AutoCar

moff · 07-02-2008, 12:24 PM

Coming soon....

Keep your eyes peeled!

In the UK edition of AutoCar on the 9th July there will be the mother of all shootouts with the 135i v TTS v Cayman.

Set to be a great test!

The magazine is out on the 9th, but I imagine that the review will also appear on their website www.autocar.co.uk either on the same day or just after.

I want to see the same shootout on Top Gear too!

dmboone25 · 07-02-2008, 12:43 PM

I hope it is the Cayman S--5th Gear did a comparo on the 135 and base Cayman. The S is one sweet vehicle.....

MattD · 07-02-2008, 01:57 PM

Personally, I think comparing it to the Cayman S (or Cayman for that matter), whilst extremely interesting, does not have a lot of value.

For a start, the Cayman S costs 50% more (in the UK anyway) and that's before you start adding the extras you'll have to have. I mean, the "standard" part leather seats actually cost £800 on top of the theoretical base price!

Secondly, they're just completely different cars. One is a dedicated 2 seat sports car acknowledged as having some of the greatest driving dynamics ever experienced on a road car. The other is much more of a mini-GT with a stunning engine, that you'd probably be much happier driving large distances in.

Plus, I don't care what anyone says, the 1 has 2 viable rear seats. I mean, I'm just over 6' and with the seat in my driving position I was able to get in the back without having my knees jammed into the back of the seat. Not much room for your feet, but for moderate journeys it would be ok for two slightly smaller adults.

At least the TTS is in the same ballpark price wise, and makes a token attempt with it's comedy rear seats.

Of course, I'm still eagerly looking forward to the review

ptack · 07-02-2008, 02:24 PM

The Audi at least is only a bit more money, but a $60k Cayman S would be a red herring. Apples to apples you would be cross-shopping an M3 if your were in the market for a Cayman S, not a 135i. It's a huge jump in price.
I'm smelling another victory for the 135i here. We'll lose on looks, but beat them off the line.

Spook · 07-02-2008, 02:32 PM

There does seem to be some sort of nebulous coupling of these cars relative to folks that are looking for something quality that is fun to drive. Not that it stands up to real scrutiny.

In the US both Cayman is like $65K-$75K, Audi TT $45-$50K, BMW 135 $38K-$43K. If I were Porsche I would be unhappy to keep being compared to much less expensive alternatives.

Robert · 07-02-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptack

The Audi at least is only a bit more money, but a $60k Cayman S would be a red herring. Apples to apples you would be cross-shopping an M3 if your were in the market for a Cayman S, not a 135i. It's a huge jump in price.
I'm smelling another victory for the 135i here. We'll lose on looks, but beat them off the line.

Audi TTS is going to be priced 60-70k range. Even the Audi TT 3.2 is 45-55k range. The TT is more expensive than the 1. The price difference should be 7-10k for Non-S, and 10-20k for S version.

update: msrp on a TT 3.2 step starts at 42,900 without any options

MattD · 07-02-2008, 03:11 PM

A base TTS in the UK is about £3.5k or roughly $7k dollars more than the 135i

MrRoboto · 07-02-2008, 05:29 PM

I hope they put the 1 up against the Cayman S as well. Just being invited to that party speaks for itself.

hellrotm · 07-02-2008, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrRoboto

I hope they put the 1 up against the Cayman S as well. Just being invited to that party speaks for itself.

Yep, same here. Price differences hasn't stop mags before.

I would also like to see someone besides MotorTrend do another EVO X vs. 135i comparo. The EVO X is so damn good on the track.

MVF4Rrider · 07-03-2008, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptack

We'll lose on looks, but beat them off the line.

As long as the line is straight and not wet!

moff · 07-03-2008, 03:20 AM

The comparison is with the Cayman and not the S model.

I think it's quite a fair comparison, all are similarily priced in the UK, but the 1er is the cheapest.

I see the following cars as direct competitors to the 135i:

Cayman, TTS, S3, EVO, STI, and to some extent the R32.

d3syd · 07-03-2008, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moff

Coming soon....

Keep your eyes peeled!

In the UK edition of AutoCar on the 9th July there will be the mother of all shootouts with the 135i v TTS v Cayman.

Set to be a great test!

The magazine is out on the 9th, but I imagine that the review will also appear on their website www.autocar.co.uk either on the same day or just after.

I want to see the same shootout on Top Gear too!

Thanks for the head up moff....... look forward to that!

blklacker · 07-03-2008, 10:30 AM

subscribed

SnakeDoc? · 07-03-2008, 07:30 PM

Cheers Moff - saw this in the UK forum too. I agree it's more fair to compare with the base Cayman, but I would like to see a comparison with a Cayman S as my mate has just bought one after his S2000 felt my wrath! However there was a German test of the two posted on here a while back: http://www.autospies.com/news/BMW-1-...Comparo-25734/. It seems dubious doesn't it?

I'm trying to arrange a track day with this mate, and three others with a 335i, a 350Z and an Exige. If I manage it, videos/pics will deffo go up here!

Guibo · 07-04-2008, 03:21 PM

The German test was a comprehensive test with all of their standard criteria: price, practicality, economy, space, comfort, etc. Not just performance. The 135i was objectively rated the better overall car, with the Porsche ahead in the expected areas of handling, steering, etc.

Based on Autocar's previous test of the Cayman vs 135i (and 350Z), if it's the same staffers driving with the same limited emphasis on subjective feel rather than overall performance or objective values, then it's already a foregone conclusion that the 135i won't take the top spot. All that's left is to see how the TTS compares.

07-02-2008, 12:24 PM	#1
moff Colonel 1363 Rep 2,495 Posts Drives: X4M Competition Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Nottingham GB iTrader: (0)	AutoCar - 135i v TTS v Cayman Coming soon.... Keep your eyes peeled! In the UK edition of AutoCar on the 9th July there will be the mother of all shootouts with the 135i v TTS v Cayman. Set to be a great test! The magazine is out on the 9th, but I imagine that the review will also appear on their website www.autocar.co.uk either on the same day or just after. I want to see the same shootout on Top Gear too! __________________ Arrived! 2022 X4M Competition, SPY + Black Merino Gone: 2019 X3M Competition, Toronto Red, Adelaide Grey.
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07-02-2008, 12:43 PM	#2
dmboone25 Lieutenant General 4972 Rep 10,200 Posts Drives: 2024 Golf R / 2022 718 Spyder Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 328i [10.00] 2007 328i [10.00]	I hope it is the Cayman S--5th Gear did a comparo on the 135 and base Cayman. The S is one sweet vehicle..... __________________ Past rides: 2016 981 BGTS, 2020 MINI JCW, 2017 F80, 2015 981 CS, 2014 F22 235, 2011 E82 135, 2008 E82 135, 2007 E92 328, 2007 E92 328 (My lady drives an OG M2. So does my dad)
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07-02-2008, 01:57 PM	#3
MattD Legend 12 Rep 158 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	Personally, I think comparing it to the Cayman S (or Cayman for that matter), whilst extremely interesting, does not have a lot of value. For a start, the Cayman S costs 50% more (in the UK anyway) and that's before you start adding the extras you'll have to have. I mean, the "standard" part leather seats actually cost £800 on top of the theoretical base price! Secondly, they're just completely different cars. One is a dedicated 2 seat sports car acknowledged as having some of the greatest driving dynamics ever experienced on a road car. The other is much more of a mini-GT with a stunning engine, that you'd probably be much happier driving large distances in. Plus, I don't care what anyone says, the 1 has 2 viable rear seats. I mean, I'm just over 6' and with the seat in my driving position I was able to get in the back without having my knees jammed into the back of the seat. Not much room for your feet, but for moderate journeys it would be ok for two slightly smaller adults. At least the TTS is in the same ballpark price wise, and makes a token attempt with it's comedy rear seats. Of course, I'm still eagerly looking forward to the review
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07-02-2008, 02:24 PM	#4
ptack Brigadier General 269 Rep 4,470 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	The Audi at least is only a bit more money, but a $60k Cayman S would be a red herring. Apples to apples you would be cross-shopping an M3 if your were in the market for a Cayman S, not a 135i. It's a huge jump in price. I'm smelling another victory for the 135i here. We'll lose on looks, but beat them off the line. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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07-02-2008, 02:32 PM	#5
Spook Bring Bail Money 12 Rep 492 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jan 2008 iTrader: (0)	There does seem to be some sort of nebulous coupling of these cars relative to folks that are looking for something quality that is fun to drive. Not that it stands up to real scrutiny. In the US both Cayman is like $65K-$75K, Audi TT $45-$50K, BMW 135 $38K-$43K. If I were Porsche I would be unhappy to keep being compared to much less expensive alternatives.
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07-02-2008, 03:11 PM	#7
MattD Legend 12 Rep 158 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	A base TTS in the UK is about £3.5k or roughly $7k dollars more than the 135i
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07-02-2008, 05:29 PM	#8
MrRoboto Brigadier General 1846 Rep 4,836 Posts Drives: VO 1M Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I hope they put the 1 up against the Cayman S as well. Just being invited to that party speaks for itself.
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07-03-2008, 03:20 AM	#11
moff Colonel 1363 Rep 2,495 Posts Drives: X4M Competition Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Nottingham GB iTrader: (0)	The comparison is with the Cayman and not the S model. I think it's quite a fair comparison, all are similarily priced in the UK, but the 1er is the cheapest. I see the following cars as direct competitors to the 135i: Cayman, TTS, S3, EVO, STI, and to some extent the R32. __________________ Arrived! 2022 X4M Competition, SPY + Black Merino Gone: 2019 X3M Competition, Toronto Red, Adelaide Grey.
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07-03-2008, 10:30 AM	#13
blklacker Captain 50 Rep 657 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: seattle iTrader: (0)	subscribed __________________ -135i BSM, CRBL ,custom front lip/Indianapolis red fade, blacked out tail lights/corner headlights, golf tee, BMS Air intake, SSTT, CF spoiler,Powdered coated OEM rims gunmetal high gloss,custom Rear diffuser Black/Indianapolis red fade
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07-03-2008, 07:30 PM	#14
SnakeDoc? Gold Member 9 Rep 70 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Cheers Moff - saw this in the UK forum too. I agree it's more fair to compare with the base Cayman, but I would like to see a comparison with a Cayman S as my mate has just bought one after his S2000 felt my wrath! However there was a German test of the two posted on here a while back: http://www.autospies.com/news/BMW-1-...Comparo-25734/. It seems dubious doesn't it? I'm trying to arrange a track day with this mate, and three others with a 335i, a 350Z and an Exige. If I manage it, videos/pics will deffo go up here!
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07-04-2008, 03:21 PM	#15
Guibo Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 280 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	The German test was a comprehensive test with all of their standard criteria: price, practicality, economy, space, comfort, etc. Not just performance. The 135i was objectively rated the better overall car, with the Porsche ahead in the expected areas of handling, steering, etc. Based on Autocar's previous test of the Cayman vs 135i (and 350Z), if it's the same staffers driving with the same limited emphasis on subjective feel rather than overall performance or objective values, then it's already a foregone conclusion that the 135i won't take the top spot. All that's left is to see how the TTS compares.
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