CD Article: 2008 BMW 1 Series coupe

[Mitlov]

I like this quote, "Much of that driving purity comes from the 1 Series' light weight and tight dimensions".  Since when is 1560 kg (3432 lbs) light weight?

I remember years ago I had a a 1995 Dodge Stealth Twin Turbo which weighed 3550 lbs and that was considered a heavy pig (and the TT Stealth had AWD).  And now they are calling a 3400 lb, RWD car lightweight? 

Wow, how things have changed.  I guess people are just getting more and more use to heavy cars so 3400 lbs seems relatively light.

Of course "light weight" means relative to the competition nowadays.  What else would it be a comparison to?  Sure, cars were a lot lighter many decades ago, but they were also a lot slower and had frames that flexed as much as modern suspension.  It's an apples and oranges comparison.  I mean, the Model T had a curb weight of 1650 lbs, but that doesn't mean that the Lotus Elise is a pig because it weighs 20% more.

[Arthur Dent]

But the biggest issue is that its not all that much lighter than the 3-series. I think they share a platform so that isn't too surprising. But it is disappointing - so rather than building true 2002 successor they've built an uglier, sawed off 3-series. Oh and priced very close. 

[UmroAyyar]

Very interesting car. I'd be very interested if I was single. 

On the weight issue, its heavier than my car, my car weighs 1,500kg (3,307lbs) according Toyota Canada's website.

Was this ever destined to be a lightweight car? never seemed like it.

EDIT: corrected the units, was paying too much attention to work. 

[jcon]

Very interesting car. I'd be very interested if I was single. 

On the weight issue, its heavier than my car, my car weighs 1,500lbs (3,307kg) according Toyota Canada's website.

Was this ever destined to be a lightweight car? never seemed like it.

I think you've mixed those up, or is it that around the Centre of The Universe, polarities are reversed and 1500lbs is equal to 3307kg???

[Snowman]

Gee, the 2006 WRX wagon is 3200 lbs and considered on the heavy side for a compact car.

[UmroAyyar]

Very interesting car. I'd be very interested if I was single. 

On the weight issue, its heavier than my car, my car weighs 1,500lbs (3,307kg) according Toyota Canada's website.

Was this ever destined to be a lightweight car? never seemed like it.

I think you've mixed those up, or is it that around the Centre of The Universe, polarities are reversed and 1500lbs is equal to 3307kg???

I have an eye exam appointment tomorrow. 

[mdxtasy]

But the biggest issue is that its not all that much lighter than the 3-series. I think they share a platform so that isn't too surprising. But it is disappointing - so rather than building true 2002 successor they've built an uglier, sawed off 3-series. Oh and priced very close. 

Bingo.

[Mitlov]

But the biggest issue is that its not all that much lighter than the 3-series. I think they share a platform so that isn't too surprising. But it is disappointing - so rather than building true 2002 successor they've built an uglier, sawed off 3-series. Oh and priced very close. 

The 135i coupe is 3373 lbs (with manual transmission).
http://content.bmwusa.com/microsite/1series2008/assets/pdf/2008_1series_coupe_catalogue.pdf

The 335i coupe is 3571 lbs (with manual transmission).
http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/3/335icoupe/techdata.htm

The 650i coupe is 3814 lbs (with manual transmission).
http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/6/650iCoupe/techdata.htm

The 135i and the 335i coupes are 198 lbs apart; the 335i and the 650i coupes are 243 lbs apart.  I think a 200 lb difference is just fine, especially considering that less than 250 lbs separate the 335i coupe and the monstrous, V8 650i coupe.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Just for weight comparison, the Mustang GT weights in at 3483lbs, and it's certainly not a small car (LxWxH 188.0 × 73.9 × 55.4). And yes it does have a very rigid body.

[mmret]

Whatever I do, I just can't help but see this as a very niche car.

Wealthy boy racers or old guys looking to live again would buy it, everyone else either won't be willing to pay up for it or will need more space, end up buying a real 335 (or G37, and save some bucks).

[ghost]

It looks horrendously pudgy in a bulldog kinda style. I've seen the hatch versions in Europe. They look cute like a 5dr Golf. For a little more I can get a proper BMW - 335i. Or if I am really into sport driving, get a CPO Z4M Coupe.
We are so de-sensitize with car weight these days. 3400lbs... light? compared to what the USS Nimitz? 
As someone once said, you can bully physics but you can never overcome it.

[Jameel]

I like this quote, "Much of that driving purity comes from the 1 Series' light weight and tight dimensions".  Since when is 1560 kg (3432 lbs) light weight?

I remember years ago I had a a 1995 Dodge Stealth Twin Turbo which weighed 3550 lbs and that was considered a heavy pig (and the TT Stealth had AWD).  And now they are calling a 3400 lb, RWD car lightweight? 

Wow, how things have changed.  I guess people are just getting more and more use to heavy cars so 3400 lbs seems relatively light.

Of course "light weight" means relative to the competition nowadays.  What else would it be a comparison to?  Sure, cars were a lot lighter many decades ago, but they were also a lot slower and had frames that flexed as much as modern suspension.  It's an apples and oranges comparison.  I mean, the Model T had a curb weight of 1650 lbs, but that doesn't mean that the Lotus Elise is a pig because it weighs 20% more.

I never implied cars where slower or faster now. 
I never said a car that is over 100 years old is better than a car a modern car because the modern car is 20% heavier. I was merely pointing out a 12 year old car that is a lot bigger (L179.7in x W72.4in x H49in) compared to this compact car (L171in x W68.8in X H55.7in) weighs almost the same. And that Stealth TT had AWD.  I could see the Mini Cooper (~2550lbs), the Boxster (~2860 lbs) or Cayman (2800 lbs) are considered lightweight, nimble cars.  But something that weighs ~3500 lbs.  How is that light?

I guess when you compare it to all the SUVs that people drive these days, yah it's a light car.

[initial_D]

I like it.  RWD, 2 door, has a backseat, great handling, awesome engine and braking.  I would get one if I am in the market for a sports coupe, assuming I can afford payments.

[Snowman]

The majority of these cars will be slushboxes bought by people who only see the badge. Weight, handling, and performance will only be important to the minority who have to scrape up the extra bucks because the poseurs are willing to full pop for one.

[Mitlov]

The majority of these cars will be slushboxes bought by people who only see the badge. Weight, handling, and performance will only be important to the minority who have to scrape up the extra bucks because the poseurs are willing to full pop for one.

...as opposed to what?  Do WRXs never attract poseurs or idiots?

[Snowman]

The majority of these cars will be slushboxes bought by people who only see the badge. Weight, handling, and performance will only be important to the minority who have to scrape up the extra bucks because the poseurs are willing to full pop for one.

...as opposed to what?  Do WRXs never attract poseurs or idiots?

Yes they do. But only being available wit an MT weeds a lot of them out.

Edit: I stand corrected slushboxes available in 2007 . The end is near.

[tpl]

If we are lucky Snowman, the Rapture will take all the people who want automatic trans in performance cars  ( and Fantino)  This will leave the roads empty for those of us who are left.

[Snowman]

If we are lucky Snowman, the Rapture will take all the people who want automatic trans in performance cars  ( and Fantino)  This will leave the roads empty for those of us who are left.

I indulge every day….but I won’t be posting about it anymore as Fantino’s goose steeping storm troopers are probably reading this right now.

[Mitlov]

...as opposed to what?  Do WRXs never attract poseurs or idiots?

Yes they do. But only being available wit an MT weeds a lot of them out.

Edit: I stand corrected slushboxes available in 2007 . The end is near.

  The WRX has had an available automatic since its North American introduction.  Was it manual-only in Canada?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Impreza_WRX#United_States-spec

[jcon]

If we are lucky Snowman, the Rapture will take all the people who want automatic trans in performance cars  ( and Fantino)  This will leave the roads empty for those of us who are left.

I indulge every day….but I won’t be posting about it anymore as Fantino’s goose steeping storm troopers are probably reading this right now.

We know were you live, we know what you drive, and we know about the 'back roads' you take to work!