Ok, so on the last show on top gear (27th) they tested the 130i and Golf V R32. Anyway cutting to the chase they drove both cars on the track. So in the end the 130i came with a time of 1.31,9 and the golf 1.30,smth.
The thing that's striking to me is how come the golf has a better time being 4wd and quite heavier.
130i: R32:
195kw/ 6,600 184kw/ 6300
315NM/ 2,750 320NM/ 2500
1,450 weight 1594

If u pay attention at the stig's run in the bmw i find quite strange the whole lap. Is it just me or he didn't get the best out of that car in the way he drove it. Especially in the end where it shows that he almost took off with the car. That seems to me that the lines/driving style wasn't quite correct.
I dunno maybe it is just me, maybe i'm too bmw freak, but logic from the numbers tells me that the bmw should have been the faster one being rwd (more suited to track conditions) more powerfull, and almost 150 kilos lighter. It's like the golf had 2 more persons in the car and still being faster, assuming that it had the same weight as the bmw.

Any comments?


Here is the torrent in case u need it.
http://www.mininova.org/tor/185942

I think the Golf GTI and R32 are finally the car's they should be been last time! I think the extra grip of the R32 gives it a little advantage over the 130i even with the weight disadvantage! The bit that got me was the rubber squealing in the wet because of so much grip!!!

I'm afraid the 130i is too expensive and is full of compromises - and the competition is so damn good too!

Depending on the layout of the track, an AWD will have an inherent advantage over a similar RWD car.

This is why a few years back when Top Gear did comparos between the RS4 (B6) and the E46 M3, the "winner" would often be determined by what course the cars were driven on. RS4 being AWD and M3 being RWD, of course.

Back to the 130i, I think it's a fabulous car. It is what the the 3er should have been.

I think the Golf GTI and R32 are finally the car's they should be been last time! I think the extra grip of the R32 gives it a little advantage over the 130i even with the weight disadvantage! The bit that got me was the rubber squealing in the wet because of so much grip!!!

I'm afraid the 130i is too expensive and is full of compromises - and the competition is so damn good too!
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Hmmm it must have been th grip...especailly if the track was a bit moist. Hell if i remember correctly the r32 got a similar time with the audi s4 wich is like yeah 100 kilos heavyer but also almost 100hp and 100nm more powerful. Weird! :think:

I read an article a few weeks ago in the "AutoBild" a German car enthusiasts magazine and the 130i came out on top in that comparison test with the R32 but it was really close and the 130i won by a point or two.

The 130i misses an LSD imo, be it standard or optional.

I'd say they're pretty close on average...

Which current series has it? My 530i does not as far as I know.

Which current series has it? My 530i does not as far as I know.
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Only 'M' cars have a LSD.

Only 'M' cars have a LSD.
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Yup! :thumbsdown:

Jeremy Clarkson said the 535d needs a LSD around their track... The rear wheels were smokin'!