1 Series Competitors

[WolfsburgerMitFries]

Originally Posted by GreenMonster

Once you start opening up the doors for 2 seaters and FWD cars that changes things, but I don't consider FWD and RWD cars true competitors...

BMW specifically promotes the 1 series as "the only car in its class with RWD". Therefore, for you to say "I don't consider FWD and RWD cars true competitors..." actually just demonstrates that you don't understand the competition for the 1 series.

[JayM]

Cars being cross-shopped are based on an individuals criteria for buying a car that may not necessarily include just the cars within the same class. I am looking for a fun-to-drive well-built four-seat convertible for $30K-$35K that will be my daily driver. I am not a big fan of FWD, but I live in the Northeast and originally put hardtop convertible higher on my criteria list than RWD. I drove the Eos and really liked it, and I would have ordered a 2008 Eos but they are not offering the sport package on the 2.0T for 2008 (it was available for 2007). I cannot understand why VW did this, but they most likely lost a sale (unless the 128 convertible is over $35K, at which point I would have to look at aftermarket suspensions for the Eos, which for a number of reasons I really do not want to do). After some research I think a softtop convertible will be okay and have now moved the 128 convertible to the top of my list.

The point of my post is that everyone has their own "cross-shopping" list based on their personal criteria (plus to pass along a poor decision by VW with the sport package especially as others have indicated that VW may be in trouble). My number one criteria is price. I see a number of posts talking about if the 1-series is too close in price to the 3-series that people will just get the 3, or if the 1-series is a fair amount less than the 3-series that it will steal 3-series sales. I cannot speak for everyone but for me that is not the case. The new 3-series convertible is more than I want to spend on a car, so I would not be buying a new 3-series convertible regardless of the price of the 1-series. If the 128 convertible is out of my price range, I will look at the Eos or a used E46 330 convertible within my price range.

If I had to rank my criteria in order of importance it would be:
1. Price - less than $35K
2. Good crash test results (incidentally the Eos did well and the new 3-series did not)
3. Seats 4+ (I have two kids)
4. Convertible
5. Engine and transmission (power, press/personal reviews and my subjective opinion)
6. Handling (press/personal reviews and my subjective opinion)
7. Predicted reliability
8. RWD
9. AWD
10. FWD
11. Warranty
12. New
13. Used
14. Hardtop convertible
15. Softtop convertible

[krassanova]

What's up with the OP? Several of those cars aren't even being made anymore...especially that old assed Lexus. Holy crap did I see a SATURN up there too? The MINI GP was a nice touch, but those were limited edition and sold out like a year ago.

If someone has to explain to someone why the 1er is better than a Saturn, Miata or many more of those cars up there, it's not worth taking the time to explain. Sorry if this sounds like a diss, but you need to do some homework.

[IvtecEM]

Considering Price, Power Output, and weight I say

EVO & STI ONLY

Yeah the G37 maybe in the same price range as the 135i but hell its not really in performance, R&D tested 335i VS G37 The G37 could not keep up with the Bimmer, but I will say the interior of the G37 in very nice....

[Victor.L3IchibanM3]

What about this car :biggrin:

[krassanova]

Originally Posted by Victor.l3ichiban

What about this car :biggrin:

LOL Oh man, I knew someone that had one of those. He had guns hidden all throughout his house.

[Victor.L3IchibanM3]

Originally Posted by krassanova

LOL Oh man, I knew someone that had one of those. He had guns hidden all throughout his house.

[Victor.L3IchibanM3]

135i VS