BMW 330i ZHP

[05g35]

FYI:

Last Sunday I traded my 330i for a G35.

The 2003 BMW 330i 6MT Sedan with Premuim and Performance Packages was a blast to drive in every which way. I put approx 40K miles on it over the past 18 months. Prior to the Bimmer, I drove a 2003 TL-S.

Before deciding on the G35, I test drove the following 2005s:
BMW 330i Sedan: 05s feel like Lexus (in handling).
Audi A4 2.0T and V6: Excellent fit and finish and now better than the 330i.
Acura TL: Not impressed and far too much torque steer.

Recall I drove a ZHP for nearly 40K and loved it - the dirty little secret in my mind is that the INFINITI G35 6MT w/Prem Pkg is hands down a superior Sports Sedan than the BMW 330i w/ZHP - better handling (even cornering), low-end torque, high-end horsepower, fit and finish! sweet, sweet engine, tranny and exhaust combo, styling ---- everything actually (except for OEM tires and sound system).

The ZHP comes close to the G35 6MT in handling - and as of today, I whole heartedly believe the Infiniti edges the ZHP on this too!

All this for <$35K - Great job Infiniti - I never thought I would ever drive a $45K range Sports Sedan that would handle better than the ZHP - but the G35 6MT has proved me wrong. This is coming from a BMW anthusiast - who truly believed, Bimmers where "often imitated but never duplicated" ---- the G35 6MT imitaes and than SURPASSES.

[Edge]

Welcome! And WOW! I'd like to see this article in some magazine. Just curious, can you maybe explain in a little detail on where the G outperformed in cornering? I drove a few 3-series and felt the other way. I thought the Bimmer responds more accurately when I throw it in a corner. I can't remember even one time that I had to steer any more or less after the turn in. The car changes direction, the body rolls, the steering feedback builds up... everything that happened was exactly what I expected to happen to the exact degree -- all that for a car that wasn't even mine (you know, not familiar). I love my G, but I just couldn't say that about the G. So I'd love to hear some counter points. It will obviously make us all feel even better.

[05g35]

Edge:

The ZHP is a great performing car. With respects to cornering - maybe you are right, and the Bimmer is better in cornering than the G35. The subtle difference may be due to differing driving techniques/styles or 2nd para below.

My only comparison to date has been the daily commute and especially the two curving exit ramps off the interstate where one can push to approx. 70MPH on one and 120MPH on the other. With the ZHP I would often try this in 3rd/4th gear (car was broken-in). With the G35 (still in break-in) I touched 100+MPH in 5th and felt the car was in better control (steering, roll and feedback) with plenty left. (PS. At all times these stupid speeds are only attempeted/possible when no other vehicles on ramps).

Now maybe my comparison is slighted void since for the last 20K miles on the ZHP, I was driving on PZeros ultra-high-performance all-seasons as oppose to stock Michellins ultra-high-performance summer-tires that were far more conducive to aggrssive driving (but verr noisy after 15K).

Both these cars are an absolute extesnion of the Driver. That said, and discounting for that new car factor - I still feel the G35 may just edge-out (including cornering and handling) one of the best performing sports sedans to be released by The BMW Individual Group - and all this for about $10K less - incredible wow-factor!

Thanks!

[Edge]

Gotcha. Thanks. Yeah, both of them are great cars. The G probably does have a higher ultimate cornering limit.

[adsbanker1]

This car is definitely better than my '89 Bronco II hands down.

[sp0rk]

Nice review. Seems to be fair for the very first time.. Most of the time I read on these boards how the G slams the BMW in every way and on the BMW boards, I read how the BMW slams the G in every way.

What I have noticed about handling is not necessarily that either one is superior to the other. Rather the BMWs usually feel "heavier" and the suspension design is different in both and does transmit a different feel. I would love to go compare for myself and see which outperforms which in this area (If either does outperform the other).

Glad you are happy with your purchase!