If I were to think of the all-new BMW M135i's competition, I wouldn't immediately put two and two together and come out with the Subaru WRX STI.
That's because they both have incredibly different characteristics. The BMW is more of a refined, roadgoing product while the "boob" -- affectionately named as such by my Subaru-owning friends -- is more of a raw, rally car-like experience.
While their power outputs and weight is extremely close their motors and transmission setups are what really differentiate both of these products. THINK: BMW has set up the M135i with a dual-clutch 'box where the torque is nearly immediate at about 1.25k revs and the Subaru requires higher revs to reach peak torque.
Considering this all, there's only one way to really crown the king. Put them on the track and let them have at it, back-to-back.
Watch below for the final result.
Auto Express UK track tests the new BMW M135i versus the Subaru WRX STI 340R. Here's how they compare on paper.
BMW M135i
3 liter inline 6 cylinder
316 hp / 450 Nm torque
0-62 mph (0-100kmh) in 5.1 seconds (manual), 4.9 seconds (automatic)
Weight: 3174 lbs
Subaru WRX STI 340R
2.5 liter 4 cylinder
316 hp / 450 Nm torque
0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds
Weight: 3249 lbs
And here's how they compare in real life on the track.
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