IDK What car to get most similar to the 135i

[gurgen8or]

I used to have a 135i Msport...sadly lasted only for a month. After waiting about another year its time to get another car. I probably wont be going back to the 135i, but am looking if there is something similar. Im looking in compact performance cars, so far idk if any car comes close to the 135i...theres the mini cooper s jcw but fwd...the new gti...nissan 370z...if only ford focus rs was here in the states..also idk if its worth mentioning civic si, cobalt ss, mazdaspeed3

im looking for a compact performance
-preferably rwd like the 135i
-fast 0-60
-coupe or sedan don't matter as long as its compact
-also I want good visibility...the 135i was perfect, so easy to switch lanes
-I also like unique features, like the M-sport package for the 135i

lmk if u guys know that car that would be ur 2nd pick after the 135i
Thanks!

PICS of my old 135i...
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=289576

[MarkR171]

My 2nd choice would have been slightly used Cayman/Cayman S. Would have went for it if the deal was right, and if it was a bit more practical.

Other than what you listed, there isn't much in the price range of the 135i that's comparable. Others that I test drove before buying the 135:
- Infiniti G37: I test drove one, was boring
- Mitsubishi Evo X: Test drove this too, was good except for the horrible turning radius
- Camaro SS: Insane torque, good v8 sound, poor visibility, poor build quality/materials
- 1-2 year old C6 Corvette: Great engine, great visibility, if I trusted Chevy more I might have considered it

Others:
- New Mustang/Mustang GT: They both look promising, though I haven't looked into them personally yet.
- Subaru STi
- Another 135!

[jhuber]

I would have to say either Evo X or 370z. I really dont think you can put a civic si for focus ST in any type of class with the 135i... My buddy has one and IMO its missing the looks, features and power of the 135i. I had a 350z prior to owning my 135i and I loved it for the most part. Worst part, no back seat, not that the 1er is a family car or anything but its nice to be able drive more than 1 person around. Why not go back to the 1er?

[gurgen8or]

Thanks, I had a used cayman in mind too...I forgot about the Subaru sti, it is also a good car but I still rather have a 135.

[TMR013]

Agree that the closest would be 370z or an WRX. Civic is a fun car to drive and handles well, but no where near the torque of the 1.

[gurgen8or]

I ordered my 1 with lemans blue m-sport package and later added performance exhaust and carbon fiber rear diffuser. I don't think I will have time to preorder again and I dont know if they would have a 135i lemans blue m-sport without any options at the dealer. I have to check if they do that would be great. Besides the 135i, I really like the cayman and the 370z but not so sure about the nissan.

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by gurgen8or

car that would be ur 2nd pick after the 135i

335i
Cayman S

[adrean8j]

Originally Posted by gurgen8or

I ordered my 1 with lemans blue m-sport package and later added performance exhaust and carbon fiber rear diffuser. I don't think I will have time to preorder again and I dont know if they would have a 135i lemans blue m-sport without any options at the dealer. I have to check if they do that would be great. Besides the 135i, I really like the cayman and the 370z but not so sure about the nissan.

New 370Z is a really nice car...the interior quality is even better than its G37 Infiniti counterpart and the VQ engine is a very good engine. not quite N54 territory but if I didn't need a back seat I would very likely be in a 350/370z right now.

[JB135MDCT]

Mustang V6 or V8, 370Z, Lotus. Everything else is over priced or FWD based.

[JB135MDCT]

Originally Posted by adrean8j

New 370Z is a really nice car...the interior quality is even better than its G37 Infiniti counterpart and the VQ engine is a very good engine. not quite N54 territory but if I didn't need a back seat I would very likely be in a 350/370z right now.

+1 and better value.

[gurgen8or]

Mustang body is too big and lotus is a great car but not practical enough. I like the 370Z besides the weird window shape but in black with tinted windows it will be hard to tell.

[NewYearsBoy]

The 370z is nice, or the SS Camaro...

[jeremyc74]

The 5.0L Mustang is the most solid performance value on the market right now. I'm not a Mustang guy by any means, but if I were going to spend <$35k on a new car, that would be it.

The 135i is a pretty unique offering right now. There's really nothing else this size that's RWD and has this much power. I'm planning on going a little more upmarket with my next purschase, to a Vette or a 911, but if I had to buy another new car in the $40k range right now, I'm not sure if there's anything I'd take over the 135i, fuel pump issues aside.

[adrean8j]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

The 135i is a pretty unique offering right now. There's really nothing else this size that's RWD and has this much power.

The 350/370z is roughly the same size and power. The 1er weighs more too...major differences are looks and backseat (and FI...).

[1013mm]

370z? Evo? Mazda 3speed? Subbie?

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by adrean8j

The 350/370z is roughly the same size and power. The 1er weighs more too...major differences are looks and backseat (and FI...).

I should have thrown the back seat in there. I'll give you that the external deminsions are close but it's a totally different feel.

My old roomate had a 350Z, and I've driven the 370. They just don't do it for me personally. I don't think the interior quality in the 370 is where it should be for their asking price, and I don't really like the seating position. It feels like the dash is almost at eye level or something.

It's not awful by any means, but I don't think I'd stroke a check for one.

[Yes2m3cs]

I will be in the market for another car in about 11 months and have the same thoughts, great thread...I am considering the new 5.0 mustang but will probably order another 135i

keep the info coming

Good Luck man

Brian

[fwmcb]

370z and maybe the genesis coupe

[gurgen8or]

What im worried about the 370 is exactly what jeremyc said, the seating is probably low with the dashboard at eye level. In my 135i I could see the hood all the way to the front of the car. I don't know about the genesis but besides being a Hyundai I think the front of the genesis coupe kills the look.

[adrean8j]

Originally Posted by gurgen8or

What im worried about the 370 is exactly what jeremyc said, the seating is probably low with the dashboard at eye level. In my 135i I could see the hood all the way to the front of the car. I don't know about the genesis but besides being a Hyundai I think the front of the genesis coupe kills the look.

IDK what jeremyc74 is talking about with the interior material in the 370z (maybe he was referring to the 350z?). The interior quality is night and day difference between the 350 and 370 and some of it is better than in the 135i (and I am a diehard 135i fan..). The Hyundai looks great except for that grill. I suspect that the aftermarket will fix that soon enough. The rear on it is damn near perfect though. Engine-wise I think the V6 could be a real eye-opener will a little FI.

[///M///M Good]

So why don't you want another 135i? It seems to be the only car you haven't found fault with - other than possibly not wanting to wait for it to come in. If the 135i is the one you really want and timing is the only issue, then my suggestion would be to order it and rent a car until it comes in.

[gurgen8or]

I do want a 135i, I am just having second thoughts...my first 135i was perfect I wouldn't want anything different except now If I get one I will get one in manual , but I really don't wanna go through the hassle of ordering one again. Its hard to explain.. It was fun waiting and counting down the days but now I feel like I spend more time ordering than actually driving the car. Which sucks! Anyway I will let you guys know what car I end up with and post some pics...besides the 135i so far I have narrowed it down to the 370z, used cayman/cayman s, the mustang gt which is growing on me, and I have also considered the new gti although it is fwd.

Thanks for all of your help guys! Good luck with all your future car purchases, I will let u know how mine goes.