New BMW 335i twin turbo, or new Subaru STI?

[cowtown]

I've been driving my 993 to work for the past couple years, and it's been great. Reliable, quick and fun. But now my wife's work schedule is changing and I need to be able to haul my two toddlers in infant seats and booster seats.

I need a 4-door car that is still fun to drive and has a lot of punch. The two I'm considering are the new STI (320 HP hatchback, single-turbo 2.5L), and the BMW 335I (3.5L (?) twin turbo, but a bloated pig with good acceleration.)

The STI is being introduced next month. The BMW is out. I'll drive both, but would like to hear your thoughts. Each costs 35-45K.

I'm also open to used cars up to 5 years old that fit the power/handling/4-door criteria.

I'll also be keeping the 993

Thanks,
Colin

[Komenda Fan]

BMW 1 series will have the same Twin Turbo engine as the 335i but should be significantly lighter, although it will be in 2+2 form. From what I've heard, however, the rear seats are quite useable so child seats will probably work.

I have always been a big fan of the STI, but I don't know whether enough is known about the new one to make an informed decision yet.

[speedracer]

IMHO.... Subaru makes great, reliable, fun to drive cars, but I just can't get past their bland econo-box style designs. BMW's 335 coupe is a beauty but the sedan leaves alot to be desired in the design category as well. I much prefer the 5 series - 4 door as opposed to the 3'er. Have you considered a preowned 5 series. More room as well for the little ones.

[BGCarrera32]

If cost is no object in choosing either one, then let's put it this way:

Mid 80's Toyota Corolla interior and build (Subaru), or the BMW 335i.

Have you driven a 335i yet? An Audi A4/S4 is a bloated pig in my book, but I assure you the 3 series is not.

For that matter, I would take a straight non-turbo 330 over the Subie too.

-BG

[JeremyD]

wait for the BMW 135 - I would

[legion]

What does the new STI look like?

The new Impreza is bland and boring. At least the old one was funky.

[Moses]

The BMW 335 is an extraordinary car. OK, I'll say it. It's the best driving sedan I've ever driven. Ever.

If you get a 335i, the sport package is essential. Upgraded suspension, wider wheels and the most comfortable sports seats you can imagine.

[azasadny]

2008 MazdaSpeed3! 263hp, 280ft lbs of torque in a nice little package!

[1fastredsc]

I'd take the STI, i caught some leaked pics from the ring recently on one of there forums and it looks just flat out gorgeous. Imagine the current new wrx, with large fender flares, front spoiler, massive brakes, and a small spoiler on the top hatch (big difference from huge surf boards they used to use on sti's). It's also lost about 200 lbs making it just over 3200lbs and is supposed to get a redesigned interior. I'll see if i can find the pics. If you want something comparable i think the 135 will have an xi version (awd) which should be comparable to the sti just much more expensive.

[dtw]

All the journos are unified in how underwhelmed they are with the new WRX. Further, there's nothing really new in the engine - though they did push the torque peak down a bit which is nice. Nobody is sure what to expect from the STI yet.

On the other hand, C/D has gone so far as to call the 335i the best car on the road (or similar, not a verbatim quote). There are already relatively inexpensive bolt-on kits available in the aftermarket to get that engine up to 340 rwhp, too.

Cost not a factor, the BMW is a no-brainer for me.

[1fastredsc]

[the]

I can't believe someone would even consider spending the same amount of money on some 4 banger Subaru as on a 335i.

[aigel]

What's wrong with the Lancer Evo MR?

Frankly, I'd never buy a new car. If I had 35k, I'd buy a 3 year old car that used to be 50+k and get a lot more car for the buck.

George

[m325ix]

I'd get the Subaru if you have bad weather during the winter, if not, go for the 335 with the sport package, both are nice choices, but the bimmer will be a little more comfortable and a lot nicer overall

[Dixie]

BMW 335i wins hands down.

[David]

When we bought our first BMW 6 years ago, we looked at a new WRX and a used e46 323i. Both were $25K. The BMW is soooo much nicer. The 335i has had problems with the direct injection fuel pump so I'd either buy new or get an extended warranty.

[rammstein]

The new STI is going to be a hatch?

Gentlemen, perhaps this car is in my future... so long as they hook up an automated manual so I can make this my "wife's" car...

[onewhippedpuppy]

The new WRX is the most convoluted, blah, fugly car in a good long while. Reminds me of the many GM "design by committee" cars. Plus, the new models are not significantly better performers. If anything, I'd prefer the previous generation STi, with the ricer rear wing swapped out for a conventional trunklid.

Compared to a 335i??! Absolutely no comparison. Every review I've read runs out of superlatives for the new 335i. By all accounts, it is a spectacular car. Get the BMW, no question.

If you'd consider used, you could pick up an E39 M5 easily. That would be hugely tempting. MB E55 AMG and Audi RS6 would also be in that range. All are more powerful and more unique than the 335i. Mazdaspeed 6 as suggested earlier would also be a nice pick. Infiniti M45 is also quite nice, a slightly used one would be in your range.

[Moses]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

The new WRX is the most convoluted, blah, fugly car in a good long while. Reminds me of the many GM "design by committee" cars. Plus, the new models are not significantly better performers. If anything, I'd prefer the previous generation STi, with the ricer rear wing swapped out for a conventional trunklid.

Compared to a 335i??! Absolutely no comparison. Every review I've read runs out of superlatives for the new 335i. By all accounts, it is a spectacular car. Get the BMW, no question.

If you'd consider used, you could pick up an E39 M5 easily. That would be hugely tempting. MB E55 AMG and Audi RS6 would also be in that range. All are more powerful and more unique than the 335i. Mazdaspeed 6 as suggested earlier would also be a nice pick. Infiniti M45 is also quite nice, a slightly used one would be in your range.

I have both an AMG E55 and a 335i (coupe). The torque of the E55 is pretty staggering and it's a fantastic cruiser, but if I really want to drive, the 335i wins hands down. It has amazing brakes and steering and fantastic "road feel". BMW underreported the HP by about 25 or 30 so they wouldn't impact M3 sales.

If you add Vihnu's PROcede upgrade ($1,200) you get 390 ft-lbs of torque and can do 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Amazing.

[Rot 911]

I agree on waiting for the BMW 135. I think that is a car a lot of people have been waiting for.