German Car Zone

I can see it already:

A bunch of BMW fans will drive down to the Edmunds HQ (in pickups) and massacre the editors.

^^Those look more like FORD guys...LOL

Now imagine the fuzz if BMW made a new 3 series that was seriously underpowered and slower compared to existing C class (or the rest of the competition).

Something like the 320si homologation special?

I have no idea how much the 320si homologation special makes or how fast it is or what its competition is or how it compares with them. But homologation specials are exactly that, their purpose is to homologate the car for some racing series, not be a sales success. Case in point, M3 GTR homologation special just made ~350HP from a V8, but no one really cared. The E30 M3 was a sales success, but no once expected it to be or planned for it. Using some obscure exception (even if it really is one) to play gotcha doesn't really disprove any thing.

The 320si might have been slow for a homologation special, but with a 0-62 time of 8.1 seconds, it is certainly competitive with other C-Class in the price range (£25,000). Similarly priced C180 Kompressor Sport (£25,832) takes 9.5 seconds, and isn't anywhere near as special. In any case, as stated, the point of the car was purely for homolagation purposes, not to be best in class or anything of that nature. With only ~2600 made, there wouldn't be much fuzz.

Any review is always going to be subjective to some degree or other...

So are personal drive impressions of a car...

Consequently, putting down one make of car over another, is just plain silly and immature IMHO.

Facts can be used to support an opinion/viewpoint, such as 'sportiness' with acceleration times etc, especially if it is an viewpoint such as sportiness that seems to be currently so much in vogue.

But what about comfort? What is the objective/factual measure for that?

And how about engineering, material, and design quality?

What is the factual measure for that?

Does longevity and reliability factor into these reviews, or are we only concerned about driving thrills and not the practical realities of actually owning a car?

How about the comfort side of it for passengers?

Or are we expected to believe that in a relationship where your partner may contribute 50% or more of the cost of the vehicle, that their needs don't matter, as long as the driver gets a 'sporty' drive?

So many of these reviews seem only relevant in terms of fulfilling the fantasies of car fanboys and selling magazines as against providing balanced and pertinent information that might suit a car buyer looking to purchase a vehicle, and no doubt with many, and often conflicting needs.

Just my impressions/opinion of course...

On another note though, it is nice to see no bias between country of origin or brand badge, and that a Japanese car can compete with the acknowledged German standard setter when it comes to that narrow criteria of sportiness in that particular market segment.

Best

Jon...

320si was praised in Europeans carmag. They said the car was like the old E30 to drive (in a good way). 320si might not be superfast but was celebrated for offering a great driving experience.