Thinking about buying a Volkswagon R32? Compare it to a BMW 135i first!
The BMW 135i Overview
The 1 Series positions BMW's product offerings into a market segment where BMW has not had a presence in recent years. The 1 Series puts BMW squarely into competition with some models that haven't been considered BMW competitors before, and gives BMW a more favorable price point against some that were. Here's a field of key competitors for the two 1 Series Coupe models; click on the model for a brief analysis of how BMW's new compact Coupes stack up against each of their key rivals.
The Volkswagon R32 Overview
The R32 amounts to the fastest, costliest VW Golf, er, Rabbit 3-door hatchback. As such, it uses the same narrow-angle, 3.2-liter V-6 as other VW corporate models like various Volkswagons and VW Eos. At $33,630 it's within $2,045 of the 135i. Standard features include a 6-speed double-clutch manual/automatic transmission (no other choice), all-wheel drive, 18-in. wheel/tires, 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, Xenon headlights, moonroof and leather. Thus the R32 does have some advantages in standard equipment. But thanks to the V-6's cast-iron block and the AWD machinery, the R32 weighs a hefty 3547 lb., nearly 175 lb. more than the 135i despite being 5 in. shorter. Thus with just 250 hp, it has no hope of matching 135i performance. And fuel economy suffers too.
BMW vs. Volkswagon
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What BMW offers…
- Classic BMW Coupe sportiness and style
- 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder twin-turbo engine, 300 hp/300 lb-ft.: 0-60 mph 5.1 sec., 17/25 mpg MT; 5.2 sec., 18/26 mpg AT
- Available with 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive, aluminum front suspension
- Classic BMW hydraulic power steering, perfect road feel
- Near-optimum weight balance, about 52%F/48%R
- Brembo 6-piston front/2-piston rear, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes
- 4-year/50,000-mile maintenance included
- 4-year/unlimited-miles Roadside Assistance
What Volkswagon doesn’t…
- Based on VW Rabbit, an economy car
- Hatchback - not popular for premium cars in U.S.
- 3.2-liter V-6 engine, 250 hp/236 lb-ft.; 0-60 mph 6.3 sec., 18/23 mpg
- Available only with double-clutch auto/manual transmission
- Cast-iron engine, all-wheel drive, all-steel suspension; more weight, less agility
- Front-heavy, about 60%/40% F/R weight dist. (est.)
- Electrohydraulic steering, less-than-ideal road feel
- Conventional ventilated brakes (blue calipers)
- No included maintenance
- 4-year/50,000-miles Roadside Assistance
"We don't think it's going too far out on a limb to suggest that the 1 Series Coupe
is the most complete car in its class as far as performance and dynamics are concerned." - AutoWeek
Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
