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I believe the Passat is gonna have about 250 hp, so it's #s will be comparable to the TL, and it might even have more low-end torque, it could be faster 0-30. No way the Passat will handle as well as the TL, though, making the TL a lot more fun to drive. Both interiors are well done - the TL seems a notch above, even though the Passat had real wood and the TLs is fake. If you're going manual transmission, the TLs is by far more enjoyable. I love the early clutch engagement and it shifts very smoothely.
As far as luxury features that I use, it's pretty close. The TLs nav makes it much, much better than the Passat, IMO. But if you're comparing non-nav vehicles, other than a 6-disc changer, I'm not sure what luxury features the TL has that the Passat doesn't. One is that the TLs lights shut-off automatically. Also, I like that the TL doesn't have a loud "ding" to let you know you're low on fuel. I'd often find myself driving where the tank is just at the cutoff level and the light would go on and off, dinging each time. I also like the TLs auto-a/c better. For some reason, the Passat's would always be 1 level too strong for me. The 1 thing that drove me crazy about the Passat was the steering wheel radio controls. The buttons should be on the left and the station changer should scroll the presets - VW got it backwards.
Here are some things I miss from the Passat: the key integrated fob (TL uses a separate FOB and regular key); electric fold-in mirrors; rear sunshade; rain-sensing wipers. Also, the Passat had nicer computer controls b/c (1) there were 2 sets of settings (TL has 1); (2) you didn't need to take your hand off the wheel to scroll through the options; (3) the Passat gave you more info on each screen; (4) the TL makes you hit a "display" button to display mpg, ave mph, etc.
As far as differences that aren't good or bad, the Passat's seats are more firm, the TL's are softer.
Frankly, from what I'v heard of the '06 Passat, it might be a tough deciding between the 2, but I'd expect the TL to give you a better value b/c Passats will probably go for MSRP initially.
To sum up, if you have a top-of-the-line Passat and enjoy it, but want something a tad more luxurious and a lot more sporty, you'll love the TL. If you're all about comfort and convenience, but won't get the nav, it might be close, and there will be some things you miss about the Passat.
Hope this helps!!! Sorry it's so long.
One question...it seems no DSG with 2.0 or V6?
With the money leftover from your $50k, you could buy me a new Breitling. Or maybe a Girard-Perragaux. I'd even settle for an Omega!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
But I should point out that the IS350 won't be available with a manual transmission, so if I was forced to choose between either of these two I'd take the IS250 without hesitation, and regardless of price, but that's just me.
What do you mean by "next car"?
The new 3 series 330 tested in MT stickered at $47K!!!
A 330i with 6 mt, leather, sport, pdc, metallic paint, moon and xenon = 40,500k sticker. Or 38,500 with mild negotiating.
THEN TRAVELED 10 MINS DOWN THE ROAD TO BMW .... WALKED IN AND WAS WELCOMED AND HOUNDED.... ANYWAY ABOUT THE CAR ... THE 330I IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY.... I LOOKED AT A NEARLY LOADED 330 FOR OVER 52,000 AND WAS SO SO DAZED ! I ASKED THE SALES MAN 52,000 FOR THIS ? HE SAID SIR IT IS A BMW I SAID LISTEN NO 3 SERIES IS WORTH 52,000 EXCEPT FOR THE M ... SO HE ASKED IF I WANTED TO TEST DRIVE .. SURE I SAID... SO I DROVE AND I DROVE FINISHED AND STILL WASN'T IMPRESSED FOR THE PRICE ! SO WHAT DIDN'T I LIKE 1. PRICE 2. EXTERIOR STYLING 3. THUMPY RIDE 4. AND THE 255 HP ENGINE ! FOR 52,000 I THINK I WOULD GET MORE THEN 255 HP ! FIGURE A LOADED INFINITI M45 SPORT IS AROUND 57,000 THE DIFFERENCE IS CLOSER THERE THEN IT IS BETWEEN THE G AND THE 3 ... SO IF YOUR GONNA PAY 52,000 FOR A 3 GO LOOK AT THE M45 WITH A 335 V-8 AND THEN RECONSIDER A NAME PLATE. . ... .... SO FOR THE BANG FOR THE BUCK CONTEST ALONG WITH FUN TO DRIVE CONTEST AND JUST ABOUT EVERY OTHER CONTEST THE G COMES OUT ON TOP EXCEPT FOR THE 3'S INTERIOR IS NICER SUITED...
BOO BMW ... SORRY BMW FANS BUT WHEN SOMEONE SAYS ENTRY-LEVEL LUX PERFORM SEDANS I THINK 30 TO 40 RANGE NOT 45 TO 55 RANGE.
1. Stop yelling.
2. 50k for a 3 = a 3 with a lot of silly junk on it like laser cruise, active steering (neither is available on a G35). Active Cruise adds 2200, active cruise 1200, navi 2k, power rear sunshade 600. So take off every item on the 3 that is not available on the G35.
Yes, the 3 will still be more expensive but what you're comparing now is a grapefruit to an apple, not an apple to an apple.
You pay over $40,000 for a car that should be no more than $17,000.
I will be thrilled to pay $50,000 for a car that's worth every penny.
Infact: I paid $48,800.00 for my 330i and it's worth every penny!
Have fun with your G35 & I will with my class act BMW.
Isn't life wonderful
HP is not everything, but I respect your opinion. After all it's your money.
ps- 330i with sport & premium package MSRP at less than $42K.
ps- 330i with sport & premium package MSRP at less than $42K.
PS the premium package is expensive and worthless. Just get the leather and save your money on the extra silly doo-dads from the premium package.
Not everyone wants their vehicle to go "BANG".
If you're partial to fuel economy and you think that 200+ HP is more than enough, than the 325i equipped with just the SP and a 6-speed manual tranny will provide you with plenty of that "FUN TO DRIVE" factor. Plus, it's less expensive than the G35.
"NOT TO MENTION THE 280 HP 3.5 V6 UNDER THE HOOD!"
What! You're talking about a car equipped with an AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION! You simply have no idea what FUN is.
BTW, you're not gonna catch me calling either car great. Great would be some mythical blend of perfect comfort, poise, power, handling, reliability. Can't say BMW or Infiniti has all of that.
The TL does!!!
The TL too big? I guess some would think so, try an 06 IS, might be a good fit, but I think it's too small.
I'll still try one. It'd take something mighty persuasive to get me into a run-of-the-mill automatic. If the car had a dsg-style tranny, then it'd be a total contender for my dollar. But a straight automatic? If the IS350 loaded costs 30k, then I'd seriously consider buying one with a craptastic automatic. Otherwise, the drive is just to quiet my curiosity.
Destination Charge
$695
Exterior
Monaco Blue Metallic
$475
Interior
Gray Dakota Leather
Included
Aluminum Trim
Packages
Sport Package
$1,600
Premium Package
$2,200
Cold Weather Package
$1,000
MSRP
$36,300
Price as configured
$46,265
Options
STEPTRONIC automatic transmission
$1,275
On-Board Navigation System w/iDrive
$2,000
Satellite Radio
$595
Carpeted Floor Mats
$125
That was with none of the interesting gizmos $46,265.00
2005 Infiniti G35
Total Configured MSRP† $38,740.00
Model: G35
Exterior: Ivory Pearl
Interior: Stone Leather
Standard Features
• 280-hp 3.5-liter (3,498cc) DOHC V6 engine
• Electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode
• Leather Interior
Packages and Options
Premium Package (without full size spare) $3350
Aero Package $550
DVD Infiniti Navigation System $2000
Sport Tuned Suspension Package $750
Accessories
SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio $400
Trunk Mat with Standard Space Saver Tire $80
Base MSRP $31,000.00
Total Packages, Options, & Accessories $7,130.00
Destination & Handling $610.00
Total Configured MSRP† $38,740.00
That is a total of $7,525.00 in difference of cost ! These are packaged with comparable options.
As far as I am concerned my INFINITI G35 is worth more then $17,000 ! What makes your BMW worth more ? Is it because it is German engineered ? there is nothing special there esp. since INFINITI ranked # 1 in relibality i believe last year ? could be wrong ....
Blueguydotcom sorry about the CAPS but I dont know just didn't bother to switch well anyway even without all the crap there is still a difference in the price between the BMW and the INFINITI .. A nice size one .
And the Bang for the Buck yes I understand not everyone is looking for that and either was I and I dont need too but as far as I am concerned I will continue to buy into the INFINITI name plate because they are great looking cars, great acting cars, relibale cars and worth the money and if it was all about a name plate my three car garage would have Mercedes - Benz written all over it ! But then agian it is just an opinion .
One last thing you have to remember that The new 325I and 330I was aimed at the INFINITI G35 and that the G35 was aimed at the older 2005 and before model. Therefore I think there will be a crown toss between INFINITI and BMW for many years to come not to say ACURA and AUDI and MB wont come out with future great products !
Also with the great new manumatic type trans I believe that the auto's are fun to drive and have that universal appeal of highway driving and city driving its great !
330i 6 MT- with leather, sport package, metallic paint, power seats, xenon, series 7stereo, moonroof = 40k.
G35 6 MT - with sport package, premium package (bose stereo, power seats, moon) = 35k
Shrug. don't have any use for bmw's premium package. to each his own. I see a 5k difference. For me, I'd rather pay 5k extra and be happy. I'm not happy with a G35...sit's too high, snap oversteer isn't my bag, engine's rough, shifter's not that great.
as I am concerned I will continue to buy into the INFINITI name plate because they are great looking cars, great acting cars, relibale cars and worth the money
Quite reliable. They're a tremendous value for price to performance.
Also with the great new manumatic type trans I believe that the auto's are fun to drive and have that universal appeal of highway driving and city driving its great !
BTW, I probably won't be buying another 330i. BMW's inability to fix an engine problem I've had for 3 months means I'm gonna take a break from BMW. M3's probably the only way i'll end up back at BMW.
Have a nice evening.
2. The premium package IS full of "interesting gizmos".
3. Comparably equipping cars is subject to personal tastes so its no more a persuasive argument that simply insulting the other guy's intelligence...
Compare the price difference between the base G35 and MY choice of BMW:
325i (Not drag racing for pinks, so excess engine output is just increasing our dependence on imported oil and shrinking my wallet.)
Jet Black paint (no add'l cost, and looks better than most metallic paints.)
Manual tranny (DSGs are nice, but I still want greater clutch control. No one should drive an automatic without a doctor's excuse.)
Sports Package (Just really like everything in it.)
Xenon headlights (Tired of being blinded by on-coming traffic? Return the favor!)
MSRP: $32,700 + destination.
The reason I didn't get the G35 was the lack of options. There was simply no way to get the price down for those of us who don't want bloated cars. $250.00 off for going with the manual? That's ridiculous. The dealers don't improve things: every G35 on every lot within 100 miles had the premium package. Yeah, with the G you get more car. (Whether you want it or not!)
"The new 325I and 330I was aimed at the INFINITI G35"
The new 3 was "aimed at" drivers. Despite what the ads may imply, BMW isn't interesting in copying others -- only improving on what came before. It's Infiniti and Lexus who feel compelled to "aim" at a competitor's product.
"Also with the great new manumatic type trans I believe that the auto's are fun to drive"
Believe that all you want, but you won't convince me or many other stick lovers. They just aren't there yet.
It is more expensive to get the BMW or Mercedes model with the same content.. either you think the car is worth the extra money, or you don't...
Infiniti and Lexus have made their mark by making Mercedes and BMW substitutes for less money.. I don't think it is news that their cars have lower prices..
Is it?
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330i gets better gas mileage than the 325i. :P
But it's got those cute little paddles!!! LOL - I think it's a huge joke all the advertising given to the autoshift mechanisms. Whether it's paddles, steering wheel push buttons or on the gear selector, they're all nice for a change of pace, and maybe to slow down without using your brake, but that's about it.
I think that with the way I drive, I'm getting better mileage in my E46 325i than I would be if I'd gotten the 330i (at least I hope so, otherwise I'd have to kick myself, and I'm just too old to contort my joints that way).
A manual will be available on the IS250, just not the IS350.
Which means that if you told me I had to choose between a 6-speed IS250 and a paddle shifted DSG IS350, I'd take the IS250 without hesitating. Even if they were the same price.
I also believe that BMW does look at other cars when designing ... If they didn't what info and other stuff would they have to go by. Not saying they dont make there cars better but I am sure they do look at other cars while in the process making . Ooo and you forgot about AUDI. . .
Again with the Manumatic trans types vs. manuals ? It is all up to who wants what, what your driving conditions are and who is driving the car. First of all I have city and highway driving and the Manumatic trans is great ! If I am traveling on the highway i can throw it into manual mode and have some fun ... If I am driving with my parents in the city and there is stop and go traffic the auto mode is great so the Manumatic trans is best for me ! Then my wife doesn't know how to drive manual trans so I cant buy one cause we usually switch off cars .