Comparison tests AutoExpress: BMW M135i vs Subaru WRX STi track test

[Giannis]

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The hot hatch definition has changed a lot since the 80s, as there are now more options, other than the typical FWD hatches from France, Italy and England. Thanks to BMW, there's a RWD hot hatch, called the M135i, boasting a bit over 300hp from a turbocharged 3.0l I6 engine. Then there's Subaru's approach to the hot-hatch idea with the AWD 2.5l turbocharged boxer engine of similar horsepower output.

These two are testdriven by AutoExpress in the above video. The tester experienced a small tendency to understeer while driving the a bit too soft M135i, yet he was amazed by the low end torque. Getting inside the WRX felt like stepping 10 years back, due to the materials and design of the interior, but the grip is enormous, despite the need for more corrections compared to the BMW. The tester also mentioned the the peak torque of the Subaru engine come only after 3000revs more than the BMW's.

So, the Subaru is 50kg, has lighter steering, more grip and requires more effort from the drive in the track. Does this make the WRX faster or slower around the Blyton Park track? We won't spoil it for you, but you can find out by watching the above video.


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[martinbo]

The reporting is poor; the reporter - Mildenhall - goes on about the M135i having the "optional double clutch gearbox". Well, most will know that the optional 8 speed ZF transmission is a traditional torque-converter type auto 'box, wouldn't they, Auto Express?

In the end, the result is as expected, the aging STI is no match for BMW's best-driving non M-car presently available.

 

[Human]

The reporting is poor; the reporter - Mildenhall - goes on about the M135i having the "optional double clutch gearbox". Well, most will know that the optional 8 speed ZF transmission is a traditional torque-converter type auto 'box, wouldn't they, Auto Express?

In the end, the result is as expected, the aging STI is no match for BMW's best-driving non M-car presently available.

Time to get into a German car Martin I suggest a BMW F30 - 335i X-Drive

 

[Cashmere]

The reporting is poor; the reporter - Mildenhall - goes on about the M135i having the "optional double clutch gearbox". Well, most will know that the optional 8 speed ZF transmission is a traditional torque-converter type auto 'box, wouldn't they, Auto Express?

In the end, the result is as expected, the aging STI is no match for BMW's best-driving non M-car presently available.

On a side note, it seems that the 8 Speed ZF transmissions has been very well received by the press (at least with the M135). For a torque converter auto, it seems to be quite a snappy shifter and I haven't seen any review mentioning it as a deterrent. It will be interesting to see if the next generation ZF transmissions can further close the gap between torque converters and dual clutch transmissions.