BE HONEST: MS3 or BMW 1-Series 5-Door?

[jkollin]

Such a close call. The MS3 may be quicker, but the rear-drive 1-Series 5-Door, which we won't get in the U.S., is probably the coolest 5-door car ever!

 

[major error]

meh...

It doesn't scream "Drive me!" like the 3 does

 

[bast525]

put that twin turbo straight six in the 1 and I'd take that in a heartbeat.

Honestly, I think the 135i is going to be one of the best sport-compact cars to be released in a very long time, in coupe or hatch form even though we won't get the hatch.

 

[SPEED305]

put that twin turbo straight six in the 1 and I'd take that in a heartbeat.

Honestly, I think the 135i is going to be one of the best sport-compact cars to be released in a very long time, in coupe or hatch form even though we won't get the hatch.

thats my next car. coupe 135i.

 

[TheDutchGun]

meh...

It doesn't scream "Drive me!" like the 3 does

Sorry man but that is a way hotter looking car than a Mazda3. Just add more power please.

 

[shockdoctor]

MS3.

The Beemer looks like it is already sagging between the doors. The rear end is nothing special either. OK, it is rwd, but that is still extra weight. better balance yes, but still extra weight nonetheless. Why now are all of the car companies so intent on copying the 3 so exactly? I know that the 1 series has been in Europe for a while. But this thing really is a copy of the 3. So is the new Subie. Exact copy of the 3. Maybe I should feel flattered by this somehow.(cheers)

 

[Karma_hunden]

I think it looks good. If it has the twin turbo engine of the 335i like the 135i, then it's definately a winner. Hell, it's a BMW, it's [probably] in another price range/category.

 

[Stormtrooper77]

What sounds better in conversation, "I drive a BMW" or "I drive a Mazda"?

 

[ChipRauch]

Hell... I work in Boca Raton Florida. I have coined the phrase... Boca Milf Wagon... to apply to the sickening plethora of those beemers around here. It's about 2 miles from the Turnpike to my office and I literally counted 16 BMWs on my way into the office yesterday. And I just counted the ones I happened to see, on the road. I used to want one... but now... ugh.

 

[camrycev6]

What is the price difference? I looked at 335 coupe prior to getting my MS3, but I couldn't justify the 20K difference. If the 135 is 5K more, I would go with it over the MS3, if it is more than that (say 10K or more) then the MS3 is the better car considering price.

 

[Kosh]

Don't think it looks good at all. The grill and front end looks really bad. It doesn't look right being a hatch with the front end looking the way it does. The hatch looks pretty jacked up as well. If it was smoother it would look better but it has too many folds in the body.

 

[tsunami]

i like the way it looks to bad we aren't getting the hatch here...

like the new sig kosh! smokin hotty for sure!

 

[major error]

Sorry man but that is a way hotter looking car than a Mazda3. Just add more power please.

eh...everyone has their own opinion...

Going strictly by curb-appeal, it looks like just another boring BMW to me. As a matter of fact, after a quick perusal of the BMW site, the only model I would consider other than a Z-series is the 335.
I have nothing against BMW--solid and reliable German engineering, just with staid design.

I think there's a lot more energy captured in nearly all of the Mazda body styles, and that's what I'm attracted to. At this particular moment, if I could chose another car to go with my 3, it'd most likely be an MX5 hardtop. (rockon)

 

[Bu11dogg2]

you do know they putting the TT 3.5 in the 135i right?

think sub 5 second 60 runs.

 

[SwampAss]

I'd only take the 135i if I could get it in diesel here in the US. It's offered abroad. THAT would be sweet. 262ft lbs of torque to wheels that will actually hold it.

 

[major error]

What good is power if I can't stand how it looks?
The military has a nice phrase: "turd-polishing"

THE NEW BMW 1 SERIES COUPE:
BMWs 128i and 135i Coupes Come to America in 2008

Woodcliff Lake, NJ June 30, 2007, 6PM EDT BMW will introduce a modern and authentic performance coupe that draws inspiration from its iconic 2002 models of some 40 years ago. The next BMW legend, the 1 Series Coupe, represents the core BMW philosophies of pure performance and premium design. By combining sporty rear-wheeldrive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 1 Series Coupe will reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created.

On sale in the spring of 2008, the 1 Series Coupe will be available in two versions; the 128i and the 135i. Powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque, the 128i Coupe will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium constructioncore elements of BMWs EfficientDynamics. The powerful 135i Coupe features BMWs twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.3 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased output.

Handsome looks with sporting intentions
The new 1 Series Coupe combines unique, dynamic and unmistakable design elements with a powerful and muscular body. The greenhouse with its characteristic Hofmeister kink is moved rearward and offers a particularly nimble look with its long hood. The short overhangs, long wheelbase and large frameless doors sit on a body with a striking shoulder line for a modern interpretation of BMWs characteristic look. On the 135i Coupe, an M Aerodynamic Kit is standard.

The 1 Series boasts aggressive rear end styling. The trunklid has an integrated spoiler chiselled into the rear end of the car to accentuate the short rear section. On the 135i, an additional lip spoiler provides greater downforce on the rear end at high speeds.

The individual sections within the L-shaped rear taillights give the vehicle a lower, sportier look. Horizontal lights integrated in the rear light clusters offer a homogeneous lighting effect with the help of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This light design, as found on other BMW models, makes the BMW 1 Series Coupe stand out at night. Also, the Adaptive Brakelights operating in two stages in relation to brake application force are yet another feature typical of BMW, with the additional benefit of extra safety on the road...

 

[Haltech]

The 135i is coming to America. It will be the tail end of 2008 when it happens. One of the options is going to be the TT 335i engine, so 300hp.. However, the price for that car will be $36K to $40K.

 

[RelliMS3]

its a good thing none of these opinions are biased at all. honestly it is probably a close call

 

[Donas64]

Pound for Pound the MS3 is the more appealing car.

While I don't think the MS3 is a particularly pretty car,the bimmer doesn't light any of my fires either. I've never been a fan or Chris Bangles "flame surfacing" malary and that downward swooping character line is just nasty.

Having to choose between the 2, I'd take the MS3 hands down (despite the monstrous potential of the top of the range Twin Turbo 1 series hatch).

Although I think the P5, New GTI and the R32 are the best looking hatches.

But once Alfa comes back to the US with this bad boy, all other hatches will look like yugos!

 

[Kosh]

i like the way it looks to bad we aren't getting the hatch here...

like the new sig kosh! smokin hotty for sure!

Thanks! Got it from cracked.com my new favorite site for wasting time at work (other than this site) (cabpatch)