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Compare 2000 Bmw 328i Sport 2000 Cadillac Catera Sport 2001 Lexus 300It's been rumored for years, waiting for months, and it's finally here-a compact Lexus sports sedan to go against the alpha-car reign of the race it BMW 328i Sport But the German sedan still lives up to its reputation hard earned enough leads sports motivation of Japanese car and its equipment quite dedicated to the competition or is a copy cat, a poser or miss near We wanted to know.
We also tossed a German-American sports sedan in the middle of this quarrel to see how it compares to two obvious contenders Built in Germany, the Cadillac Catera Sport model is peer to be in formidable competition.
So who is the fastest, best handling, best value, or just the best for you.
Who is Who We chose all three sports manufacturer Sport version of its in-wholesale compact sedan as possible, which means that we requested a manual five-speed transmission in the BMW -Because they offer Other don t Indeed, nearly 40 percent of all 3 Series sold are equipped with a manual transmission, so we're doing Lexus no excuse, however, has a trick shifted electronic button manu-matic five-speed and Caddy GM has s electronic shift automatic Hydra-matic four-speed It might seem like comparing apples to kumquats, but if you want to compete as a true sport sedan, we believe a manual transmission is key.
Since the introduction of the original 2002 60s BMW's worked hard literally defining the compact sports sedan, upgrading constantly refining and improving the segment During the lifetime of the 3 series, there were coupe, sedan, wagon, convertible, comfort, luxury, lightweight, all-wheel drive and the motor sport versions or M the BMW 3 Series was certainly there, done that, and the T-shirt to prove it this time it is on track to sell about 80,000 units through the line 3 of the current series research on comparison tests of the past, BMW has an impressive track despite criticism as a bit expensive, conclusions over the years share a similar theme, you get what you pay for, and if you want the best, it cost you ll just over it is not surprising, then, that the BMW 3 EPA-rated series compact became the target and reference for other Manufacturers trying to enter the compact sport sedan arena.
Because Cadillac Seville had become, among other things, a driver front and a bigger car when it was introduced, GM had the air of its European models for a candidate able to enter the market for powered compact sport sedans back in the US what he found was a mature platform for the gathering of the Opel and Vauxhall Omega MV6 Not just a MV6 with Cadillac badges and fake wood nailed to the high German and Catera building underwent a complete Americanization program with added noise complicity materials, firmer structure, go more upscale, and general refinement to cope with our image of what a Cadillac is or should be.
Introduced in 97, the midsize Cadillac Catera EPA a little more compact than 2 cu 7 'was introduced as the Caddy that zigs to try to revitalize the brand and appeal to a younger audience that she had always known of sales were good enough, hovering around 25,000 units per year, often took heavy incentives to complete the development of the sports version 99 was exactly what the required model, but is it enough to go against the BMW 3 Series .
Our new on the block comes from Lexus, the Toyota division already known for fast, quiet and comfortable, but not necessarily sporty cars The IS 300 sprung the Japanese market and European Toyota Altezza Lexus IS 200, but like us, crave Americans more power in our vehicles, the standard 2 0L engine 153 hp was replaced by 3 0L motivator online-six of the GS models and SC 300, 10 horsepower for a total of 215 that said, this propulsion EPA subcompact sedan rear sports a little less compact notation 0 8 cu was designed to appeal to the 25-40-age buyer as an entry level car with a Lexus quality, service, security and attention to detail in a fun to drive, high performance, aggressive style package Lexus goal is to sell 25,000 cars this year BMW target.
Being a good SportWhat makes a good sports package depends on who requests and what is its mission, but it is generally accepted that a firm suspension, tire choice aggressively wheel, more favorable seating, and a sort of options of opulent finish are included Although the BMW 328i Sport and Cadillac Catera Sport have packages dedicated to this end, the Lexus iS 300 is in a unique flavor and contains no additional cost, the same equipment as the other two therefore offer the level sports equipment you get for your money.
While BMW has a comprehensive list of standard too many features to mention here, the packet 1350 Sport has 17 8 0 in specific rims, Continental ContiSport touch 225 45WR17 tires, firmer suspension settings, front seat electric sports and multifunction leather-wrapped wheel a good package, a good deal so equipped, but with the 1,050 moonroof glass and 500 xenon HID headlamps, others also count towards their total apples to apples, the price comparable with the 328i Sport is 36870, including 570 destination charge, or just our ballpark 35K our test vehicle, however, was even more special goodies metallic paint 475, 1450 black leather, heated front seats and 500 60 40 folding rear 575, and are not available on the other two airbags -Head protection system toll dynamic control without charge stability has irbags rear passenger side impact 385, Harmon Kardon sound system 675, and in the navigation dashboard 1800 for a whopping total of 42230 Ouch, but that's almost include all options in the book.
The Catera 2000 sport package consists 17 May 7 in wheels wrapped with 235 45HR17 Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires, sport suspension, front seat power heated leather sports and special interior trim, but goes a step further with specific interior and exterior trim, rear spoiler, door opener integrated garage, OnStar communication system with free service a year, and xenon headlamps Combining his glass sunroof optional 995, but without the optional Bose stereo 973 and power rear sunshade 295, brings the total Catera Sport equipped comparable to 34645, including a charge many car 640 destination for money.
The IS 300 has no specific sport packet, but already has 17 7 0 rims with 215 45ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE040 tires, sport suspension, sport seats, door sill stainless steel plates and pierced pedals, in dash CD player with six -Disc eight speakers, the body enhancements, and xenon headlights Adding 1000 for a glass sunroof and a 495 destination charge brings the total comparable only equipped to 31995 for options very good deal on our tester was 390 minimum differential and limited slip escaine leather interior with cushioning Homelink garage door opens in 1705, or a total of 34090 as tested.
Find the best sweet spotThe part of this comparison test is leaving the highway behind our favorite mountain roads Thus, we have the opportunity to run multiple times by three cars back to back to back, often noting what seems an unpleasant ride or handle a car appearance immediately appears as a force in another also if these vehicles are intended for BMW 3 Series, why not give a blow to equality in all road conditions.
Not so fast, we had to take the highways to get there, we found the Catera Sport very well suited to travel long distance with its large luxurious cabin, comfortable and quiet seating, gentle character wrinkle He got top marks road circumference and interior comfort is a midsize car, he also won an A- for the size of the trunk and utility and, despite his engine time to time Buzzy 60 V-6, the Caddy beat BMW second place in the noise vibration harshness category.
Throughout their inline-six ultra-smooth engines, two combinations of Lexus and BMW suspension tires, as well as wind noise at highway speeds, attracted much less favorable comments on the uneven pavement and concrete seams to be fair, though, the 328i was praised to the usual chassis BMW wonderfulness, offering the best combination of a firm but not jarring ride and predictable handling the core near the balance BMW, the ride of the Lexus road has been hampered by a wheelbase and slightly narrower tires shorter, make the most severe round of three we would have seen the subtle differences between the Lexus and the BMW if we hadn t conduits back to back.
But here's where the story takes a turn coming literally and figuratively roads that make us happy there are people like handling and ride engineers-and such things as sports suspension, manual transmissions and profile tires down each of our drivers drove every car along the difficult road, as if by instinct, BMW and Lexus took to the curves like an Australian shepherd takes a terribly unorganized sheep field there is no need to say the dog what to do, just know Ah-ha, here is the sweet spot in the BMW, rounding a sweeper 40 mph rear balancing wheelspin with the throttle at will.
I am a gawd Hey, wait a minute is a bright yellow Lexus on my day-am of the tail and it went like this for miles Sometimes the IS 300 and the lead would drive 328i, and vice versa Between absolute limits of the BMW and Lexus stands the courage of their drivers and to a higher degree, the metal of the machines themselves.
All things being equal they are never the IS 300 loses points for lack this regard man the only machine to offer a manual transmission While we enjoyed the IS 300 F1 style button to change the theory and in city traffic, we also found it wouldn t maintain the selected speed while accelerating to near engine speed redline Imagine approaching a corner briskly Should you upshift to avoid hitting a speed limiter, you only need to downgrade again right before entering keeping with BMW at the exit, and you will understand we prefer hitting the rev limiter for a nano-second to have the car upshift itself just before a corner Yes, he Sá quick and intelligent lightning that won t allow a downshift if it decides it would rev the engine a very good thing to avoid, may s it also enables you never close the engine rev limiter while accelerating or it seems that these two tasks should be separate calculations that could be composed in a more enthusiastic driver Better yet, how about a transsexual Hear manual say they are already a genius to model 02 IS 300.
Fortunately, the IS 300 brakes are so incredibly good, if the quick steering response, precise and communicative he has with the 328i Sport on pure sportiness to borrow a motorcycle run, the IS 300 is eminently flickable in corners and feels light on its feet, but it is actually heavier than the BMW about 70 lbs If you have the courage and talent, you can drive the Lexus deeper into a corner than the BMW, and he responds telepathically to midturn steering corrections, like a sports car BMW steadfast rarely needs corrections, and in a sprint to the other corner, the 328i will win.
One publisher wrote: What a lean, mean Lexus A great sports package engine, power train, steering, brakes, even his style add to a strong statement for sport driving, but noted later in the BMW 328i is the sweet spot of the trio it holds its own at-the-limit driving sport with marvelous precision, a sense of balance and control of the Authentic trust, firm suspension is granted for livable in everyday driving, unlike the Lexus.
BMW is still on refinement, control and balance, which forever gives the feeling it's buried underground giant magnet pulling you down the road it's beautiful, rolling, kinetic work of art and we always like and just in time to ward off the Lexus iS 300 next year with its box come with a manual, BMW just introduced the 330i 01 3 0L 225-hp inline 6 and, shortly thereafter, a variant of 330ix-wheel drive transmission see box.
Although we were quite happy in the Catera Sport, while faster than moderate felt heavy nose, confused automatic transmission despite pressing the Sport button above the change button, and more rhythm management supercharged relatively less communicative, more tangled the car became, and has been continuously falling behind in his defense, an editor wrote, and all agreed, quite good for a sports sedan, but not so hot for a sedan sport.
By NumbersAt our test facility, the BMW has reigned supreme 22 hp Despite conceding the Lexus, the 325i was able to claim the top spot with a run 0-60 mph in 6 seconds and 9 quarter-mile in 15 seconds 2 92 1 mph SI 300 is input to the second 7 4 and 15 5 seconds, and 8 Catera rotated in 2- and 3-sec 16 short, mainly due to its 500 lb weight disadvantage But in slalom, the iS 300 pushed the 328i from first place with a very fast 67 6 mph squirm between six cones again, the best of 66 8 mph handily beat 62 run 3 miles per hour from the Catera BMW, leaving the Caddy back in the kingdom cone dodging a Ford Taurus sE on a virtual tie 0 skidpad 200 feet, Lexus and Cadillac were locked 86 and 0 85 g, while BMW tend to detach the caboose and managed only 0 82g lateral acceleration best we witness in our loop mountain driving, the Lexus IS 300's brakes are about as good as they come, stop the car to 60 mph in just 113 feet, 4 feet shorter than a Ferrari 360 Mod ena Wow BMW was less a car length more than 121 feet, while the heavier sedan group, the Catera, stopped at 128 feet.
This is a great time to remind readers bench-race citing the results of the measurement tests to win disputes, although the number of our tests are a good indication of the capabilities of a car, they can not be interchanged with the real world driving results.
The final JudgmentPicking a winner in a test like this is a bit like choosing the best performance on the screen of the year Every player is different, each situation is different, and each judge is different, but we didn t publish challenge, the market did.
In terms of performance testing tool, the Lexus IS 300 is the best manager of the trio, while the BMW 328i Sport is the best rider of resistance in terms of performance of real life, Sport 328i is still the king of the sculpture canyon by a narrow margin If we were driving with two or three passengers from Los Angeles to San Francisco, it should be in most comfortable Cadillac Catera Sport But when it comes to choosing a sport sedan based solely on price, Lexus wins.
After all the driving and instrumented testing has been completed, equipment levels checked again, and the arguments of high value, and my colleagues asked me, well, who won I stopped for a moment, replayed the mountain road hunting scene in my head, and said simply, the 3 Series.
Yes, the 300 IS has proven himself an extremely able car, and a brilliant first foray into this segment and felt much improved Catera Sport-flat on Cadillac has surprised everyone with how he scored in card report, however, in terms of absolute sports car prowess tempered with just enough sophistication to make a compact sedan daily combination with a measure of security and functionality unmatched by other content, we d find a way to pay extra money for BMW 328i Sport on the Lexus IS 300 and Cadillac Catera Sport.
Personality ProfileBMW 3 sets the entry standard in the BMW sedan comprehensive range model BMW sold best in the United States Completely redesigned for the year 99 standard model without extra costs Assembly stability control in Munich, Germany Reference true in the dynamic management of sensation and the only player chassis to offer the choice of manual or automatic transmission and coupe, wagon, high-performance M3 convertible single car in this group to offer an optional navigation system.
3 Series New update 3 0L AWD engine for 2001, while the three sedans were tested in California, I tore the German country roads and autobahn in the prototype 3 Series cuts powered by the new engine 3 0L BMW and sedans featuring the new integral in driving -System option.
The highly anticipated I-6 power plant makes 225 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque Sá significant increase on the 193 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque current engine 2 8L The new engine power delivery is extremely typical BMW smooth satisfactory and we expect to run 0-60 mph in about 6 seconds 4, compared to 6 9 2 8L vehicles with 3 0L now arriving at dealerships and include 3 series sedans and coupes, cabriolets and Z3 roadster and also replacing 2 cups 8L said BMW 3 versions 0L cars cost the same as two 8s and fuel economy should improve despite the larger engine.
The AWD system offers greater traction slippery surface and is similar to the SUV BMW X5 configuration 3 0L also engine in the BMW X5 indicates the system sends 62 percent of power to the rear wheels and 38 percent to the front wheels, which helps to minimize torque steer while maintaining the BMW rear-wheel drive feel on a rutted gravel road, the 330xi sedan provided excellent traction and control AWD 3 0L sedan go on sale in mid -September, while AWD 2 5L sedans and sports cars will follow the end of October No word yet if BMW will build all-wheel drive convertibles or coupes -Chuck Schifsky.
Cadillac Catera personality ProfileCadillac entry level sedan, launched as 97 engineering base platform model shares with Opel and Vauxhall Omega MV6 built at the GM plant in Ruesselsheim, Germany refreshed for 2000 with new fairings and front and rear wings upgrade Sports package adds more in the 17- wheel tires, stiffened springs and damping characteristics, adds HID headlamps and specific fittings offer GM OnStar as standard equipment .
The ProfileLexus personality is 300 first dedicated hatchback compact sports to wear a Lexus All-new badge platform engine rear-drive before based on the non-U S engine Toyota Altezza Standard 3 0L 215 hp I-6 also used in GS 300 SC 300 is the most powerful of the group built in Iwate, Japan made a statement in dramatic style, inside and outside exceptional rival BMW chassis dynamics for pure capacity.
The second OpinionsIs Dethroned Field A Lexus unleashed a legitimate power player in the segment of sports sedans lux hall with its new IS 300 You bet But for me, fashion sheetmetal instrumentation and clockwork stops short when it comes to dethrone a defending champion Will I take iS 300 for the weekend in a heartbeat I could live with just as comfortably with the BMW Actually, maybe not I am just of the age demographic Not so far that the Catera-Sport or standard would be my choice; but enough on the outskirts that the IS 300 represents a little more free edge I ask you really on a daily basis, not only visually shock delivery mechanism is a little too harsh, and tire noise a little Thump too intrusive to fully offset any marginal performance gains is something about the way the 328i responds to driver and how he feels like it drift effortlessly through a corner that appealed more directly to my private motor tastes no matter that the iS 300 will leave its mark on the competition but for now, give me a 328i Or better yet, tack on a few months and make it a 330i -Bob Nagy.
It is all about BalanceIt seems that everyone wants to be BMW Despite their different personalities, the Catera Sport and IS 300, when boiled to their essence, are the two 328i wannabes And why not The Bavarians have to almost perfected the art of the sport sedan, when molding an image that is synonymous with enthusiasm that animates who wouldn t want to be a member of the accounting board of the crowd Despite their common intention, however, the Cadillac and Lexus are outside light years of personality the Catera is a comfortable car with a sporty side, it can be fun on a twisty road, but that doesn t be pushed the iS 300 needs to be pushed to its limits and answers with responsiveness sharpness again, his sports-car racing can be downright hard on rough pavement and the Catera iS could learn a little something from the other and there is the original 328i is E balance is an absolute thrill wire through a mountain road, but civil enough to work as a luxury vehicle welcoming, so it m ay cost a little more but offers the more good things in one package It's a why others are wannabes -Rik Paul.
2000 Lexus IS 300 Japanese Car Motor Trend Magazine, 2000 Lexus, Japanese.