Cars
BMW 128i vs BMW 323i - THE GOOD CAR GUY EXAMINES THE WHYS AND WHY NOTS
Would you pay $500 extra per door to upgrade from a BMW 1-Series to a BMW 3-Series? Some would say that choice is obvious. In Canada, it's a possibility only because of an engine option not available in U.S.-bound 3-Series sedans. BMW's 2.5L inline-six generates 200 horsepower and 180 lb-ft. More importantly, it creates a $6,500-lower MSRP than if the base 3-Series were a 328i as it is south of the border.
However, just because BMW Canada is willing to slot the 2.5L straight-six in to the 3-Series doesn't mean the 1-Series will be similarly kitted out. Indeed, as in America, the basic 1-Series is the 128i with 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, a fairly wicked powerplant capable of chucking the 128i up the road nicely. As a result of losing out on the 123i moniker, there's no $6,500 price drop for the 1-Series and its base price cuddles up nicely with the 323i at $33,900. Yes, that's just $1,000 less than the least expensive 3-Series.
In semi-traditional GoodCarBadCar.net style, let's start a Top 5 - a Double Top 5 - to assist in coming to a conclusion: BMW 128i or BMW 323i, which will it be? An examination of pros and cons begins below.
TOP 5 REASONS TO CHOOSE THE BMW 128i
#5 - The 128i is the quicker car. 0-60mph comes up in less than six seconds.
#4 - Youthful exuberance always leads to a coupe.
#3 - Even with more power, the 128i is more fuel efficient than the 323i, but only by a nose in city driving. Each car, with a manual tranny, is rated at 6.9L/100km on the highway.
#2 - Doesn't everybody want the better-looking car? The 128i is more purposeful and more together, although bettering the current 3-Series sedan hasn't been a challenge for anyone.
#1 - It's better to buy the least expensive house on the nicest street in the neighbourhood than the nicest home on the worst street in the neighbourhood.
TOP 5 REASONS TO CHOOSE THE BMW 323i
#5 - Everybody, even self-proclaimed BMW haters, has always had a place deep down in their heart that wanted, wants, and will want a BMW 3-Series.
#4 - A basic BMW 323i without sports suspension or supersized wheels is inevitably going to be a smoother-riding machine than a BMW 128i.
#3 - You have friends? Give them their own doors to open.
#2 - Quit acting like there's something wrong with 200 horsepower. The largest-engined non-M 3-Series in 2000 was a 328i with a sufficient 193 horsepower.
#1 - Though slightly more expensive than the BMW 128i, the 323i is less expensive than the Audi A4, Infiniti G37, and Mercedes-Benz C250.
TOP 5 REASONS TO AVOID THE BMW 128i
#5 - You could've had a 3-Series for an extra $20/month or so.
#4 - The 128i should be a lot quicker. But at 3,232 pounds, each of the 230 horses is pushing around some serious heft for such a small car.
#3 - Not the prettiest headlights, are they? No, they're not.
#2 - You'll miss every one of the lost 4.5 cubic feet of passenger space.
#1 - BMW's 323i is just one way to get more car for your money at this price level.
TOP 5 REASONS TO AVOID THE BMW 323i
#5 - Obvious much? Everybody and their dog already has a BMW 3-Series.
#4 - Everybody and their dog already has one of the least attractive cars in the category, a BMW 3-Series.
#3 - 16-inch wheels in a 2010 BMW 3-Series? Haha. Teehee.
#2 - Unless it's de-badged, everyone will know your BMW 323i has less umph than a ho-hum V6 midsize sedan.
#1 - Three-two-three makes it sound like you're driving a mid-90s Mazda compact.
Related From GoodCarBadCar.net
BMW 135i Is High-End Luxury?
2011 BMW 5-Series Touring Gallery
True Model Overlap - 1-Series vs 3-Series
2009's Year End Comparison Of Entry-Luxury Car Sales In Canada
BMW 1-Series vs Audi A3, Acura CSX, Benz B-Class & Volvo C30 Sales
-
Bmw Usa Increases Prices By An Average Of 2.1 Percent
BMW of North America announced on Monday a price increase of 2.1 percent on average across its model range of 2009 BMW brand vehicles that are due to arrive at dealerships in October to help absorb higher costs of raw materials and the ongoing exchange...
-
Small/entry Luxury Car Sales And Midsize Luxury Car Sales In Canada - 2010 Year End
For all the reasons not to buy a 2011 BMW 3-Series (ubiquity, fussy styling, cost) there are plenty of good reasons to sign on the dotted line at a BMW dealership and drive away in a 323i, 328i, 335i or any of the countless variations. 14,009 Canadian...
-
Small/entry Luxury Car Sales And Midsize Luxury Car Sales In Canada - November 2010
It seems as though almost every month GoodCarBadCar.net is lauding the BMW 3-Series after Sales Stats revealed the BMW's domination in one country or another. So this month, let's just stick with one fact. If the BMW's closest competitor,...
-
Infiniti G20 Returns To Join G25 And G37 - With A Mercedes Engine
Not long after The Good Car Guy explained the merits of a lesser-engined Infiniti G, Infiniti revealed plans for a lesser-engined Infiniti G, likely to be the Infiniti G25. Most likely generating somewhere between 210-230 horsepower (and slightly less...
-
The $$$ And The Numbers Of Bmw Canada's 3 Series Comparison Drive
Upgrading inline-six cylinder engines. Beating AMG and Audi's RS in car magazine shootouts. Establishing the perfect 50/50 weight balance in every coupe and sedan. These are all activities loved by BMW employees. However, BMW loves nothing more than...
Cars