BMW vs Prius

[Silveredwings]

Originally Posted by Peakster

I can't imagine people thinking "I need better fuel economy. I'm going to get a 2nd mortgage so I can buy a BMW M5".

The 520d is about a third the price of an M5.

[H4MM3R]

Originally Posted by HotRod

Here, diesel is $3.93 and Reg. is $3.17. That's 24% more expensive. Call me crazy, but unless the Beemer can toast a Prius by at least 24% (mpgs), the Prius is still the way to go...from a dollars and cents perspective.

I couldn't agree more.

[Peakster]

Originally Posted by Silveredwings

The 520d is about a third the price of an M5.

Oh wow, it is a 520d. It looks extremely similar to the M5.



In fact, they look so similar, what's the point of spending 3X as much money for a car that looks the same ?

[RH77]

A bit off topic, but close enough

What we really need is the 2.0L Diesel in the new-to-U.S. 1-Series that's "back". I'd say from a performance perspective (0-60 MPH), around 9-10 Seconds is "expected" for an average car, and at least 8-seconds from Premium marque. Some facts, figs, and specs...



What we get (Coupe and Convertible Only, Best FE with the Automatic 6-speed with Auto-Stick mode):

128i: 3.0L DOHC, Variable Valve Timing/Lift, I-6: Rated at 230 HP / 200 ft-lb. FE: 18/28 (Premium Fuel); 0-60 in about 6 Seconds.
135i: 3.0L Twin-Turbo, Variable Valve Timing/Lift, Direct Injection, I-6: 300 hp / 200 ft-lb. FE 18/26 (Premium); 0-60 in 5 Seconds.

What Europe gets:

A 3-Door...


Nice and Functional...

A 5-door...


Practical and Fun...

The following engines are available (or some were available up to 2007, but not here)...

Gassers
1.6L / 116i, I-4, 122 HP / 111 lb-ft, FE: 32/49 U.S. Estimated (Regular Unleaded); 0-60 in 10.1 Seconds (Manual), 11.4 Seconds Automatic. Last Production Year = 2007
2.0L / 120i, I-4, Variable Valve Timing/Lift, 170 HP / 155 lb-ft , FE: 22/34 U.S. Estimated (Regular Unleaded); 0-60 in 7.4 Seconds (Manual), 8.0 Seconds Automatic. (There was also a more efficient 118i / 2.0L pre-2008 at 30 City / 50 Highway and about 1-second slower)

Diesels
2.0L Diesel / 118d (different engine management program vs. 120d), Turbocharged, Intercooled, DOHC I-4, 143 HP / 220 lb-ft, FE: 41/67 U.S. Estimated; 0-60 in about 8.6 Seconds (Manual) ~ 9.0 Seconds Automatic
2.0L Diesel / 120d, Turbocharged, Intercooled, DOHC I-4, 177 HP / 258 lb-ft, FE: 39/64 U.S. Estimated; 0-60 in about 7.2 Seconds (Manual), 7.4 second (Automatic)
2.0L Diesel / 123d, Variable Twin-Turbocharged with Stop-Start System and Regenerative Braking, Intercooled, DOHC I-4, 204 HP / 295 lb-ft, FE: 45 MPG Combined U.S. Estimated; 0-60 in about 6.7 Seconds (Manual), 7.1 seconds (Automatic).

Where are these??? Yes, there is a replacement for displacement.

RH77

[Silveredwings]

Originally Posted by Peakster

Oh wow, it is a 520d. It looks extremely similar to the M5.



In fact, they look so similar, what's the point of spending 3X as much money for a car that looks the same ?

Well, I think the M5 is a 4-door sleeper with 507 hp that does 0-60 in 4.1s and could lap a 911, and it yet doesn't scream "look at me!" I do see them up close occasionally, and think their secrets are well cloaked. I don't have that kind of money but I like how understated they are.

[mpgvalues]

true, in terms of FE the BMW wotn match, but, if you need a bigger car, or heck just want a more luxurious ride then you cant count that BMW out.

[dremd]

The M5 is an absolutely phenomenal automobile.
I've had the pleasure to drive 2 of them. Silent, smooth, comfortable, roomy, factory fuel economy instrumentation, and it goes like hell.
That Said if I were buying I'd prefer the twin turbo Strait 6 5 Series. Smoother power, quieter, more fuel efficient and bucket loads of torque.

On the Speed V Economy bit . . . Once upon a time I drove a Supra 300 miles with the cruise set at 95 (never turned it off 1 time) on 7.9 gallons of fuel (38mpg). Conditions were ideal . . . . I KNOW that my Golf couldn't do that. Lifetime economy on the golf is around 55 mpg, and Lifetime on the Supra is around 19. Figures can be skewed.

[dremd]

Just noticed something

BMW 520d with a 2.0-liter diesel engine and regenerative braking

Can anyone elaborate? Just recharge the battery on Decel?