Vs Infiniti G37 vs. BMW 328i, Audi A4 2.0T, Acura TL SH-AWD

[Merc1]

Conspicuous consumption lite: Keeping the revs up and the ostentation down.


For executives undergoing painful downsizing, may we suggest something in the $40,000 range, smart yet modest in posture compared with the usual CEO barge. Something in a sports sedan would keep the mood casual. Just in time, we have two new international choices: the bravely chiseled Acura TL and the softly molded Audi A4. The Acura, apart from its polarizing, sharply creased style, brings Honda’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive to the middleweight sports class. The A4 brings variable lift on the exhaust valves of the 2.0-liter turbo four, upping output 11 horses to 211.

They join two other old favorites that have been smartly upgraded for 2009: BMW’s ever-popular 328i gets new headlights and hood in front; new wheels, mirrors, and sills in the side view; new taillights, decklid, and bumper in back; and of course, an increment of $900 on the bottom line. The Infiniti G35 of last year is now vitamin fortified and rechristened G37 to reflect the V-6 upsizing to 3.7 liters from 3.5. The previous 306-horse version romped all comers at the drag strip. They should expect even less mercy now.

There are other appealing choices in this class: the flying-wedge Cadillac CTS is one, as is the mini-Benz C300 Sport from Mercedes. But league rules prevail (it’s our league, but never mind)—once a car is left behind in a comparison test, it’s off the roster when future test combatants are being rounded up unless there’s some significant transformation. In fact, the G35 finished second to the BMW 328i in our January 2008 meeting of this class. But as enamored of power as we are, the newly harnessed 22 horses of the G37 convinced us of its promise.

Meanwhile, you may have noticed that certain carmakers are hanging by threads, and car sales within the U.S. are running just over half of the rate considered normal a few years ago. With sales turgid, production is down and the choice of models available to us is thinner than we’ve ever seen. So we have two six-speed manuals here, matched against two automatics. The TL SH-AWD won’t be available with the car guy’s favorite lever until later this year. The A4 stick is in the catalog now, but the only version we could scare up before the deadline was a six-speed automatic wearing $13,000 worth of options. So the cars’ as-tested prices range more than $10,000 around our $40K target.

Okay, enough hemming and hawing. Let’s see how they stack up.


Full Story: Car and Driver - Infiniti G37 vs. BMW 328i, Audi A4 2.0T, Acura TL SH-AWD


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[Kowalski]

As Arnold Schwarzenegger said when the Predator removed its mask and revealed its face...

"You're one ugly motherf*cker".

 

[CarGuy]

^ I thought you would say if it bleeds we can kill it.

 

[ZicZachZo]

The Acura TL is so fracking ugly I can't even stand to look at it.

 

[Mr Robert]

They really like the 3-series but this time it was a very close call...

 

[CarGuy]

They really like the 3-series but this time it was a very close call...

I can't believe they choose a 328i over a G37 S Sport.

There is a difference of 108 bhp between these cars.

In this comparo the G37 conquers and dominates over all others.

 

[ZicZachZo]

Yea, but I've read on numerous occasions that the G37's V6 is really a coarse and unrefined engine. They like the smoothness of the inline 6. Though, to be honest, I've never seen the 3 series dethroned in a Car and Driver test. They love the damned thing.

 

[Mr Robert]

There is a difference of 108 bhp between these cars.

I guess it only goes to show that it is the whole package that counts. The Infiniti comes close in some departments but as a whole it is still behind.

 

[CarGuy]

Though, to be honest, I've never seen the 3 series dethroned in a Car and Driver test. They love the damned thing.

Wow another secret affair I was not aware off. So Motor Trend are in love with the M3 while C&D will take any 3-series. Shows how desperate they are right there, at least MT chooses quality and highest dog in the food chain.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

"You're one ugly motherf*cker".

Thats the way I feel about the 3 series.

My choice would have been -

1. Infiniti G37 - Great car, but for some reason people can see past the BMW symbol (ESPECIALLY CAR AND DRIVER thats why they still keep sending me reminders to renew my subscription, which I'm not planning to do) to realize other cars are out there and drive just as good.

2. Acura TL - Looks good IMO and very futuristic looking

3. Audi A4 - Nice, but rather dull looks

4. BMW 3 - I drove this car and their was nothing special. I saw no difference between this and the Mazda three except the wood.

 

[Mr Robert]

4. BMW 3 - I drove this car and their was nothing special. I saw no difference between this and the Mazda three except the wood.

No, you are right, there is no difference between these two...

...or do you need to loose this:

 

[CarGuy]

Wow both japanese over the germans, while the 3 series is on the bottom!

Blasphemy!

 

[HighestOfHigh]

No, you are right, there is no difference between these two...

...or do you need to loose this:

This isn't about interior design. I am talking about how the driving feels. Not to mention the overall shape of those interiors are similar. BMW just adds wood and a few "tech" goodies.

I personally didn't see any different between the drive of a 3 series and the Madza 3. There was no WOW at all for me with the 3 series. Especially not over the Infiniti G37.

Wow both japanese over the germans, while the 3 series is on the bottom!

Of Course! I like German cars, but this doesn't blind me to other autmobile companies that actually provide outstanding cars.

Maybe if the C-class was included as it should have been (C&D ongoing beef with MB) then you would have seen a German as number 1. And that would have been based on looks and brand loyalty alone since I haven't driven the new C-class. I have driven the G37 and 3 series and that is what my rating is based on. The TL and A4 just seemed to fit in the middle.

 

[Zafiro]

LoL, HoH. You are dissing the best selling car in the segment.
3-series is my favorite car, moreso than A4 and C-class. I've never driven Infiniti because its not been for sale long here in Sweden but the exterior is no beauty.
Regarding Mazda, I've owned several Mazdas in my life but saying they are more special than a BMW, I simply cant agree with. You buy a Mazda because you want a reliable car , not becuase of its driving dynamics (well, MPS models excluded).

 

[Mr Robert]

I personally didn't see any different between the drive of a 3 series and the Madza 3. There was no WOW at all for me with the 3 series. Especially not over the Infiniti G37.

Then I'm even more surprized. There is a so much between the two in terms of driver satisfaction that they are not even on the same page of the book. At least according to my references.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

LoL, HoH. You are dissing the best selling car in the segment.
3-series is my favorite car, moreso than A4 and C-class. I've never driven Infiniti because its not been for sale long here in Sweden but the exterior is no beauty.

Yes, the 3 series is a best seller, but I'm not sold. I went to a BMW event a few years ago expecting the best. I drove the car and I was impressed. Yes, it handled nice and the interior was high quality, but there was nothing that made it sit above other cars as people keep preaching. There was no OH MY GOD factor to it at all.

I was more impressed by the G37.

Then I'm even more surprized. There is a so much between the two in terms of driver satisfaction that they are not even on the same page of the book. At least according to my references.

Well I think you might be doubting the Mazda 3 a little bit. It is an outstanding car and drives great. I'm just saying I didn't feel a huge difference between it and the 3 series.

Now see when I drove the 5 series...then I was impressed. The 3 series just seemed common to me. Not that it's a bad thing, but I see no reason why it's put above other small cars other then the fact of it's badge.

 

[Mr Robert]

Now see when I drove the 5 series...then I was impressed. The 3 series just seemed common to me. Not that it's a bad thing, but I see no reason why it's put above other small cars other then the fact of it's badge.

OK, I guess it is down to preferences then, because I think the 3-series offers more of what I like than the 5-series does.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

3-series offers more of what I like than the 5-series does.

Really? How so?

The 5 series felt so much better on the road then the 3 series IMO.

 

[ateekt]

Nice read & tough ground! They should have added Caddy's new Cts here too... for some American show!

328i did well, but for some reasons I think, they should get a 335i instead... power difference is the term here!

However, this is how I'll set this, imho:

1st place (tie): 328i & G37-S
2nd place (tie):
3rd place: A4
4th place: Tl

 

[Mr Robert]

Really? How so?

The 5 series felt so much better on the road then the 3 series IMO.

The 5-series is a big car. A bit uninspiring. The 3-series feels more nimble and responsive. I guess that is the big issue.