Quote:
Originally Posted by 87natty  BMW North America
Rather have that than the current BS GM is feeding us. Still cheaper than a GTO. Probably quicker and more fun to drive too. 
EDIT: Sorry, they call it the G8 now? |
Have to jump that one too ... totally different cars for different markets. The G8 GT more favorably compares with a 5 series than a 3 (or 1 series). Also, the G8 GT I drove stickered at about $32,800 ($32,800 well equipped < $34,000 BASE price of the 1 series!)
I was impressed with the G8 ... great handling, nice power, nice fit and finish. A nice touring sedan with low end grunt and nice cruising manners.
The 1 series ... small and pretty noisy (I was surprised) and even with the sport package (i.e. better seats) was still the typical BMW "flat and hard" seating surface. The one I drove was quick, handled nicely, and rode pretty stiffly. It was also $40,450 (sport package, premium package).
I'm waiting to see what the G8 GXP brings (should be the LS3 and a 6 speed manual!) ...
BTW, for reference I've owned both basic platforms ... had a 2003 BMW 325i sport package w/5 speed (wife's car), a 2003.5 BMW M3 w/6 speed (mine) and still own my 2005 GTO 6 speed manual). I sold the M3 for the GTO (and still have the GTO) and the wife traded the 3 series for a V50 AWD T5 Volvo (which we still have as well).
The BMWs were nice, but living with them day in and day out, they lost their appeal.