The Solara's so much better than Beemers

[bkp_duke]

^

we must have been posting at the same time

[TW85]

Car and Driver hit 0-60 in 6.9 seconds with the Solara V6.

[bkp_duke]

yeah, just what i thought. it will come down to the driver when comparing these 2

[bkp_duke]

i would guess 10-11, but can't find it on the web

[TW85]

I think it is between 8.5-9 seconds.

[bkp_duke]

just a guess. google search turned up zero useful info

[cdssolara]

Sorry, fellas, but I don't buy any of this. Well, I will agree that the Gen 2 Solara has a much better interior than a BMW, but that's it. Yeah, maybe some performance numbers are comparable, but the overall driving experience in a BMW is far superior. I have a Gen 1, but I've lowered it, upgraded my wheels and tires, tinkered with various swaybar combinations, upgraded my drivetrain, upgraded my power, etc, etc, etc. Bottom line is that my car has a lot of power and handles as well as any Solara out there, yet it's nowhere near as fun to drive as a good rear wheel drive car. The steering response in our cars is pretty slow and numb, and the steering radius is pretty big. Our cars are really nice and solidly built, but they're limited by being nose heavy and front wheel drive. I just don't think it's possible for them to be as responsive as a good rwd car, especially a BMW.

[bkp_duke]

Well, the discussion was more raw 0-60 performance not overall "sporty" ride that takes into account RWD, etc. I will glady conceede the point that no matter what you do (lowering, rsb, etc.) that the solara will never approach the cornering of a RWD car.

Our point was that for the money, the performance (auto v auto) is identical and the Solara has a significant cost advantage over the BMW.

Furthermore, I've dated 2 girls w/ recent 3-series BMWs (a 325 and a 328) and wouldn't take their cars if they were give to me (except to sell, of course). BOTH had significant engine problems, one at 51k (crankshaft seals) and the other at 70k (don't remember details, but it was a $3K repair).

I guess that is why, for the first time mind you, that the AVERAGE J.D. Power relibility rating for american cars last year was better than german-owned cars; and neither came close to the Japanese imports.

Bang for you buck, reliability, comfort, and performance all rolled into one I will take a Solara over a 330ci ANY day. The Solara may not win every category out there, but it does so well in all of them that any serious purchaser of a coupe would have to consider it (as long as they do something with that bubble a$$ in the next revision).

[onefiend]

I hope no BMW people come here and flame on us. Maybe on a straight line drag race its comparable, but a 330 would out handle a Solara through the twisties, an IS300 is more comparable to a 330 than Solara

[Fatal-NJ]

I love my Solara to death, but if I had 6 grand more when I bought my Solara I woulda got the 330 or even an IS300.

[TW85]

The BMW 330i Performance Package handles corners well but the Performance Package also has awesome tires. Not sure how a regular 3-series is. Handling is not the same in the Solara but engine performance is.

[Astro]

(as long as they do something with that bubble a$$ in the next revision).

I would like to see it go too, but I'm afraid that won't happen.

Larry

[Jaimster]

(as long as they do something with that bubble a$$ in the next revision).

I would like to see it go too, but I'm afraid that won't happen.

Larry

Yup! I agree. Voted worst rear-end of 2004!