Is it just me? Or is my 04' 325i quicker than my 01' 325ci

[JTravick]

Is it just my imagination? Or is my 04' 325i (Sedan) quicker than my previous 01' 325ci (coupe)? The only difference in my package on my 04' 325i is I have the sport package along with the premium package.

But, it really seems to have quicker accelaration. The handling is obviously better due to the sports package suspension and tires.

Could it be improvements on the engine since 01'? Does any one know? Or is it just a newer vehicle and I am a more skilled BMW driver 3 years later?

 

[Section_8]

It's all in your MIND!








Seriously, the only thing different from an 01 to an 04, is the facelift. Same exact engine in both models. Unless your first one was an auto and now you're in a manual, there's no difference.

You'll feel a difference when you hit corners and go WOT now that you have the sports suspension - more of that power is being directed to the road instead of to body roll, but that's about it.

 

[JTravick]

Yeah....Both models were manual transmision...So I figured it was in my mind. I definitely notice a difference in cornering. I also believe experience with these vehicles matters too when it comes to shifting gears and the response you get.

 

[Black330]

I said it before and i'll say it again, the sedans are faster than the coupes because they are lighter. I raced a couple of 330 coupes in my 330i from 0, and by 2nd gear i'm a car length infront [headbang]

I don't want to start trouble between the sedan and the coupe owner, i'm just telling you my experience

 

[Section_8]

I said it before and i'll say it again, the sedans are faster than the coupes because they are lighter. I raced a couple of 330 coupes in my 330i from 0, and by 2nd gear i'm a car length infront [headbang]

I don't want to start trouble between the sedan and the coupe owner, i'm just telling you my experience

Not sure of the logic there, but I'm not gonna argue it, being a sedan owner.


Stickers add 10hp too! [bmwdance]






j/k

 

[JTravick]

I'm just curious? How is the sedan lighter? Where does the coupe add on the pounds?

 

[bmw046series]

I'm just curious? How is the sedan lighter? Where does the coupe add on the pounds?

Yes please follow up on this question, how is that possible?

You know Double-VANOS (Which the “butterfly effect” is built into all the I-6 engines now) really does have a performance advantage, it probably feels faster because it's newer and everything still feels smooth and unworn and tight, you've never had to have any maintenance yet either so nothing needs to be replaced and is worn.

 

[codex57]

Sedans should be faster. All around too. I believe they are lighter by a few pounds. Plus, they have a better coefficient of drag. On top of that, they're stiffer inherently. If you don't have the fold down rear seats, than they're stiffer by a mile. Coupe's only main advantage is that most people think they look sportier.

 

[Section_8]

Welp, I always thought the coupes weighed more (maybe they used to), but the current specs are as follows (for a 325 based 3):

325i sedan - (unladen) 3219 lbs
325Ci Coupe - (unladen) 3197 lbs

The sedan is a little stiffer due to the B-frame seperating the front and back doors, but it's not noticeable unless you are a serious track driver, and are flexing the car a great deal.


2 dr means to me 1 of a few things:

1. You're single
2. You're trying to attract attention from the opposite sex by advertising #1.
3. You don't have kids (married or otherwise)
4. You like watching people's butts as they try to crawl into your rear seats.
4. You may be having a midlife crisis
5. You like wind in your ear, and that 'chopper' sound from driving fast in a coupe with the windows down. (womp womp womp womp!)


j/t, I think they both look sweet. I wish they had made a E46 M3/4, I'd have something to aim for next..

 

[JTravick]

Wow...Good info codex. Never thought about that. Thanks!
I also agree with that fact that it is newer, so it is smoother...sometimes SMOOTHER feels FASTER --

 

[///M SPEED]

2 dr means to me 1 of a few things:

1. You're single
2. You're trying to attract attention from the opposite sex by advertising #1.
3. You don't have kids (married or otherwise)
4. You like watching people's butts as they try to crawl into your rear seats.
4. You may be having a midlife crisis
5. You like wind in your ear, and that 'chopper' sound from driving fast in a coupe with the windows down. (womp womp womp womp!)


j/t, I think they both look sweet. I wish they had made a E46 M3/4, I'd have something to aim for next..

I didn't buy mine for any of the above points mentioned. I bought mine, because I have always wanted one and love the performance the M3 gives. I have 2 kids and yes at times they do ride in it. I have to admit it does look funny with a car seat and booster, but it is only once in a while. My daughter loves riding in it.

 

[VANCE]

according to edmunds.com.my e36 328 4 door weighs less than the 04 coupe.
3120vs 3219lbs

 

[Section_8]

Yup, e36's have less electronics, better on weight for sure. Heck you even have a bigger engine than the 325 and weight less.

Phil didn't you dyno last time with the guys? What did you put down w/ your mods? (what are the 328 e36 base #'s for hp/tq?)

 

[VANCE]

yeah i dyno'ed. i dont know what base number's are because tabasco wont dyno his car but here are my numbers..........
kinda hard to read but it says
182.1hp.........187tq

 

[VANCE]

145 views and no one has dyno'ed a stock 328?

 

[BMW-FW26]

Sedans are heavier. The coupe's sheet metal that the sedan looses is much lighter than 2 doors with electronics, and frame reinforcement.

Or having a coupe means you own an M3.