Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see two luxury cars pulled off the showroom floor and put head-to-head in a drag race? Though it would be next to impossible to get a dealership to go along with this experiment, the next best thing would be to pit these cars against each other in a "virtual" drag race and see which one would win.
For this first race, I've matched up the BMW 328i with the Infiniti G35 because of the already fierce rivalry between them. After all, BMW's 3 Series have been among the best selling cars in the luxury market for years, but recently, the 3 Series has been challenged by the Infiniti G35 as an entry-level luxury automobile. Given this intensifying competition, I've put the 2006 Infiniti G35 in lane one on our virtual track and the 2006 BMW 3 Series beside it in lane two. So get ready to smoke the tires and hold on to your leather seats.
2006 Infiniti G35
MSRP: $31,200Engine: 3.5 liter, VQ-series V6, aluminum-alloy block and heads
Horsepower: 280 @ 6,200 rpm
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
MPG (city/highway): 18/25
Performance - 17/20
The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 280 horsepower and can launch the G35 from 0 to 60 in six seconds. Not all the credit goes to the engine; the engineers at Infiniti designed this car with overall performance in mind. The 2006 G35’s engine has been moved closer to the middle of the car and aluminum parts were used throughout, which allows the G35 to be larger and taller without excess weight. The G35 is one of the best-handling cars in the luxury market. This Infiniti comes with a standard rear-wheel-drive transmission, but if you want to bump up the handling, you can opt for the all-wheel drive. With this combination of power and handling, it’s clear the G35 is meant to be driven like a sports car and enjoyed like a luxury automobile.Exterior Design - 15/20
The exterior of the G35 is designed to combine both style and function. The longer wheel base and wider body allows for greater handling while giving the appearance of a high-end European luxury car. Each G35 comes standard with large 17-inch wheels that add to the sense of luxury, but also serve the function of providing a smooth comfortable ride. Overall, the G35 is a beautiful car to look at and will definitely turn some heads.Interior Design - 7/10
The spacious cabin comfortably seats five people, allowing passengers to enjoy the smooth ride and powerful acceleration. The backseat has plenty of space and gives plenty of leg room for taller adults. Also, the driver’s seat has a special foam pad to support the driver through twisties. Infiniti used high-quality material to construct the interior, but the overall design still needs to be improved.Sound System/Goodies - 8/10
One of the perks of buying a luxury car is the special features that are not usually included in lower-end models. The G35 comes with its fair share of toys, including a gauge cluster that tilts in tandem with the steering wheel. Also, dual-zone climate control allows everyone to be comfortable no matter what time of year it is. For the tech-gadget lovers, the G35 offers a concealable LCD screen for the navigation system in the center console. And what luxury car would be complete without an automated sunroof and 225-watt Bose sound system? Certainly not the Infiniti, which is equipped with both features.Driving Experience - 17/20
The G35 combines a powerful engine, a roomy interior and great handling to give the driver an exhilarating ride. The 260 lb-ft of torque launches the G35 forward and throws the driver back into their special foam seat. After your heart rate slows down, you can start to enjoy all the luxury features that make this ride so great. The G35 will allow you to relax and enjoy your daily ride to work or cut loose and let the horses run -- the choice is yours.Bang For Buck - 18/20
Some options available on the G35 can be rather pricey, such as the navigation system or chrome wheels, but the list of standard features is impressive especially when you consider the MSRP is just above $30,000. With standard features like Bluetooth hands-free phone, dual climate control, and a seven-speaker audio system, it’s clear why the G35 is still one of the best priced luxury cars on the market.Overall Score – 82/100
Though the Infiniti gets high marks for performance and overall driving experience, it still doesn’t match the market leaders in interior design and quality.
2006 BMW 328i
MSRP: $32,400Engine: 3.0 liter, Inline 6
Horsepower: 230 @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 200 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
MPG (city/highway): 21/29
Performance - 18/20
The 328i uses an active steering system to give the driver solid control over the car and to create a very responsive ride. The active steering system controls the front wheels differently depending on steering-wheel movement and the speed of the vehicle. It will also automatically counter-steer if the stability control system senses a slide. The 3 Series also comes equipped with world-class suspension, steering and brake components that allow the driver to use all 230 horses. Essentially, BMW has taken performance above the standard horsepower, giving drivers a level of control that cannot be matched.Exterior Design - 18/20
The 2006 3 Series was completely redesigned from the inside out. And with these changes the BMW has become a work of art. From the front of the car you can see the aerodynamic design, and as you walk around to the side you notice the beautiful lines that run the length of the body -- be sure to take in the 16-inch wheels. After you have completed your walk around the exterior of the car you will agree that the 328i could have a place in an art gallery as well as on the road.Interior Design - 8/10
Once you sit inside the car, you’ll understand why they say that BMW is the standard by which all other cars are measured. The 3 Series uses high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship in every detail of the interior -- from the supportive leather seats to the easy-to-read gauges. Standard features include automatic climate control, one-touch power windows, a power moonroof, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, a CD player, and keyless entry. With all these options to choose from, it’s easy to see why the 3 Series is among the top selling cars in America.Sound System/Goodies - 8/10
If the list of standard options isn’t enough for you, the BMW offers plenty of extras. These options include onboard navigation system with iDrive for the tech-savvy crowd. For a more safety-conscious driver, the 3 Series offers adaptive xenon headlights, parking sensors, active cruise control, run-flat tires, and active steering. For those who want to go to the next level of luxury, this BMW has leather seating, remote sunroof operation and a Logic 7 sound system.Driving Experience - 17/20
The BMW 3 Series combines comfort and control with an ample amount of power to create a very luxurious ride. The driver never feels out place on the road no matter how fast or slow the car is moving thanks to its world-class suspension and steering systems. The 3 Series has combined every element of luxury to give the driver a premium ride.Bang for the Buck - 17/20
When you look at the long list of standard features that come with the car, the 3 Series is well-priced at $32,400. But should you want to go over the top with extras, the bottom line could get expensive really quick. Overall, if you stick with the basic features, you will get a great luxury car for a good price.Overall Score – 86/100
It doesn’t get much better than the BMW 3 Series when it comes to entry-level luxury.and the winner is…
The G35 is one of BMW’s main competitors and it’s clear why, but the BMW still has a slight advantage over the G35. Both vehicles offer the driver every luxury imaginable along with great performance, but while the G35 might be more powerful, the BMW gets the edge in overall performance due to the use of technology in giving the driver more control. From the outside, both cars are easy on the eyes, but BMW hit a homerun with the new design of the 3 Series. The G35 wins with regard to the amount of room inside the car, but the BMW still has a better interior design and feel. After crunching the numbers, the BMW edged out the G35.Resources:
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