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07-31-2007, 05:04 AM | #1 |
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Food for thought - size
The Z4 is 161in and the 1 series coupe is 171in. To me that says the 1 series Coupe is small..but not that small. I read somewhere someone compared it to a Chevy Aveo. It's bigger than that. It's 5 inches longer than the 130i. The 1 series coupe is longer than the PT Cruiser...longer thanthe Scion xB. The 1 series coupe is about the same length as a Pontiac Vibe. The car is even longer than the Nissan 350Z. Not too bad if you ask me. Still somewhat small...but not too small.
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07-31-2007, 07:05 AM | #2 |
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One of the great handling characteristics of the Z4 is because of the long and wide wheelbase. And actually, the hood of the Z is so long I don't think I'll miss it.
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07-31-2007, 07:47 AM | #3 |
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The 1 series is not a small car, plain and simple. Whether that is bad or good all depends on your personal view of the world.
As somebody else on this forum has noted, the 1 series is probably what the 3 series should have been and it is definately not a 2002ti. I like lightweight cars, but I also like hatchbacks and tha would work in Europe but not here in the states as my choices are limited due to most folks having an aversion to hatchbacks. We can all wish for the ideal car, but in the end we have to accept whatever the car manufacturers send over from Europe.:frown: |
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07-31-2007, 08:57 AM | #4 |
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What??? You don't like sitting on the rear axle....
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07-31-2007, 11:44 AM | #6 | |
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The longitudinal engine layout allows BMW to maximize the wheelbase for improved handling, but this comes at the expense of cabin space (something that a transverse engine layout maxmizes). BMW has countered this by making their cars larger. Fortunately widening the car also allows for a wider track, which tends to improves handling. |
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07-31-2007, 12:14 PM | #7 |
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[quote=BimmerBoi2100;10133]...research a the majority of BMW have a longer than average wheelbase to improve the handling... quote]
i was under the impression that the wb is often shortened to improve handling as was done with the 6 series relaive to the 5 even though the overall length remained about the same. shorter wb=more nimble. granted a longer wb and wider track for that matter will confer stability but at the expense of agility. i thought that the reason generally given for lengthening the wb is to expand the cabin. |
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07-31-2007, 12:39 PM | #8 |
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Wheelbase length can improve many aspects of a cars performance whether you are shortening or lengthening. The problem that many manufacturers are facing with short wheelbases is poor high-speed stability. While a short wheelbase, generally speaking, has the advantage of being more nimble (i.e. easier to change direction) it also carries with it inherent disadvantages with regards to grip and stability. It is a trade-off that every car goes through and you will probably see most manufacturers go longer than shorter.
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07-31-2007, 12:59 PM | #9 |
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+1 what MPower says - and when the wheelbase/track approaches square the FUN begins (think Lancia Stratos ; -).
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07-31-2007, 01:32 PM | #10 |
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I also think 1-er has just the right dimension. A 335i got a better lap time than an MZ4 (according to C&D so take it w/ a grain of salt), mostly due to what Mpower mentioned. 1-er fits right in between the Z4 and 335i it could just be the perfect blend of high speed corner stablility and low speed tossablity...
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07-31-2007, 01:59 PM | #11 | |
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07-31-2007, 02:09 PM | #12 | |
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08-01-2007, 02:32 AM | #13 |
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I wouldn't sacrifice weight for safety. If this car truly get a 50/50 weight ratio then it's going to be a freaking beast. To me that means a lot. That means turning at moderate to high speeds will not feel awkward. And the fact that it's longer than the PT Cruiser does it for for me.
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08-01-2007, 03:07 AM | #14 |
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According to the UK borchure 135i and 350z are within one inch of each other.
I don't know what is my obession with rear seat leg space but I went to the dealer yesterday and checked out a couple 335is. The rear seat leg room looks really small and I started to wonder if 135i's rear seats are usable.
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08-01-2007, 03:29 AM | #15 | |
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If the 135 has similar rear legroom as the E46, that will be plenty for a small coupe. But I don't understand the need/desire for massive legroom in what is supposed to be a small coupe. Perhaps you are trying to fit a square peg in a round hole in terms of your actual needs? |
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08-01-2007, 03:38 AM | #16 | |||
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My God can you imagine having a situation like that in outer space? You're running out of oxygen and your only filter is square but the only working filter system uses round ones? :eyebulge:
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08-01-2007, 07:55 AM | #18 | |
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I'm looking at the 1er as more of a 2+2. The back seat is more for my laptop, & briefcase etc..... If you need 4 seats on a regular basis.... JMO, but the 1er is probably not the right car.
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08-02-2007, 07:54 PM | #19 |
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For another comparison, the WRX is 4 inches longer and weights 3350 lbs. Height and width are the same. My LGT is 10 inches longer, but has a real trunk and long overhangs. It weights 3500. Wheel base, height and width are the same as what I have now. So far I am not concerned with the 135i being too small. I am also not upset that it will probably be more than 3200 lbs.
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08-03-2007, 05:06 AM | #20 |
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"If the 135 has similar rear legroom as the E46" (Maximus Decimus)
That would be a dream, but I wouldn't dream of that. By the way, could someone get any data to see how does e82 compares with e30 in terms of rear space? Thanks. |
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08-07-2007, 11:58 AM | #22 |
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Interestingly enough, the wheelbase appears to be only 20mm longer than the Volvo C30, although the length is significantly longer. It is narrower than the C30.
Just random bits of info.....:wink: |
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