What Would Jason Do?
Have Japan’s rally rockets grown up enough to battle BMW’s turbo all-wheel-drive 3-series?

You’ve no doubt heart endless praise for both Subaru’s wicket Impreza WRX STI and Mitsubishi’s wild Lancer Evolution. It’s well-deserved. With an intoxicating mixture of monster horsepower and magical four-wheel drive systems, these little rockets have hexed a generation of boy racers into spending more than thirty grand on what are, in essence, tarted-up, entry-level economy cars.

But what happens when the boy racer grows up? Subaru says he turns into Jason, a fictional character its marketing department has developed and affectionately refers to as the “affluent man-child.” Jason shares more than just his name with your humble author—at thirty-two, he’s the same age, also has no kids, watches little or no television, and works in a creative field. Jason must be newly interested in cushy refinement because, t ensure that their new 2008 STI and Evo models continue to appeal to him, Subaru and Mitsubishi have kept the same blistering performance recipe—about 300 turbocharged horsepower and four-wheel drive—but added lots more everyday livability and convenience features.

They’ve added a lot more price, too. In fact, both cars, when fully loaded, come perilously close to the base price of a certain BMW, the 335xi—the car that Jason will surely want in another few years, when he grows from affluent man-child into affluent man. Although you might not realize it, the BMW is similar in size to the Japanese cars, and its powertrain cauldron is cooking up the same ingredients: a turbocharged, 300-hp engine and four-wheel drive.

You now understand the meaning of that WWJD bumper sticker you keep seeing. It symbolizes the painful emotional dilemma that faces every boy racer as he begins the long, introspective journey into adulthood. Evo, STI, or 3-series? What Would Jason Do?

To answer that question, Jason (your author) rounded up all three cars and a few leadfooted staffers and flogged them mercilessly (the cars, not his coworkers) around Southern California.

Visually, the 335xi is the grown-up of the group, devoid of deep spoilers, fender flares, clear taillights, and wings. Under its bulgeless, scoopless hood lies BMW’s powerhouse 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged in-line six. On the way to its 7000-rpm redline, the screaming six produces the thrust of 300 horses and a tenor crescendo that echoes off mountains a half mile away. By using one tiny and one small turbocharger, BMW eliminated a great deal of potential lag—major oomph is available instantaneously, regardless of where the tachometer needle is pointed.

Our test car’s $47,100 sticker price was considerably higher than that of a $41,575 base 335xi because it included various options that don’t affect performance—and that the other two cars don’t have. So, for the purposes of this comparison, we will ignore the metallic paint, the leather seats, the keyless starting system, the Bluetooth, and the cold-weather package. Equipped with only the sport package and the eighteen-inch wheel-and-tire upgrade, our 335xi would cost $43,075. Yes, that’s a lot of dough, although the top-spec STI isn’t much cheaper: our 2008 WRX STI test vehicle shocked us with its $39,440 price tag. Subtract the optional BBS wheels and navigation, though, and the STI drops to $35,640. The two cars’ equipment levels are similar (for example, both cars have high-intensity-discharge headlights and six-speed manual transmissions) but the Subaru’s lower price is partially offset by missing standard 335xi features such as a sunroof and dual-zone climate control.

The Subaru’s 2.5-liter flat-four engine belts out 305 hp in one huge explosion, pulling so frantically toward its 6700-rpm redline that its engineers wisely installed a beeper to notify the driver that it’s time to shift. Still, we hit the rev limiter constantly. While the flat four never creates a symphony like the BMW in-line six, it’s smooth and pleasing to the ears, no matter how fast it’s turning.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X’s raucous in-line four, on the other hand, could wake the dead. Inside the car, it sounds like a blender. Outside, a jet helicopter. It builds power more progressively than the STI—to a peak of 291 hp—and pulls frantically all the way to its rev limiter. You’ll never be surprised by the rev limiter, though—the engine is so vocal that you don’t even need to look at the tach. You will be checking the gauges, however, to see if the engine is still running when you’re trying to take off gently up a steep hill: the Evo’s 2.0-liter engine—the smallest in the group—is powerless off idle. To complicate things, the Evo’s clutch fills the air with the scent of burnt lining after even moderate slippage, so slow starts on steep grades are a tricky proposition involving lots of throttle, a modicum of revs, and a measured dose of patience.

There would have been no such eau de clutch issue had we tested a Lancer Evo MR, whose dual-clutch automatic uses wet clutches. The MR—which we expect will start at about $38,000—includes gorgeous, forged BBS wheels, two-piece brake rotors, Alcantara seats, Bilstein dampers, and additional sound deadening. Its higher price and equipment level would have made it an idea choice for this test if it were available with a manual transmission.

We chose the basic Evo GSR, however, because, like the BMW and the Subaru, it has three pedals and a stick shift. With a sticker price of only $33,615, it arrived sans all of the MR features and without many items that the other two cars had—the HID headlights, a satellite radio, and a sixth cog in its transmission, to name a few. On the positive side, its back seat is roomier than those in the STI and the 3-series. That’s important to note, because not much will fit in the tiny trunk.

Once you’re behind the wheel of a Lancer Evolution, though, practical concerns like trunk space are secondary. We declared the previous Evo to be one of the most throttle-adjustable street cars we’ve drive, but the new one is even better. Ironically, the lack of cargo space is the price you pay for that increased maneuverability—various rear suspension and Active Yaw Control differential components live where cases of beer would normally fit in the trunk. The Evo’s driveline computers shuffle power effectively through the three differentials to diminish understeer, and as a result, the Evo pirouettes like a ballerina any time you twist the steering wheel.

Perfect accurate, although not particularly communicative, the Evo’s steering is geared so quickly that it makes the 3580-pound sedan feel like a go-kart. Maintaining a quick pace on mountain roads requires lots of concentration—it’s so eager to drift that we tended to leave the stability control turned on during very fast sections. Mitsubishi’s engineers kept the first four gears very short and closely spaced to help ensure the availability of thrust on the way out of slow corners, but with only five gears to work with and the need for a high-speed top gear, the ratio drop from fourth to fifth is enormous. Nevertheless, the Evo’s engine is in wailing range at highway speeds, making long interstate trips less enjoyable.

On the same roads at the same pace, the driver of an STI will have a much lower pulse rate. The Evo’s primal scream is replaced by a distant, mellow, flat-four thrum. Instead of the Evo’s tail-happy, tame-me-if-you-can chassis, the Subaru provides complete directional confidence. The STI can maintain the same pace, but whereas the Evo’s driver is busy calculating the yaw-angle consequences of changing road camber, surface-grip levels, and frost heaves, the STI driver is enjoying the ultrashort throws of the bolt-action shifter and the seemingly endless range of suspension travel. Stability control? We never much cared whether it was on or off, knowing that the STI’s rump would never step out.

Although the Subaru is 220 pounds lighter than the Mitsubishi, more of its mass is concentrated in the front, and it feels less willing to change direction. Its steering response is very precise but much slower than that of the Evo, and it offers no more feedback. Unless you count nasty kickback over midcorner bumps, that is.

On interstate stretches, the STI’s longer top gear and mellow engine make for much more relaxed cruising. Its cabin is a nicer place to be for long periods of time, thanks to higher quality materials, a smoother ride, and lower noise levels. (Even the Evo MR isn’t as quiet and smooth on the highway as the STI.) The Subaru’s elegant, twin-cockpit dashboard design makes even the BMW’s look somber.

The second you climb into the BMW, however, you realize that you’ve just graduated from T-ball straight to the major leagues. Everything your fingers touch feels twice as expensive—and while the BMW is lacking in visual verve, looks can be deceiving. Take the sport seats, for example, which look as if they’re nowhere near as supportive as the big-bolstered buckets in the other cars. In fact, the 3-series’ bolsters are electronically adjustable and will hold you just as tightly.

With the proverbial twist of the key (the BMW uses a start button), discussions about the slight acceleration differences between the STI and the Evo are immediately silenced. The 335xi’s engine displaces 50 percent more cubic centimeters than the Evo’s and 20 percent more than the STI’s. With 50 percent more cylinders than either—and 100 percent more turbochargers—the BMW beats both of the Japanese cars in a straight line.

From a standing start, the 3-series was merely a bit quicker than the other two cars, but in real-world driving it’s significantly faster. The Evo’s engine slowly comes alive from 3000 rpm; the STI’s wakes up suddenly at 4000 rpm. The BMW, however, is always alert, achieving peak boost (and peak torque) at 1400 rpm—and it pulls hard all the way to 7000 rpm. Around town, it feels twice as powerful as either four-cylinder, and on the highway, it simply walks away from both.

The 335xi’s shifter throws are neither as precise nor as short as the other cars’, but its clutch engagement and electronic throttle control are so well-matched that you’ll execute every shift perfectly without even trying. BMW fits its all-wheel-drive 3-series models with a slower steering ratio, but what the rack lacks in quickness, it makes up for in feedback. Its steering system transmits constant messages about the road surfaces to your fingertips, loading up naturally as you turn in.

The 335xi’s operatic engine and prodigious steering feedback keep its driver as involved as the Evo’s but with a dose of the STI driver’s confidence. BMW doesn’t install its sport suspension on all-wheel-drive cars, but the 335xi offers a blend of the silky ride quality and remarkable body control typical of other 3-series. Not surprisingly, tail-out antics are not easily accomplished in this all-wheel-drive Bimmer. Trail-braking causes it to push wide, whereas the Japanese cars’ sophisticated, rally-bred chassis computers help them rotate. Regardless, the 3-series is always able t keep up with the others on back roads, its relative lack of absolute grip negated by the additional grunt from the big engine’s broad torque curve.

Cruising at high speeds in the 3-series is, as you’d expect, a nonevent compared with the STI and the Evo. Triple-digit speeds happen as if by accident. The 335xi, despite having the largest engine and the best acceleration times, also has the highest EP highway fuel-economy ratings.

Although their performance credentials are both impressive, the STI and the Evo couldn’t be more different in personality. The Evo’s high-energy, manic nature is in stark contrast to the Subaru’s relaxed, refined demeanor. Yet the STI’s understeer is no match against the Evo’s sophisticated yaw dance. In cornering agility, the Evo has advanced from the modified compact-sedan realm into hard-core sports car territory. As the crudest, most aggressive car in this trio, it stays truer to the boy-racer ideal in both price and performance.

Some enthusiasts, though, will always view the pair as sub-$20,000 economy cars with $20,000 in upgrades, no matter their performance chops. A few years back, both the STI and the Evo were fantastic bargains at about $30,000. However, as these Japanese rally cars creep up in price, more and more boy racers will understandably stretch their budgets and look toward Germany. That’s what this particular boy races named Jason would do.

Test results (BMW 335xi - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR - Subaru Impreza WRX STI)

0-60 mph (sec): 5.0 - 5.1 - 5.4
0-100 mph (sec): 12.7 - 14.0 - 14.0
0-120 mph (sec): 19.2 - 22.7 - 22.5
30-70 mph passing (sec): 7.2 - 5.9 - 6.2
1/4-mile (sec @ mph): 13.7 @ 104 - 14.0 @ 100 - 14.0 @ 100
70-0 mph braking (ft): 161 - 160 - 159
Cornering L/R (g): .91/.95 - 1.03/1.03 - .96/.95

enjoy :thumbup:

damn, the new 335xi's are crazy. they can keep up on the back roads with the Sti and the EVO. thats awesome. and of course i expected it to stomp both the STI and EVO on the highway, especially because of that amazing peak torque at only 1400rpm. man, the 135xi, if it comes out, is definitely gonna beat he EVO X and STI stock. then lets the modding begin and i'm gonna put my money on the EVO X.

Still dont want another BMW at present. Been there, done that, fast but not exciting. Price isnt really an issue I just want the X right now, rather than being swallowed up by the flood of German clones, simple as that.

My name's not jason. But I came to same conclusion a few weeks ago when my Mitsu dealer announced me the Evo pricing in Canada.

Now if I could only sell my LegacyGt... :(

I still don't think it is a fair test considering who the F buys a BMW without leather. I sure as hell won't! Price different between 335xi and STI/EVO is almost 10k if they are similarly equipped.

I still don't think it is a fair test consider who the F buys a BMW without leather. I sure as hell won't! Price different between 335xi and STI/EVO is almost 10k if they are similarly equipped.


I didnt even want an X without Leather :thumbup:

damn, the new 335xi's are crazy. they can keep up on the back roads with the Sti and the EVO. thats awesome. and of course i expected it to stomp both the STI and EVO on the highway, especially because of that amazing peak torque at only 1400rpm. man, the 135xi, if it comes out, is definitely gonna beat he EVO X and STI stock. then lets the modding begin and i'm gonna put my money on the EVO X.

Yah, but it's not only about straight-line performance. Most of the fun in driving these cars (EVO, STI, WRX) is when the corners come up. And if you notice, the BMW lags far behind on the skidpad numbers.

I'm sorry so sound like an ass, but there is no way a 335xi...even modified would ever keep up on twisty back roads with the EVO and STI. Mr. Jason clearly can only comprehend straight line speed but I wouldn't give him the assignment to find my next apex. I will concede that the BMW makes a better cruiser, feels more expensive inside and has a great motor, but keeping up with the rally boys through the thick stuff? Please dude. Another thing those numbers are all over the place. BMW has highway grunt because of its broad power band, higher displacement and lower end torque? So why does it take a second longer to go from 30-70mph than the STI and 1.3 seconds longer than the EVO? The BMW hits 0-100mph in 12.7 seconds compared to the 14 (which is a high number from all the tests we've seen as of late from these two) seconds for the EVO & STI. But then takes a full second to hit the other 4mph to hit its quarter mile. The numbers just don't add up, an up-shift wouldn't even explain that delay. I know the 335 is a great car but comparing its performance to the other two is like comparing the EVO and STI's luxury and price to the BMW. A few other things like the STI being able to keep the same pace as the EVO and being easier to drive quickly sticks out against every other review out there. I have come to expect a bit more from Automobile Magazine than this, I would have kept my mouth shut if it were R&T, C&D or MT.

A standard 3-series outperforming an EVO and an STI? The 335 is an impressive machine indeed.

This makes the current price markups on the EVO X look stupid. The BMW probably gets better fuel mileage as well.

I still don't think it is a fair test considering who the F buys a BMW without leather. I sure as hell won't! Price different between 335xi and STI/EVO is almost 10k if they are similarly equipped.

Not in my neck of the woods. Considering the current markups on the EXO X, they are about similarly priced at the moment.

It's also hard to compare the 335i and the EVO X because they can never be truly similarly equipped. The BMW has plenty of standard features that you can simply not get on an EVO. Things like Power-seats, Auto-dimming rear-view interior and exterior mirrors, heated seats, Rear air-conditioning vents in the center console, One touch up and down power windows on all four windows (the Evo X only does the drivers). There's much more. Then there are the options that are available on the 335 that you cannot get on an EVO X. Headlights washers, Rear-Power sunshades as well as other stuff comes to mind. A marked up EVO is priced the same as a 335xi with the items that I’ve mentioned plus the options.

The 135 also has standard features that you cannot get on a EVO X.

The EVO X is slowly losing its main drawing point. And that would be Bang-for-the-buck. Considering the company that the EVO X is competing with on price, the EVO X is short on features and high on price IMO. Not to mention that the EVO X's interior looks like an Economy car interior compared to the BMWs.

Yah, but it's not only about straight-line performance. Most of the fun in driving these cars (EVO, STI, WRX) is when the corners come up. And if you notice, the BMW lags far behind on the skidpad numbers.


That probably is because of the softer suspension and tire combination....Thats the difference in the STi and EVO....Japanese are trying to do what the BMW is doing in terms of quality and appeal...while maintaining there cornering heritage...

BMW has built a specific car for that kind of person. Its badged as an M3.
The market the EVO STi sit in is an...uneasy market...because like the article is emphasizing when you can afford the BMW you tend to get the BMW. (this does not apply for everyone)

That probably is because of the softer suspension and tire combination....Thats the difference in the STi and EVO....Japanese are trying to do what the BMW is doing in terms of quality and appeal...while maintaining there cornering heritage...

BMW has built a specific car for that kind of person. Its badged as an M3.
The market the EVO STi sit in is an...uneasy market...because like the article is emphasizing when you can afford the BMW you tend to get the BMW. (this does not apply for everyone)
No doubt. I hope Mitsu/Subaru understand that their market is not the BMW crowd and get back to producing affordable performance cars that can eat 3-series for lunch. I'd rather see an STI or EVO for $30,000 without all the technical doodads (STI's unnecessary multi-function DCCD). I may be in the minority, but I don't want a Japanese BMW. I like the raw performance appeal of the EVO and STI/WRX, I don't want more sound deadening, insulation, nav system etc. I've owned 4 Subies, from Leg GT to 2.5RS to 2 WRX's. But I'm going to get an EVO next because the new STI is ugley.

0-60 mph (sec): 5.0 - 5.1 - 5.4
0-100 mph (sec): 12.7 - 14.0 - 14.0
0-120 mph (sec): 19.2 - 22.7 - 22.5
30-70 mph passing (sec): 7.2 - 5.9 - 6.2
1/4-mile (sec @ mph): 13.7 @ 104 - 14.0 @ 100 - 14.0 @ 100
70-0 mph braking (ft): 161 - 160 - 159
Cornering L/R (g): .91/.95 - 1.03/1.03 - .96/.95

Those numbers are wayyy off! If an STI owner read this garbage, he would shit himself. I went to an AWD performance track school "I was driving an S4 at the time" and afterwards everyone hit the drag strip next door. Stock STI's were running 13.6-13.8 in the 1/4. I can't take these numbers seriously. Plus stock GSRs are running high 13s in the quarter as well... this is garbage, plain and simple. The handling figures might be on though, and in that case, I must bend over and let mitsu have their way with me for making such an amazzzzing track car for the money.

Yeah, numbers are wway off, .4 sec slower than what others magazine had... Are you freakin serious?

Maybe the drag strip was slick, maybe it was very cold, maybe they had a strong head wind. Relax. What's important is that all three cars were tested at the same place, at the same time

The person saying the 335xi is way off on the skid pad should take a deep breath. First, .06g is not WAY off. Then, the Xi doesn't have the sport suspension and it has runflats. Stiffer suspension and decent tires and the 335 is right on the Evo tail.

Also a skid pad only is an indication of the handling/grip. Because depending on the turn radius, camber etc, the Bimmer can have more grip. It's not because you have a 1.0g car and the other driver has a .95g car that the 1.0g is gonna be faster in all curves all the time. Just like a 13sec 1/4mile can be beat by a 14sec car if the launch and shifting is not good.

The point of the article is that the Evo is the handling king, the 335 is the straightline/luxury king and the STi, well, is king ugly. And for the price, Mitsu and Subie are playing in the BMW courtyard and for the first time, the Bimmer give them a real run for their money performance wise and still is king of the hill in luxury wise.

You might not like the 335, but it is a serious contender.

Yeah, numbers are wway off, .4 sec slower than what others magazine had... Are you freakin serious?

Maybe the drag strip was slick, maybe it was very cold, maybe they had a strong head wind. Relax. What's important is that all three cars were tested at the same place, at the same time

The person saying the 335xi is way off on the skid pad should take a deep breath. First, .06g is not WAY off. Then, the Xi doesn't have the sport suspension and it has runflats. Stiffer suspension and decent tires and the 335 is right on the Evo tail.

Also a skid pad only is an indication of the handling/grip. Because depending on the turn radius, camber etc, the Bimmer can have more grip. It's not because you have a 1.0g car and the other driver has a .95g car that the 1.0g is gonna be faster in all curves all the time. Just like a 13sec 1/4mile can be beat by a 14sec car if the launch and shifting is not good.

The point of the article is that the Evo is the handling king, the 335 is the straightline/luxury king and the STi, well, is king ugly. And for the price, Mitsu and Subie are playing in the BMW courtyard and for the first time, the Bimmer give them a real run for their money performance wise and still is king of the hill in luxury wise.

You might not like the 335, but it is a serious contender.

No, the 335xi shouldn't be in this category... I don't think it appeals to the same market. People who buy evo's and sti's drive them to the track... people who buy 335s just drive them to the office. :-P

No, the 335xi shouldn't be in this category... I don't think it appeals to the same market. People who buy evo's and sti's drive them to the track... people who buy 335s just drive them to the office. :-P

I see much more BMWs at the track than STis. I've only seen one Evo but I live in Canada. Of course I'm in the BMWCCA so that is to be expected. But in the other clubs I go to, you rarely see STis but M3s and other BMWs always show up.

It seems the really young people prefer street racing to track racing. Or it might be because they don't have money left to afford track fees (admission, fuel, tires, brakes). But I very rarely see them.

You can argue all you want that the Evo is more hardcore, but at the end of the day, the 335 is a really fast, very capable car, that won't kill your back or ears on the way to and from the track.

Don't get me wrong, I think the Evo is an amazing car. I just think Mitsu priced their cars too close to the 335. Many car makers attacked BMW over the years, very few succeeded if at all. I think the only way for Mitsu to steal BMW sales is to undercut BMW prices. Not to try to upmarket the Evo. Because, when everything is said and done, you still drive a 16k$ Lancer with 20k$ worth of mods. Nothing wrong with that, but the looks, materials fit and finish are those of a 16k$ car.

The reviewer is full of shite. He gives a vehicle price of $43k if the BMW had a sport suspension, but then later states that BMW doesn't offer sport suspensions on AWD models. He makes essentially no discussion of handling at all.

They are also not at all in the same league pricewise. I bet most 335xi's equipped like an Evo X MR probably go out the door at $50k.

Monthly payments might be close because BMW has built its brand by running cheap leases for poseurs who could never afford to actually BUY one of their cars. I know more losers driving around in 7 series bimmers and making a $800 or $900 lease payment....

This info is from Edmunds.com since my work computer wont open flashplayer sites. Prices may differ but this is what im getting:

BMW 335xi fully loaded is 57k
Subaru STI fully loaded is 42k
Evo MR full loaded is 40k (probably going for 38k plus 2k tech pacakge)

To me the BMW is in a whole different league. I dont think Subaru or Mitsubishi are trying to compete with BMW. The Evo and STI are fun cars that you hook up and race around with your buddies to the track. The 335xi is the older mans performance car that you dont really hook up and race your buddies to the country club.

The 335xi is a great car, but I can't help but think that the writeup is a bit biased. The way he writes it just screams bias.

For example, he said that the BMW was so much faster around town...yet it gets blown away during their 30-70 passing test:

Test results (BMW 335xi - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR - Subaru Impreza WRX STI)

30-70 mph passing (sec): 7.2 - 5.9 - 6.2


That kind of contradicts his words. Granted, the BMW has the best power band, but like I said, it seems biased to me.

The xi also lacks a sport suspension, but he failed to mention that it didn't corner nearly as well as the evo and sti.

:theeye:

That's exactly what I was getting at with my earlier post Dino. The numbers and the reviewer's comments just don't add up.

As for the 335xi being a better handler around a track than the Rally Boys just google "Nordschleife fastest lap times". :shades:

Evo IX GSR prototype 280ps / 1420kg (Basically a pre release version) 8 m 11 sec
The Evo X has shown to be either neck and neck or faster than the IX, but lets assume it's dead even.

BMW 335i 306ps / weight n/a (assuming it's not gutted out, but lighter still than the 335xi with its all wheel drive) 8m 26 sec

BMW M3 E46 343ps / 1546kg 8 m 22 sec
BMW M5 E60 507ps / weight n/a 8m 13 sec
BMW M6 E63 507ps / weight n/a 8 m 9 sec

So of all the current (stock) performance BMW models a 100k coupe with 500hp is needed to topple a 280hp "16k lancer with 20k worth of add ons" around probably the most testing road course in the world. I guess .06g does make a big difference eh, just about a 15 second difference?

I enjoy BMWs as much as anyone, but when it comes to going quickly in anything but a straight line... it's no contest. Would love to see what a FQ360 or the older FQ400 could do. Maybe the FQ360 could give that modified M3 CSL a run for its money (7 m 50 sec 360ps/1421kg) Those seem about even specs for the EVO X FQ360. Although the EVO X would weigh in a tad more.

I'm still drooling because of the Subaru Sti Spec-C 280ps / 1370kg :hump:

If I didnt love tracking and taking corners, and instead just sat in traffic, and ho-hum driving, I would have got the BMW. But, I felt it was ok to forgo some of the nicities and get something that was technologically more advanced, offered superior handling capabilities, and had a long history of being user friendly for mods. The BMW definitely does not meet that criteria, so the Evo X was the only natural choice.

The 335xi is a great car, but I can't help but think that the writeup is a bit biased. The way he writes it just screams bias.

For example, he said that the BMW was so much faster around town...yet it gets blown away during their 30-70 passing test:

Test results (BMW 335xi - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR - Subaru Impreza WRX STI)

30-70 mph passing (sec): 7.2 - 5.9 - 6.2


That kind of contradicts his words. Granted, the BMW has the best power band, but like I said, it seems biased to me.

The xi also lacks a sport suspension, but he failed to mention that it didn't corner nearly as well as the evo and sti.

:theeye:

I looked in a previous R&T magazine I have and the 30-70mph is 4.9sec for the 335.

I have a friend who ordered a 335xi with sport package. We're in Canada though, maybe it is not an option in the US.

Sure the Evo is more track ready, more hardcore. But the 335 has a lot going for it and a sport suspension and good tires is what is missing to make it a very capable track car.

It's funny how some of you guys look down on the 335 like it's some kind of poser pos. It's not. Maybe some of you should take 15min and test drive the car.

Darth,

I don't think anyone is saying it is a poser much less a POS.

It is a fantastic car, the real deal. I would have one if I could afford multiple cars for sure, it is very quick as well as being more refined than the rally boys.

What is being taken into consideration is the fact that it is being made to look in this editor's article as if the 335 can keep up with an Evo X when is surely can not. The fact that you mentioned the 4.9sec 30-70 mph number in comparison to his 7.2sec just solidifies the theory that the review is flawed and that most likely most of the other performance numbers are as well. Again not taking away anything from the 335, I think everyone on this forum appreciates it and respects it.

I've driven it's bigger brother the 535 and that is already a very potent machine, with less weight I know that package is a lot sweeter all around.

I for one thank BMW for making this segment of a compact sedan able to dethrone cars bearing twice the price tag or more. The M3 was once where the Evo and STI are today. Bred from racing, brought to the street and generation by generation they have evolved.

I'm sure one day the Evo and STI will be the big guns looking down at something like a Peugeot coming for it's crown lol. Far fetched but you never know.