 330 or TL get 5.4 in the 60. Both are probably closer to 6 seconds anyway in the street.

 

new 330i is faster than 3G TL MT or AT, hands down, however an A-spec might be able to run almost neck to neck with a new 330.
One of my frieds got a G35 coupe exactly 2 months ago and just for fun, he went to BMW Experience Center to drive test the new 330.
Later he claimed that 330i was faster than his coupe without any doubt and I do believe him since he is a very "speed-sensitive" type of guy.

 

5.1 sec 0-60 for a 330i seems very off. An e46 M3 does 4.8 secs.

 

The times for the new 6mt 330i are pretty similar to the g35 sedan from what ive seen. Somewhere in the 5.5-6.0 sec 0-60

 

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