Compare Calais and Beemer

[VZ HSV #1]

I saw the ad last night on TV comparing the VE Calais with the 5 series Beemer, saying the Calais was the better car between the two and 100 grand cheaper, what a load of crap, i have driven both and there is no comparison, it is like apples and oranges, the Calais is a good car the BMW is an awesome car, advertising this makes Holden look stupid, i am quitre sure if you can afford a 5 series BMW, you wouldn't be looking at a Calais.

We are looking at buying a 3 series Bmw, and this is still miles ahead, a fantastic package.

Cheers
Scotty

[Ghosn]

Did u even understand that the quotes used were from a comparison conducted by wheels magazine not Holden? They were just relaying the message, so why does it make Holden look stupid?

[Danv8]

I saw the ad last night on TV comparing the VE Calais with the 5 series Beemer, saying the Calais was the better car between the two and 100 grand cheaper, what a load of crap, i have driven both and there is no comparison, it is like apples and oranges, the Calais is a good car the BMW is an awesome car, advertising this makes Holden look stupid, i am quitre sure if you can afford a 5 series BMW, you wouldn't be looking at a Calais.

We are looking at buying a 3 series Bmw, and this is still miles ahead, a fantastic package.

Cheers
Scotty

I think the point of the ad was the value for money compared to the BMW.

[Ghosn]

I am quitre sure if you can afford a 5 series BMW, you wouldn't be looking at a Calais.


And why not? The point is you can buy a car as good or better in some departments as the BMW and have 100k change? Wouldn't that be a no brainer for most people?

[GRMJ]

While I'd love to be able to afford a 5 series Beemer - I'd be more than happy with 6 Litre Calais V with $100k in my pocket. As for the 3 series, you need to get a high end 6 and a bag of extras to get near the kit of a Calais V and even then you'd be paying $40-$50k more.

Therse's no doubt that BMW's are fine quality cars but you pay heavily for a nice package - everything costs extra including metalic paint...and I suggest you price the costs of regular servicing before you buy - you may get a horrible surprise - not to mention the cost of run-flat tyres.....

[Danv8]

And why not? The point is you can buy a car as good or better in some departments as the BMW and have 100k change? Wouldn't that be a no brainer for most people?

Agreed I am not willing to spend over $100,000 on a brand new car when I can get something is just as good in the handling,space and equipment and safety levels and has no I-drive system for less than 100grandolas. If I was going to get a BMW I would get a pre-bangled designed 2nd hand BMW with low K's on the clock.

But I would be happy with a new Calais or even better an M6 SS-V. :)

[Holden Man]

Compare the big Calais 270kw V8 to the small 3 series 110kw 4cyl BMW you would get for equal money and it's definately a no brainer.

Holden easily wins the "Value for money" race.

[brentonsav]

i have an aunty who has had a bmw 323i and then a audi a4, both brand new. she now drives a mazda 6 and wonders why she ever bothers going for a german car.
the bmw left her starnded on the side of the fwy twice, whilst the audi had a range on niggling issues which meant big bucks, once the warranty was up. she lost a heap of money on both with resale, spent a heap on them and on both occasions didnt get good bfyb (which is what we are all after)

a name is just that imo

[NickS]

I saw the ad last night on TV comparing the VE Calais with the 5 series Beemer, saying the Calais was the better car between the two and 100 grand cheaper, what a load of crap, i have driven both and there is no comparison, it is like apples and oranges, the Calais is a good car the BMW is an awesome car, advertising this makes Holden look stupid, i am quitre sure if you can afford a 5 series BMW, you wouldn't be looking at a Calais.

We are looking at buying a 3 series Bmw, and this is still miles ahead, a fantastic package.

Cheers
Scotty

I have driven both too ... makes you wonder where the hell the extra $100K went.

IMO the BMW is worth $20K, $30K tops, more than the Calais V. The BMW is a better car, but it definately isn't apples & oranges, it's apples & a slightly better apple. However, if you're happy to throw $100K at a badge then go for it.

As for the 3 Series ... whatever makes you feel better. I would take a V8 VE over any 3 Series, bar the 335ci or M3, anyday of the week.

[VZ HSV #1]

In my opinion, i like the 3 series Beemer, the Diesel has amazing power and the 6 speed auto shifts effortlessly, as i said in original post you can't compare apples and oranges, in my opinion the 3 series beemer is my pic, for fuel economy, ride, performance.
The Calais is a great car, but in my opinion, i want a change from the last four V8's, as you can't expect the diesel to be compared to the V8, it can be against all the others in it's class.

Service wise i have done my homework, and it comes out around $600 a year, the tyres arn't cheap, but lets not fool ourselves i was paying $650 each corner on my HSV, and they only lasted 25k.
Again you can't compare.

On the original post you can't compare the Calais to 530, and if i had the $$$$ i would buy the 530, again this is my opinion.

Scotty

[NickS]

On the original post you can't compare the Calais to 530, and if i had the $$$$ i would buy the 530, again this is my opinion.

Scotty

My old man has been driving various 528 / 530 models for about 10 years now, currently has a 2006 model. When he drove my GTS (not a Calias V obviously, but a reasonable comparison anyway) he said ...

"I reckon this is easily as good as a BMW, if we could stick a BMW badge on it even your Mum would love it" ... :lol:

Says a lot about the majority of BMW drivers I think ... something he is more than happy to admit.

One other thing to be aware of ... they have had 2 flats in the last 3 months, being the stupid run flat tyres neither one could be repaired despite the fact that they were barely driven on, $600 a pop for 2 new tyres in 2 months ... OUCH.

[Holden Man]

Have you driven a VE as yet ?

You can't rely on owning previous models to judge the current one.

Which car would you end up paying more in taxes / tariffs ?

[ace078]

Some ppl are just suckers for badge value. Thats what the kookaburra is laughing about at the end of the add!. 100k more!!!!! What a joke!!
And a 3 series????? Are you for real?

[VZ HSV #1]

Nick,
The E90- 320D Beemer i am looking at is drive away $70k, not 100.

As said i am not comparing the two cars, if i was i would be comparing the 320 with Statesman.
I am not buying the 320 for power been there done that, i am buying it for the economy, the ride and i like the car?

Ace,
You talk about badge value, mate i have had 3 x HSV's, there is no bigger badge value than a HSV, or FPV for that matter, there is not a lot of difference these days, except the price.

Driving the 3 series it really impressed me, going from my current ride( 320kw) to a poxy 115, so be it, maybe i am getting old, or maybe i just like the alternative to the throbbing V8.

[BadMac]

I should go and take a photo of our local Holden dealers tradein yard. Its a real eye opener and shows people voting with their feet.

Last weekend:
1x M3
3x 5 series (don't know models).
1x 7 series (traded on Nickel Senator, company director, very very pleased)
2x Merc's
1x AMG (I know this was traded on a GTS).
2x Lexus (they are unusual here so stand out, didn't know we had 2 in town)
1x Porsche (that person needs their head read! IMHO).
3x Audi (1x A4, 1TT, 1 A6)
2x F6 (one 4 months old!).
Plus plenty of Holdens including one Black Coupe4 (the reason I stopped to look).


Now I can't be sure all were traded on VE, but I can't see people trading down to a Korean Barina.

Also note I haven't seen our local BMW or Merc or Audi dealers to see how many Holdens are in their trade in yards, so its not scientific).

Seems VE are doing well in the trophy trades (which Holden have said in a press release).

[smoov GTS]

A VW Passat would leave a BMW 320i for dead, in just about any area.
And soon there'll be an R36 V6 with 225 kW.

BTW, in a recent nationwide quality survey in the USA, BMW came 19th (out of 36 brands). Mercedes came last, Lexus first. Says alot me thinks.

[Holden Man]

$70,000 car because it's cheap too run ?

Fuel economy shouldn't matter at that price.

It's got the badge that counts I spose. (Esp to the coffee shop crowd)

[EddieVE06]

$70,000 for a 3 series BMW? Bit steep for a car built in South Africa

[Holden Man]

$70,000 for a 3 series BMW? Bit steep for a car built in South Africa

:lmao:

http://www.bmwproblems.com/

Ahhh who cares as long as the badge is on it !

[Swordie]

It's amazing the prices of BMWs in the U.S. A new 328 is roughly AUD 48000. If we had those prices here there would be more people picking BMWs over Holdens.

[EddieVE06]

It's amazing the prices of BMWs in the U.S. A new 328 is roughly AUD 48000. If we had those prices here there would be more people picking BMWs over Holdens.

You really think so?...I dount it. Having sat in an A4, Merc 180K, Alfa 159 and being just on 6 foot, I still had problems with fitting in those cars and if I sat comfortably in the front the only room for the back seat passanger would be for a torso.

I rod in the back of a 3 series and it was so cramped in there i could not get my seatbelt fastened and i got a cramp while i was in the back.

So of us still like our creature comforts.

[Danv8]

You really think so?...I dount it. Having sat in an A4, Merc 180K, Alfa 159 and being just on 6 foot, I still had problems with fitting in those cars and if I sat comfortably in the front the only room for the back seat passanger would be for a torso.

I rod in the back of a 3 series and it was so cramped in there i could not get my seatbelt fastened and i got a cramp while i was in the back.

So of us still like our creature comforts.

Yup thats the problem I find with many Euro and Jap cars they just don't really have the interior space especially hit the leg and head room.

[csv rulz]

Same with jap cars. My dads Subaru liberty while its a really nice drive and has pretty good power for a 2.5. The front seat soesnt quite go back far enough for me (im 6 foot 2) in the back seat there is enough room for short distances, not long. But my head touches the roof.

[Wezza]

Bit of a silly thread methinks...... Obviously the whole point of the ad was completely missed by old mate.

[jamesd]

Anyone who buys a BMW 3 series over a V8 VE Commodore seriously needs their head checked. Apart from the point, the 3 series looks about as exciting as a washing machine. I wonder what all those idiots who buy their 318i's and such would think of a new BMW with a Daewoo badge slapped on..

[KingClifton]

Having owned 4 Audis in 5 years I feel qualified to make a comment here.

In the past, Australian-built cars have been sub-par and not really comparable to anything except other Australian cars. Hence I bought Audis (and if not Audis it would have been BMWs).

In the last few years local manufactuers have lifted their game and started producing cars which were halfway-decent. With the VE, we have Australia's first "world-class" car.

The VE is not as good as a BMW. It's not as good as an Audi. So what is it? It is an Australian car, built with the tastes, values, requirements and budget of the Australian motorist in mind. It has to be all things to all people, and IMHO it has acheived that goal.

Your entry level to a reasonably-performing Audi/Merc/BMW is $70K+ OTR. For that money you get an HSV with change. Or you get a Calais V with lots of change. The 320i Sport that I looked at was over $71K OTR. Yes, it is a brilliant car, but I was prepared to make the sacrifice for slightly lesser quality, higher fuel consumption etc to get the VE.

For the first time, Euro-aspiring Australian buyers have a feasible choice of a good local car.

I don't regret trading my A4 on the HSV. It is such a good car that I feel like I'm driving a Euro. It feels nothing like any Australian car I've driven before.

Personally I feel the VE is streets ahead of anything the Japanese are churning out. No, the interior is not as good as a BMW or Audi, but it comes so close that I don't really care.

FWIW, I know of several other long-term Audi, BMW and Subaru owners who are strongly considering the VE.


It's amazing the prices of BMWs in the U.S. A new 328 is roughly AUD 48000. If we had those prices here there would be more people picking BMWs over Holdens.

BTW, the reason for this price disparity isn't things like import duty and GST. It's carefully-controlled supply-and-demand by the BMW/Merc/Audi importers. Yes, the USA has a bigger market and bigger buying power, but I've heard many, many times that the local Euro importers are very careful to keep supply just below demand.

[monaroCountry1]

It's amazing the prices of BMWs in the U.S. A new 328 is roughly AUD 48000. If we had those prices here there would be more people picking BMWs over Holdens.

Have a look at the price of the 400hp Pontiac GTO (basically a Holden GTS), - $28-32k American, and compare this to Australia's HSV GTS.

[Dickie Knee]

Have a look at the price of the 400hp Pontiac GTO (basically a Holden GTS), - $28-32k American, and compare this to Australia's HSV GTS.

Don't flog that old horse

The US GTO was a 2 door executive in comparison to the VY GTS Coupe

[Decromin]

Scott, your arguments are valid, but just not for the premise you started with. You stated that people shopping for 5 series would never consider a VE, but you're proof has simply been to state that you prefer the 3 series, and don't mid the loss of power ... that's just like saying "The BWM 5 series is a far better car than the VE because I liked the 3 series I drove, and don't need the power anymore." ... :confused:

[vt350phantom]

Anyone who buys a BMW 3 series over a V8 VE Commodore seriously needs their head checked. Apart from the point, the 3 series looks about as exciting as a washing machine. I wonder what all those idiots who buy their 318i's and such would think of a new BMW with a Daewoo badge slapped on..

Mate it depends what you want outta the car. Example, my old man just bought a 325i with the sports suspension, black and a set of 18s. Doesnt go quick but is a very well appointed well built bit of gear. What the old boy wants, he dont give two f**ks about pulling 12s, just wants 6 cyl that gos ok. He is not the slightest bit interested in a v8 full stop whether it be a holden, bmw, ford whatever.

Me personally, I place emphasis on power and a good aural note so it is a commo v8 for me. If I had the choice it would be the VE over the bimmer hands down, its horses for courses.

Anyway bugger shelling out for a VE I'll spend the money under the bonnet of the VT and save $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[VZ HSV #1]

My opologies guys it was a stupid thread, yes looking back i got the ad wrong.
But i was not trying to compare the 3 series with anything i was just trying to say i liked the car for something different.
I guess in hindsight i should be comparing Beemers with other european cars.

Thread ended!!

Scotty

[billm]

Having owned a 530i E60 current series BMW for the past 2.5yrs and driven 58ks in it I would like to share my thoughts comparing this vehicle to the VE Calais V Alloytec V6 that I purchased 3 weeks ago.
Firstly the BMW is a superior product, build, quality[not everything though],ride, handling & braking.However they are not without their problems 3 weeks after picking it up it needed a new battery the trims on the A pillar were badly made needed replacing, the buttons on the steering wheel vibrate, the door seals made the car squeak & groan they were replaced & 2 years later they were no better it is a well known problem . At 11ks the transmission went had to be totally replaced a new one flown out from Germany off the road for 3 weeks.There were other issues also & it took 6 months to sort out & for the past 2 years no problems a beaut car to drive.Luckily the service department of the dealership that I bought it through were superb.
The Calais V what great value $70k cheaper. Firm but good ride ,good handling & good brakes.
The minus side.
Noisy motor when accelerating.
panel fit not as good.
Paint on plastic bumpers does not match.
The plus side.
Better instrumentation.
Seats, nicer leather, more comfortable, lumbar support more memories.
IMO better looking vehicle.
It is a great ride & I am enjoying it.
Why did I change well I am now driving 50-60ks a year & did not want to run this sort of mileage up on a vehicle that cost $130k.Let me tell you I have read posts that say Commodores lose value quickly well so do BMW'S & every other luxury vehicle it is just with the luxury cars you lose a lot more.
I also owned a 1999 323 ,2002 X5 & the 530.
Would I buy another BMW? Not sure they are definitely worth more than the local product but definitely not twice as much.
Holden has made a huge improvement with the VE series & I think will get even better.I am extremely happy with the Calais V.
Bill

[Mr Moosh]

Putting the VE and 5 series comparisons aside (Yes the Calais does do extremelly well against the Beemer)…. I still hate the ad. And I agree, I THINK IT DOES MAKE HOLDEN LOOK STUPID. The car enthusiast will know that in comparisons the Calais has given the euros a run for their money. But, I still don’t like when car companies compare their cars to more established brands and cars… even if their car is better. I see that Holden are trying to persuade the public that the VE has an extreme value for money factor, but I still think the ad would have people saying "Oh yeah, as if." I think advertising the Calais improvements should be more subtle, and building a cars reputation takes time, and flogging people with 'our car drives as good as a bmw but for less' messages can come off tacky… It will prob help them sell more cars, but still I just think it looks try hard. The Holden ad reminds me of something Hyundai or Kia would come up with

[monaroCountry1]

The Holden ad reminds me of something Hyundai or Kia would come up with

Or toyota or mitsubishi or Cadillacs or BMW's or Mercs or...............well just about every other manufacturers.

The good thing is that the add was telling the truth.

[EddieVE06]

Or toyota or mitsubishi or Cadillacs or BMW's or Mercs or...............well just about every other manufacturers.

The good thing is that the add was telling the truth.

I agree, how stupid must the Ford Territory Turbo people feel when they drive up to a euro performance car. I'd assume they would have fed their cars before leaving home.

At the end of the day its marketing and the bottom line is sales, sales, sales.

Toyota are the masters of bluff when it come to advertising.

[nglencoem]

I saw the ad last night on TV comparing the VE Calais with the 5 series Beemer, saying the Calais was the better car between the two and 100 grand cheaper, what a load of crap, i have driven both and there is no comparison, it is like apples and oranges, the Calais is a good car the BMW is an awesome car, advertising this makes Holden look stupid, i am quitre sure if you can afford a 5 series BMW, you wouldn't be looking at a Calais.

We are looking at buying a 3 series Bmw, and this is still miles ahead, a fantastic package.

Cheers
Scotty

Unless you're looking at a turbo 3 series or a M3 they are really no better than a rebadged corolla. You are simply paying the extra $ to display the BMW badge.:hide:

[LargeRice]

I agree, how stupid must the Ford Territory Turbo people feel when they drive up to a euro performance car. I'd assume they would have fed their cars before leaving home.


LOL i always laugh at that ad. The big 4WD eating up supercars, probably the biggest w@nk ad i've seen on tv.:spew:

As for the Beemer, my old man has a new 5 series. Beautiful car inside and out IMO. My wife drives an Audi to and it's very well built, little A3 2T goes like a rocket. Compared to the VE's the build quality is far superior in the Euro's. But whilst the Euro's are a much better built car, i can't really see $70k or so in better value in a 5 series. It's all just a badge.

What i do think is great value is buying a 2yr old SS for $30k, spending $10k-$15k on a twin turbo setup and ending up with a mean looking/sounding/performing muscle car that obliterates just about anything on an open road. THAT is something you can never do with a Euro.

[JohnS]

As always there is a difference between perception and reality. In the USA BMW, MB, Audi and VW rate below the industry average for quality. Note that Chev and Ford are average therefore they beat BMW, MB, Audi and VW.

Buy whatever you like and adjust your perception if it justifies your decision but facts are facts.

Read all about it...

http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pdf/2006082.pdf


JD Power is planning to start similar research in Australia...

[sv285]

sold my HSV sv99 for $50,000.00 purchased a 530 sport 2001 for $115,000.00 and traded it in again for a hsv @ $40,000.00 two years later, What does that say??? never again ... i should add 80000km when sold ,, stick tooo HSV no more slugs. unless m5 or m3

[bok1]

so whats wrong with the bmw being built in south africa eddieveo6???

[M///POWER]

I think some of the fanboys here should go and test drive a new BMW 335 coupe or sedan. (Warning - you might never step back into a Holden again)

[Calais V 6.0]

Wow, people just dont want this thread to die.....

Oh, I just helped keep it alive:jester:

[JohnS]

I think some of the fanboys here should go and test drive a new BMW 335 coupe or sedan. (Warning - you might never step back into a Holden again)

Sorry to rattle your cage but market research shows many BMW owners selling their cars and buying VEs. The 335i costs twice as much as a Calais and not everyone likes to be ripped off blind so they can impress their BMW fanboy friends :)

I drove a BMW 335i in singapore (company car) for a few months and a VE Calais V in Perth (uncle's car)... I enjoyed the Calais more.

[M///POWER]

Sorry to rattle your cage but market research shows many BMW owners selling their cars and buying VEs. The 335i costs twice as much as a Calais and not everyone likes to be ripped off blind so they can impress their BMW fanboy friends :)

I drove a BMW 335i in singapore (company car) for a few months and a VE Calais V in Perth (uncle's car)... I enjoyed the Calais more.

No cage is rattled here mate. if i didn't like the HSV GTS i wouldn't be on this forum. IMO i would much prefer to pay 115k on a 335 then buy an SS-V. The reason being that the chassis and handling are just superb, let no one here kid themselves by thinking that the holden ve chassis or handling is better then BMW 3 series or 5 series. The handling and feel of the car is like no other imo. I don't see HOLDEN producing a twin turbo 6 coupe that has the raw feel to it and the goods that make it a balanced car, 50:50 :).
I still stand by what i said before, that alot of people who think that a Holden can be compared to a BMW should go and test drive a 335 coupe and see how wrong they are. YOU PAY TO PLAY

[JohnS]

I still stand by what i said before, that alot of people who think that a Holden can be compared to a BMW should go and test drive a 335 coupe and see how wrong they are. YOU PAY TO PLAY

I have driven the 335 sedan and my comment was above...

Using your logic, if you want a really exotic performance car why waste time with a BMW? Bugatti perhaps? YOU PAY TO PLAY :jester:

BTW and off topic I also drove the new Audi S5 that was being shown in singapore a few weeks ago... pissed on the 335 imo. Better looks, fantastic interior, awd and 360hp V8. The word is the RS version will have audi's 5.2L V10 with 500hp. If that is true both the MB C63 and the Audi RS5 will hose the new BMW M3.

[SchrgdVSV6]

i can't really see $70k or so in better value in a 5 series. It's all just a badge.
Someone (ie - the consumer) has to pay the shipping costs, LCT (25%), GST (10%) and any other overheads associated in selling an imported vehicle in Aus. So its not all just badge (profit), well, not as much as we might think.
I'll be surprised if the profit margin on each BMW sold is as high as everyone thinks it is. Would be good to see some figures of what they actually make on a $70K vehicle, vesus what Holden make on a vehicle of the same price.

[M///POWER]

I have driven the 335 sedan and my comment was above...

Using your logic, if you want a really exotic performance car why waste time with a BMW? Bugatti perhaps? YOU PAY TO PLAY :jester:

BTW and off topic I also drove the new Audi S5 that was being shown in singapore a few weeks ago... pissed on the 335 imo. Better looks, fantastic interior, awd and 360hp V8. The word is the RS version will have audi's 5.2L V10 with 500hp. If that is true both the MB C63 and the Audi RS5 will hose the new BMW M3.

haha all im saying is that the 335 is a very decent performance car. I totally agree that the new M3 will have no chance against the C63 which i love so much or the confirmed RS5. However the S5 may have a V8 in it and the grunt that goes with it, but still hasn't got the cornering ability that the 335 has. Audi are close, infact they are very close to making an all round performance coupe for under 140k, but the S5 is still a bit of a cruiser then a cornering beast. COMPETITION is great it makes all car manufacturers step up there game and Audi has been doing a great job so far. Im a car enthusiest myself, although i may come accross as a BMW fanboy i definately am not, i enjoy all car manufacturers vehicles but at the moment i am very impressed with the 335 coupe.

[JohnS]

Someone (ie - the consumer) has to pay the shipping costs, LCT (25%), GST (10%) and any other overheads associated in selling an imported vehicle in Aus. So its not all just badge (profit), well, not as much as we might think.
I'll be surprised if the profit margin on each BMW sold is as high as everyone thinks it is. Would be good to see some figures of what they actually make on a $70K vehicle, vesus what Holden make on a vehicle of the same price.

GST and LCT apply to locally built cars as well...


However the S5 may have a V8 in it and the grunt that goes with it, but still hasn't got the cornering ability that the 335 has.

I cant agree here... I think the audi is better. The S5 has the new engine transmission layout which places the engine further back giving the car a better front / rear balance. The AWD also helps. I not sure if the car mags have compared the 335 and S5 but that would be interesting reading.

Audi had their 360hp S5 and 414hp RS4 at Sepang track in Malaysia four weeks ago and the S5 beat the RS4 over five timed laps. Same driver.

[SchrgdVSV6]

GST and LCT apply to locally built cars as well...
Correct you are.
In the 530 v Calais example, the 530 is more expensive than a Calais, it gets the LCT added to any amount over $57K, making the cost gap even wider. The Calais shouldnt be subject to LCT as its price (minus GST) should just make it under $57K.

[michaels1v8]

haha all im saying is that the 335 is a very decent performance car. I totally agree that the new M3 will have no chance against the C63 which i love so much or the confirmed RS5. However the S5 may have a V8 in it and the grunt that goes with it, but still hasn't got the cornering ability that the 335 has. Audi are close, infact they are very close to making an all round performance coupe for under 140k, but the S5 is still a bit of a cruiser then a cornering beast. COMPETITION is great it makes all car manufacturers step up there game and Audi has been doing a great job so far. Im a car enthusiest myself, although i may come accross as a BMW fanboy i definately am not, i enjoy all car manufacturers vehicles but at the moment i am very impressed with the 335 coupe.

Cornering ability?

Isnt the S5 AWD? Surely being AWD it would corner pretty well?

Never tried either of the cars just wondering...

[M///POWER]

Cornering ability?

Isnt the S5 AWD? Surely being AWD it would corner pretty well?

Never tried either of the cars just wondering...

The S5 doesn't take corners as well as the 335 from what i have read in the WHEELS magazine equivalant in the U.S (EDMUNDS) and a few other enthusiest mags from the states. I thought it was going to be a beast on all levels because of the QUATTRO awd system but apparantly its not as sharp as the 335 coupe around corners. Either way i can't wait to see the car in flesh when it debuts in the Sydney Motor Show.

[michaels1v8]

Yeah thats what I was thinking. With AWD you think it would be fantastic on the bends.

I suppose with correct setup though (obviously the 335 must have that) a RWD could keep up and even beat a AWD in the bends.. Smoothly too. Time will tell. When the car has been out for a while here, we will all know. Some of those guys in the US have different taste in cars than us Aussies. Look at how well the monaro sold there compared to here.

IMO even if the Calais V isnt as good as a BMW it is still a pretty darn good car and in terms of bang for your buck (You could yourself a lovely engine in your CalaisV for the price of a 335i.... VERY Decent.) Its a pretty good option for those who want luxury but cant afford and cant justify the large premium.

But (Also IMO only) some guys arent interested in playing with a car to make it exactly how they like it ( I like stupid amounts of power:jester:). They want something that, when they receive the keys, meets every want they have from a luxury performance car. BMW delivers a pretty good package that meets this.

An even spread of Performance, comfort and style. None of which is compromised for the other.I think thats where a BMW really shines...:)

[Danv8]

Jesus I thought this topic died ages ago.

It still deserves death! :p

[M///POWER]

Michaels1v8 you couldn't have said it any better about BMW's whole package. Im glad there are other true enthusiests here that can enjoy all makes of cars.