aybeesea

What's the power to weight ratio?

ABC

aybeesea

In the way that if you combine the power and torque characteristics (see "combinatorial" above) then it becomes obvious that arguments will ensue about which can outperform which and until some real world tests follow(ed), as you may recall, the arguments DID ensue.

ABC

dlevi67

Sorry, but you seem to be evading my question. Why is the 545 the most obvious comparable to the 535d?

Power - no; the 530i is closer
Power/weight - no; the 530i is closer (infact the 535d has the lowest of the 3)
Torque - no; gearing affects it, and we have already agreed (I think) that otherwise the comparison becomes absurd (i.e. M5 and F430 become fair game)
Engine characteristics - no; 6 vs 8 cylinders, 3 litre vs 4.4
Stated performance - no; 0-60 6.7 (530iA), 6.5 (535dA), 5.7 (545iA)

While it is clear that the most interesting comparison is with the 545i (how close will the 535d get?), the obvious and fair one is with the 530i. And interestingly, it is the one that no-one ever seems to look at; I do not recall any discussion on that, and it is taken for granted that the 535d will outperform 530i.

aybeesea

There's always more interest in aspiration.

To compare the 530i and 535d oil burner when core figures indicate an assumed outcome is of no interest.

When the core figures are so mixed (as in the the 535d oil burner and 545i vroom vroom) it's naturally "more obvious" to "see" what can be ontained in the real world.

OK so the outcome was "as expected" but from everything that has preceded it it was blindingly obvious that there would be great interest in a showdown.

ABC

dlevi67

Well, the real question in the context of this thread is: given that performance-wise it's "close, but no cigar", running costs in the US are less of a concern and depreciation on V8s is comparable to that on smaller engines, what will people compare with when making their choice? I think it's more likely that Diesels will be considered by 530i potential buyers, rather than by V8 potential buyers.

And - if a 535i is launched - what will that mean for 530d/535d success in the US? I am sceptical to say the least.

aybeesea

Note my earlier comment about what opinions US 550i drivers may voice after a potential 535d launch.

"So what?".

ABC

shiny

Wrong. In the Top Gear video the 545 is driven by The Stig, a professional racing driver, and the 535d is driven by that big ponce Jeremy Clarkson, who by his own admission has the driving skills of " A drunken blind man. Who is also dead. "

pinguhk

sorry to say your right

ipp

I'm with you on the fact that 545i is i great and very entertaining drive. But, but not fun enough to justifie the extra money if you compare it to the 535d. I'm using my car much in my work and every extra km per ? is money in my pocket. On the way there, I think (for me, and a strongly growing bunch of people) the diesel is a better drive. I like my 560nm.. And yes I've driven them all, M5 (E39), 750i (the new facelifted), 535d and etc.. I'm now waiting to place an order for the facelifted 535d.

I just didn't like you calling my choice of engine sickness... And "trust me" does not work for me without following with _good_ arguments.

swajames

Absolutely. If I still lived in the UK I wouldn't be driving the 550 I can run over here. I'd be torn between the twin turbo petrol and diesel though!