BMW BLOG

Honestly, this has to be one of the most weird comparison I have seen in a while, I mean really…what these cars have in common? Different market, different brands, different customers, different philosophy, you name it. BUT, these type of reviews make the reading more interesting, controversial and unique. We are all tired of comparing cars competing for the same segment, from the M3 vs C63 AMG and 335i vs. G37 to GLK vs. X3 or 750Li vs. Lexus LS460.

So, when I saw the article on Car and Driver, comparing the BMW 135i to the Nissan 370Z, Mazda RX-8 and Pontiac Solstice GXP, I knew I would take the time to read it.

Besides prices in the low- to mid-$30,000s, what’s the common thread? Sport. As in “sports coupes cum sports cars.” Granted, that’s an elastic category, but regardless of their differences, all have a little race car baked in. More than a little, usually.

Body styles aside, attitude and agility color all the players in this foursome. To what degree—that’s what we went to Southern California to find out.

The 135i seems at a glance to be the least compatible member of this troupe, a formal coupe with only tenuous claim to the title “sports car.” But it has 300 horsepower under its hood, we haven’t found other suitable showdown opponents, and besides, it’s a BMW.

The two other challengers are easier to categorize. Both wear the sports-car mantle comfortably, as two-seaters that are updates on earlier designs. Nissan’s 370Z represents an extensive makeover: updated chassis, new dimensions, new sheetmetal, and new engine. The Pontiac Solstice GXP has acquired a roof, fulfilling the promise of the coupe concept that debuted seven years ago.

Read the full article here: Car and Driver