40 Votes

C&D COMPARO: 2007 BMW 328i v 2008 Cadillac CTS DI v 2008 Infiniti G35 Sport v 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport

xdrive_ submitted on 12/20/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 3:45:37 PM

100 user comments | Category: Reviews | Source: | SOURCE: www.caranddriver.com

Tag Links: BMW, Cadillac, G35, Infiniti, CTS, sport sedans, Mercedes

We’re not exactly sending lambs off to the slaughter, but putting various competitors of the BMW 3-series into the ring with that brilliant German car can occasionally feel like cruelty.

A perennial 10Best Cars winner, the 3-series—and especially the current generation—is so good at doing so many things that these contests turn out to be battles for second place.

Nonetheless, every car, without regard for past praise and accolades, goes into a comparison test with a tabula rasa. We approach each car as if to say, “What have you done for me lately?” and each is driven with an open mind. The first day of a comparison test is much like the first day of school: Optimism abounds, everyone is granted a virtual A plus on that first day, and everyone, for a while anyway, is perfect. And then, long before the day is out, the harshness of reality sets in. So much for ephemeral perfection.

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C&D COMPARO: 2007 BMW 328i v 2008 Cadillac CTS DI v 2008 Infiniti G35 Sport v 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport

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Here We Go!
— AntiFanBoi (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 4:55:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

With performance numbers this close, and prices similar as well...

I'll go for the one that most appeals to me aesthetically (Inside and Out):

The CADILLAC CTS

A road presence, and driver environment currently in a class by itself.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 4:59:32 PM | | Votes: 3

I know there are alot of BMW, MB and Lexus fans on this site to corner each market. However is there anyone who wants to join with me in actually supporting Caddy.

Cause I gotta be honest, this new direction they are moving in and this new CTS, is just 'frik'n sweet'. I can't get enough of this car.
— Spectator (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 5:03:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

actually, we chased most of the lexus fans away a few months ago. no problem.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 6:03:10 PM | | Votes: -3

i like them all. this is such a strong segment from top to bottom. you can't go wrong. i may have to lean towards the benz...if it has a clutch.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 6:06:42 PM | | Votes: 3

Cadillac has done something rather remarkable with the design of this new CTS - Actually produced a vehicle that I see people turning their heads (admiringly) to look at while walking along the Las Vegas Strip!

In a city where luxury vehicles are nothing uncommon, and BMW 3-Series/Mercedes C-Classes are as plentiful as Honda Accords, that's quite an achievement.

Well Done Cadillac!
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 10:17:58 PM | | Votes: 3

I like the the new CTS very much. Cadillac has accomplished what many manufacturers only can dream of. Distinctive, high quality cars. You do not cofuse Cadillacs with anything else. Only BMW and Mercedes are in the same league. Jaguar, Audi, Lexus could take notes. Audis and Lexus's car models all look alike. Jaguars are blah even the new XF. Now if the CTS just weighed 300 lbs less.
— lyonboy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 5:17:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I guess that's the price of having additional 'stretch out' room... and for a car with this level of refinement, performance, luxury and LOOKS, it's a price I'm willing to pay!
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 8:45:27 PM | | Votes: 0

Amazing how a 328i still tops competitors meant to go against the 335i...
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 5:22:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

And who would that be? They compared these cars due to price and class. And honestly, taking from the review itself, it seemed the G was the better.
— Obliv (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 5:37:10 PM | | Votes: 6

that would be the G35 and CTS... I guess you didnt read the article? From the last paragraph of the article, it said the G35 was a big improvement from the old gen G35, but the competition has also improved.

Don't forget that the 328i is also giving up 78 HP and options.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 5:51:10 PM | | Votes: 1

The 328 sucks! I would take a G35 any day over it. If I cant have the power of the 335, why would I buy a 3 series? I would even buy the caddy over it. The MB...I would rather have the 3 series
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 6:23:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

"If I cant have the power of the 335, why would I buy a 3 series?"

Because it still drives perfectly, with telepathic steering, perfect damping and grin-inducing handling?

Anyway, if you remember, the lowly LAST-generation 3 Series flagship (330i) had less power than the 328i!!!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 10:28:22 PM | | Votes: 1

haha, WHERE IS THE IS250??? so good it cant be compared?
— gsh23 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 6:29:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -9

they said in the comparo that it was too slow...
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 7:47:19 PM | | Votes: 5

so slow and sad that they saved it the embarrassment of being compared to these impressive sedans. good call on the editors part.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 10:23:13 PM | | Votes: 2

well, since i am G35 owner, I will go with G35 is my choice ... lol..
— pchera01 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 7:05:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Apparently the IS250 was too slow to compete...which it is. 8 seconds or something? I could forgive it if it was a 2 litre and got great mpg, but it's a V6!

And I don't believe it! A MANUAL Merc C300?? We have the C280 in the UK (same engine, different name) and there is no manual offered...that's so bizarre, considering the US's love of autos.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 7:18:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

protest. riot. vandalize. there is no justice!
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 7:36:09 PM | | Votes: -1

Congrats BMW, I see the C Class continues its record of losing badly.
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 7:35:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -14

How has it lost?

All cars here are winners. It all depends on personal preference. The C-Class has never done well in Car and Driver comparisons. Big deal.
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 8:02:40 PM | | Votes: 7

The last generation C-Class did well enough in comparison tests. It was always a sort of middle car. Good enough in the luxury department, good enough in the sports department, great in the safety department and so on.

It simply wasn't very competitive in terms of driving dynamics though. I doubt buyers cared since most people who buy a Mercedes C-Class by default care more about travelling in comfort, not drag racing or taking extreme curves with precision steering.
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 6:05:36 AM | | Votes: -1

I know the C class isnt the best choice, but the last Generation (havent driven the new one yet) always put a smile on my face.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 8:20:04 AM | | Votes: 0

The C-Class isn't the best choice? Says who?

Tell that to the people who like the way the cars drives, feels, looks, performs etc. A statement like that is a "personal opinion". Every single car in this class is the "best choice" to someone.
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 11:30:58 AM | | Votes: 2

whoa there bill, I said that so that I WOULDNT get deboosted, I was making a positive comment about the C that I figured most would disagree with. And by "best choice", I mean "best SPORT sedan", isnt that what we're comparing here? I love all these cars, but yes, in MY MIND, the C isnt the 'best choice', but I would be compelled to choose it - if that makes any sense.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 1:00:31 PM | | Votes: 1

Good choice of cars. Out of those, I would have to pick the G35.
— PerformanceGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 7:50:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Car and Driver showing their BMW and Infiniti bias as usual. Not that it matters since those two are the sportiest cars in this class.

I think they should have compared the CTS and C-Class in terms of luxury, not sport, since it is obvious that they focus more on that aspect than sheer sportiness.
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 8:01:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Why should Mercedes or Cadillac focus on building "involving driver's cars"? You obviously have no clue. The C-Class or CTS were never meant to dethrone the BMW 3er. Both these cars focus on comfort and luxury first, sport second. From what I've read, the C-Class and CTS are very capable sports sedans in their own right: the BMW 3er and Infiniti G simply are sportier. Infiniti wants to take on BMW in this segment, Cadillac and Mercedes don't, no matter what their marketing hypes up.

So, who cares? You want the best sports sedan for your money, go to BMW or Infiniti. You want comfort with a nice blend of sport, stop by your local Cadillac, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus (etc.) dealer.

Fact is, the BMW 3-Series formula sells. The Mercedes C-Class formula sells. Why change it? BMW do what they do best, Mercedes' do what they do best. It's so simple.

And I maintain my position on Car and Driver. They're sports biased and they're BMW and Infiniti (throw in Honda there too) biased as well. I'm not complaining, I am just mentioning this. Read some of Car and Driver's older reviews and you can see a bias towards BMW simply because they're sportier than whatever car they were compared against.
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 6:10:27 AM | | Votes: 2

The latest Auto Motor und Sport comparison in Europe. I copied and pasted this from another forum.

Audi A4 2.0 TDI vs BMW 318d vs Mercedes C200 CDI

1st Place: Audi A4 (503/650)
The new A4 combines agility with good comfort and good handling. The new TDI is fuel efficient and powerful. A good car for a good price.

2nd Place: Mercedes C200 CDI (478/650)
Best comfort and quietest suspension of the trio, the best long-distance cruiser among the group. Good safety features and safe driving dynamics. The engine is not the most refined and is thirsty and the running costs are high.

3rd Place: BMW 318d (474/650)
Best driving dynamics of the group and good fuel eocnomy. The suspension is just too hard, the comfort too poor and the standard features are lacking. The engine is not very responsive and lacks spirited midrange power. The brakes are weak.

The new Audi A4, being the newest, is obviously at an advantage. It combines great handling with good comfort. The suspension is reasonably comfortable but gets noisy on rough roads. The handling and agility are pretty good and you don't realize you're driving a FWD car do to the new weight distribution. The new TDI engine is the most refined in the group with the best response. In terms of safety the Audi is on par with the Mercedes, mostly because of the collision avoidance system. The torquey TDI engine is also now more fun to drive because torque steer has been mostly "eliminated".

The Mercedes C-Class was praised for its comfort and interior/suspension quietness. Here the Audi and BMW couldn't compete with it. The driving dynamics were described as being sporty and agile, but not as sporty as the competition, but still a good handling and easy to control car. The C-Class rear seats offered space for a "realistic" 5th person (apparently a 5th person in the Audi or BMW will be very cramped). Safety wise the C-Class was pretty much on top: Pre-Safe, Knee-Airbags etc. The engine delivered decent power but was criticized for lacking in refinement compared to the competition. The fuel economy also tended to be higher than that of the competition. Running costs are also very high.

The BMW 318d was the best-handling car in the group. Typical BMW driving dynamics make this car fun, which is only spoiled by the weak engine. The refinement is ok, but the engine response is not very good and the motor doesn't feel very eager. On the plus side, it's not as expensive as the Mercedes in price and running costs. Safety features were described as adequate. The brakes were criticized for lacking stopping power. What the editors didn't like about the BMW was the poor comfort. It's not a comfortable car because the suspension is very hard and geared for sporty driving. Occupants "bounce up and down" on rough roads.
— ErichHartmann (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 8:09:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I would hazard a guess that the new Twin Turbo 2.0L diesel engine from BMW will sort out the performance issues.

Should have 323d in the stores by March 08.
— I95SPEEDINGTICKETS (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 6:34:22 AM | | Votes: 2

This is what i do not understand

They are comparing the CTS to the 3-Series, C-Class & G35 and you guys have no problem with it.

On an earlier topic people were comparing the soon to be launched CTS-V with the 5-Series, E-Class & S6 and when i asked what gives ? i was told it was in the 5-Series Class "Size Wise" but priced to compete with the Smaller Class of vehicles such as the Models above.

So the question now is this, In which bloody class of vehicles should this vehicle be judged ?
— I95SPEEDINGTICKETS (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 8:16:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

I've stated more times than I can recall that the Cadillac CTS does, IN FACT, compete directly with the E-Class/5-Series/A6 when physical size is taken into consideration, but the A.W.E.E.M. (AutoSpies WannaBe Euro Enthusiast Majority) continue to argue that it competes with the BMW 3-Series/Mercedes C-Class though the, "C300, and the 328i, for that matter, is barely larger than a Honda Civic sedan—a Civic, in fact, has more interior space than the Benz"...

There's No Logic What-So-Ever in comparing the Cadillac CTS to these (physically) Lesser Vehicles IMO.

...and as you stated, when the CTS-V is released, every comparison test will have it pitted against the Hyper-Performance Mid-Sized offerings from the Euro/Japanese Marques i.e. M5, S6, E63 AMG and the like.

It'll be interesting to read the 'justifications' to follow...
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 8:40:22 PM | | Votes: 0

What the H#!* does "bloody" mean??? Is that a bad word over there?
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 9:11:48 PM | | Votes: -1

bloody is a REALLY bad word. haven't you seen crocodile dundee? it's pretty much the best movie ever.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 9:34:10 PM | | Votes: 1

A Merriam-Webster etymologist proposes that the word originates from 19th-century England and was used much in the same manner as the 'F-word' is currently used as an intensifier in Western society.

So Now You Know...

Note: The use of the word "bloody" as an intensifier is/was considered to be rather offensive in England.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 9:40:09 PM | | Votes: 0

DaHarder, WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE THE STS??? The STS is the one that's been compared to the 5 Series! There is NO WAY in hell that it could compete with the full-size sedans, because it would lose every time... even with the price advantage. With the mid-size sedans, it's more at home.

Cadillac even showed an STS driving through a crowd of E's and 5's in one advertisement a couple years ago.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 10:32:45 PM | | Votes: 0

Why does everything have to be so 'compartmentalized'?

Just as the CTS is somewhat of a 'tweener' bridging the gap between luxury compacts and mid-sizers, the STS might well be regarded as the same, except bridging the the crevice that lies between mid-sized and full-sized luxury sedans.

What A Concept!
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 12:56:53 AM | | Votes: 1

Your point is well contrived I95.

And as DaHarder said the car indeed does not compare to the BMW 3 series nor the MB C class. I do believe there is a valid comparison with the G35 sedan however in almost all categories.

The neat thing about Caddy, is they developed the CTS specifically so it wouldn't be compared to a european model counterpart. Pure Genius!... in my mind. Lexus went the other route and now finds itself in a model/class horsepower war with the big 3 germans. Thats a much tougher route to take with a bigger chance of failure. (note: to all the lexus fans, I'm just stating a point, not saying any brand is better than any other brand).

What GM did was they went ahead and built a phenominal sedan based on german ideals (like power, refinement, a well crafted cabin and great handling)...however they made it for the US market. We have wider roads, larger citzens and buy and carry alot of crap in our vehicles. So instead of building a 3 series clone, they built a car with its key 'good' characteristics and aimed it squarly at the market it was intended to sell in, in the first place. Oh it helped that they gave it domestic pricing as well.

If you want to compare cars to the 3 series, you can use the MB C class, Audi 4/5, and Lexus IS model. The Caddy shouldn't even be in that comparison...thats where you run into the "apples to oranges" situation.

If you absolutly need to compare the CTS to somthing (which I don't think you do...I think it could quite possibly fall into its own category) Then the G35 sedan would be its antagonist. They at least have similar lengths, wheelbases, height, vehicle volumes and engines (though the G is slighly smaller).
— Spectator (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 9:21:37 AM | | Votes: 3

You don't know how to use bloody??
Bloody is a, well, bloody fantastic word!!!
Bloody amazing, bloody huge...etc
bloody hell is also a popular swear.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 2:13:57 PM | | Votes: 2

This my rile a few people and warrant a few deboostings, but I would like to have seen the Acura TL-type S thrown in this segment. MSRP 38,795 with 286hp and 0-60 times ranging from 5.5-5.9 depending on who is doing the testing. Is Acura being left behind by the automotive community all the while producing stellar products with some of the best manual trannys on the market. The TL-S comes one way, with one option, manual or automatic. It's a lot of car for the same if not less money than the cars on this list when compared spec for spec, and it will hold it's own against any of these cars.

V-10 NSX
— jsell (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 8:50:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

The Acura TL 'curse' is that it's based on the (rather pedestrian/mundane) FWD Accord platform.

A vehicle without RWD/AWD in this segment is simply relegated to 'also-ran' status.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 9:43:27 PM | | Votes: 8

The Acura TL is nothing but a glorified, front-wheel drive Honda Accord. Don't get me wrong. I like the TL, and it does perform well, for a fwd car. If you noticed the cars on this comparison, they are all based on RWD platforms. The TL would have been murdered in this comparo.
— 07G35J (View Profile)

Posted on 12/26/2007 1:05:56 PM | | Votes: 1

How many more deboosts before this one is closed?

As I said before Zenophobia runs rampant here.
— Spectator (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 9:26:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

DaHarder, regardless of what car another one is based on, if its specs and price speak for themself...put that car in the comparison. The TL is one underrated car.
— Blakura (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 10:21:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The Acura TL certainly represents solid value for the money, but too many of its (last generation) Honda Accord roots are apparent for the true enthusiast to truly embrace it.

It's not a bad vehicle, it's just not one of the greats.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 1:02:49 AM | | Votes: 1

The TL will probably outsell all of the cars in this comparo except for the BMW for 2007
— Blakura (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 10:23:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I doubt it. When the new A4 comes out, that will make it the oldest car in the segment. The new TL will be the one getting the buzz.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 10:34:14 PM | | Votes: 2

"Even before we left town, we thought this might happen."
When the testers already had their sights on naming BMW the winner, why even do the test?

I noticed that the BMW and MB had the worst braking (161/174ft) vs the G and Caddy (157/155ft) who were actually heavier. I guess braking was relegated to unimportant status on this comparo.

Look at the test sheets and it was a toss up between the Caddy, G and 3, each car won categories. The G being the fastest, the Caddy the largest with best brakes and the 3 being the quietest and most BMW like.
The G outran and outbraked the 3. The CTS outbraked and matched the 3 in speed. The 3 was quieter and out Germaned the other two.

The C was just outclassed, which is unfortunate, but their excuse for using the C300 instead of the C350 was because there was no manual (whatever) eventhough it met the price requirement.

I'm waiting to see them test the C63/IS-F/M3/CTS-V/RS4. Is there a super Infiniti G?
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 10:37:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The M3 will win. This is Car & Driver.

I hope there's a performance G coming! It would do so much for Infiniti's already great image!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/20/2007 11:23:47 PM | | Votes: 2

technically you're right, a base C350 automatic would have met the price requirement, but considering this comparison was clearly labelled for "manual transmission sport sedans" that would have been pretty stupid. In that case though, a base 335i could have also qualified for the test AND had a stick. I'm fairly certain the BMW would have come out on top then too.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 12:08:49 PM | | Votes: 1

If this test was based on luxury and not so mush sport the C300 probably would have placed higher. But hey all the cars in this comparo are good. My personal favorite is the G35 but I'd perfer the coupe instead.

Terms of Luxury this is how they would finish:
1st - Infiniti G35S
2nd - Mercedes C300 Sport
3rd - BMW 328i
4th - Cadillac CTS
— Tonee (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 12:06:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

the G35 is tops for luxury? Can I get a little of whatever you're smoking? Cause it must be some good stuff.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 12:01:34 PM | | Votes: 2

Actually, it would look more like...

1. Cadillac CTS
2. Mercedes C-Class
3. BMW 3 Series / Infiniti G35 (tie)
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/23/2007 3:10:52 PM | | Votes: 1

By the way, the official press releases for the new SLK are out. Apparently the SLK350, with the 268-hp 3.5-l V6 now makes 305-horsepower.

About time!
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 6:11:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Cool! a 268 hp car that makes 305 hp!!

How did they do that?

wink!
— Lavic (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 2:02:27 PM | | Votes: 2

I like the Cadillac because they really got it right this time, America can be proud of that car.

I love the feel of a Benz.

I love the roudy sporty nature of the G, that goes all out to get its cred.

The Bimmer's got the posh most look for, but at this price point, I'd pick the more powerful G, as the 335, (while an amazing performer) reaches slightly to high in price.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 8:29:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

um....*rowdy
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 8:30:45 AM | | Votes: 0

say it again...we know...we can all read...in fact I get this mag in the mail so that's about the 5th time now.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 1:02:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

But the C Class also has softer springs as well. C and D mentioned its body roll compared to the others.So it was never going to win the handling constest.Frankly it has never been M/B's philosophy to make the ultimate driving machine. However where M/B feel down was in the C class interior. The previous version in my opinion has a better quality more luxurious interior. This new one is very cheap and plastiky. I think the Infinity and the CTS beat it soundly on interior appointments. The BMW has never made the best interiors. Simply because they are more concerned with driving ergonomics. That has always been their philosophy. The CTS was mostly critisized for its mannual tranny. Yet in the same issue it was voted one of the top 10 cars. The difference was that car had an automatic which they say better suits the CTS. Overall for value if I did not neet ultimate handling I would probably go for the Caddy if I needed a near luxury car among these 4.
— mini22 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 12:27:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The main problem with the MB C series is the "feel". MB has gone too far and sucked the driving experience out of its cars. Too power everything! I tried a SL550 and no feedback at all, Porsche 997S is way more fun. Of course this is only bad if you are a "car" person which most of the people in the mags are. Besides that the C series is great and comfortable.

BMW keeps it tradition and maintains the sporty feedback that most "car" people enjoy, thus recieves higher marks. Glad to see the CTS following the BMW mold than MB with good feed back. I am sure the CTS would have beat the G35 if it was quicker; would have been very close in the least. I seen both and the CTS has a much better interior.
— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 3:05:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The S550 IS amazing. In that class, feedback is hard to come by. The best anyone can do is make it feel smaller in the twisties--which is what Mercedes-Benz was able to do. I've test driven the S550 twice, and it was very impressive. It also has a beautiful interior, which you all know.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/23/2007 12:05:47 AM | | Votes: 1

I remember back in 2004, I believe, that Road and Track had an 11 car test of vehicles that were slotted in this class. They should do something like that now, with the new generation.

1. 335i
2. C350
3. A4 3.2 Quattro
4. IS350
5. G35
6. CTS
7. TL Type-S

I think in that comparo, they also added cars like Lincoln, Jaguar, Volvo, and something else.

Now that would be really interesting.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 5:09:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Of course, price should not be an issue, because in that test, R&T said that the BMW out performed, out handled and out-classed the G35, but was about $8K more, so it lost out to the G35. I think price should not be an issue when it comes to class of cars. Cars are not classified based on price.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/21/2007 5:11:04 PM | | Votes: 1

Hmmm?

So, in 'Thierry-Land', what exactly are vehicles categorized/classified by...

Inquiring Minds Would Like To Know?
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 1:17:09 PM | | Votes: 1

um... size... I mean, I think size is a better comparo no?
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 4:29:24 PM | | Votes: 1

when car companies put out cars, its usually compared by size. I don't think Hyundai Azera competes with a BMW 3er or Lexus IS? I think it targeted the Lexus LS. BMW 5er. I mean, its a 30k car.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 4:46:34 PM | | Votes: 1

"Hmmm?

So, in 'Thierry-Land', what exactly are vehicles categorized/classified by...

Inquiring Minds Would Like To Know?"

DaHarder, care to read your OWN comments? You continue to spout off about how the CTS should compete with the mid-sized sedans even though it's priced like the smaller sedans!!! You are completely contradicting yourself!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/23/2007 12:07:05 AM | | Votes: 2

thierryhenry14 says these cars should not be classified by price? Well, back in March I went shopping for a sports sedan. I tried all these except the new CTS because it was not available back then. But I test drove the older CTS. I liked them all but guess what is sitting in my garage right now... You guessed right. A G35. It all came down to one fact: the most bang for the buck. See, this category does not aim for the 6-figure salary guys. So price does play a very important role here.
— 07G35J (View Profile)

Posted on 12/26/2007 12:33:04 PM | | Votes: 1

"fastonekiller" I would agree with you had all that chrome on the Caddy been plastic & not real chrome.

As for everyone hating on the 328's win, I'll I have to say is go & drive it! Seriously until you drive it, (Or basically any other of BMW's models) you will not understand it.

That said I'd still take the G35 because it is faster, cheaper, better equipped, & IMO looks better than the 328i, which lacks the chrome grill & dual tailpipes of the 335i…But I’d take a 335i over anything in this class.
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 2:48:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

99% of these cars will be sold with automatics, so their test basically means nothing except to people who think they know something about cars.

Munich,
If its so great, are BMW customers willing to pay more so they won't have to cut 10% of their workforce? I didn't think so.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 1:57:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

"99% of these cars will be sold with automatics, so their test basically means nothing except to people who think they know something about cars."

Like you?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 4:20:04 PM | | Votes: 4

I don't know if you know what temporary workers mean but I think its different than, per say, permanent workers...no?
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 4:58:20 PM | | Votes: 2

JRob,
The IS350 would have qualified as well.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 2:02:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

How about a British magazine perspective?

'EVO' out of the UK (A performance-car based magazine) said that the C-Class in Sport trim is actually a better drivers car than a comparable 3-series. And they know what they are talking about.

They also said the CTS wasn't as sharp dynamically as the 3 or C, and that while the interior looked good, the quality fell short of the C and 3.
— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 7:46:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

It may be a European magazine, but that doesn't make it the definitive answer.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/23/2007 12:08:20 AM | | Votes: 1

No, but it's a damn sight more accurate.
— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/23/2007 4:45:00 AM | | Votes: 1

C&D is the most biased magazine on the auto magazine front, they are just too pro BMW. So this comparo test is not really convicting for me. I'll take the G35.
— farabira1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/22/2007 7:55:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

You know, that's true, but they are pro BMW for a REASON. If they liked cars that sucked and continued to rate them highly, that would be one thing. But loving BMW is quite another. Those cars, especially the 3er, are hugely impressive and deserve every accolade they get. It doesn't matter if it's short on power, because the 328i still delivers all of the fun of its more expensive brethren.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/23/2007 12:29:56 AM | | Votes: 1

s4 u are so right. the 3 series is so smooth on the road, it is A1.the handling is brilliant. if you havent driven one you dont know what you missing out on, especially the coupe
— bmwpowerf1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/23/2007 10:03:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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C&D COMPARO: 2007 BMW 328i v 2008 Cadillac CTS DI v 2008 Infiniti G35 Sport v 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport

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