Normally I would write a lengthy response going over my thoughts on sport versus luxury, the price of maintaining a bmw versus a nissan, capacities, and so on. However, I think everyone else here (including the video and link to the article) sums all that up, so I will just say that the i35 is effen ugly in a "why did I spend $40k on a car that blends with every other car?" kind of way.

I dont know what planet you are from to think most people start with a $40k car. Obviously the amount of money you make might make that seem like nothing, but I guarantee the vast majority of people on this board would consider that a lot of money for a car, especially a first car! I guess some people have different values...


But back on topic...I suggest test driving both. Obviously the people on here will tell you to get the Z and if you were to go to a BMW board they would prob tell you to get the 135i. Dont think you can really go wrong either way.

bmw>nissan in terms of engineering and curb appeal

Please watch the Latest Best motoring video before you make your decision....

Interesting comparison. I love the Zed but over on the Big Money Wasted (BMW) forum, I noticed none of the members voted for the Zed. Man, I have never come across a more biased, one eyed bunch of people. These people would buy a Chinese car if it had a BMW badge on it. Unbeleivable.

I test drove both and I just dont know! I love the way the Z looks, so sporty and aggressive. Im not really in love with the look of the 135, but the interior is gorgeous and the quality is amazing. I know the Z is sportier and is not made to be a luxury car, and I can agree that the interior of the Z is a big step from previous years. Where im torn is the there is something great about being able to step into a 1 and preform just as well as a Z and still be practical, have back seats, have a much more quality interior and such a smooth and stiff ride. The engine on the 1 is just so smooth and the truth is I can spend about 1200$ and be at about 400whp! You can not get a Z to make that much HP for 1200$. Im just so in love with the Z history and how its such an attractive car, its really a true sports car!

Sounds like you are leaning towards the 1. Like I said before, dont think you can go wrong with either!

Tha Z is a legend. This is the first generation for the 1 series. Even though people are comparing these two cars i think they are very different. I dont own a Z so this is not a biased opinion, but i know performance wise the Z wins. And as far as the Cool Factor the Z wins also. The 1 series is bland. JMO

Yeah same here i don't own a Z but if your going to get a BMW get a 335 or a M3. The 135 can get on the price range of the 3 series with options on it.

Both are awesome cars. I had the same decision a few months ago...

The 1 is smooth and refined yet peppy. A great car to drive in...

The Z is a drivers car... great feedback from the wheel and seat. A great car to drive...

Honestly a BMW is a BMW, but the Z has personality.

Enjoy your choice!

Nick

Both cars are pretty similar, if you plan on keeping the car for a long time I'd say the Z. BMW's tend to get pretting maintenance intensive as the miles pile on. For the record my wife and I between us have owned 3 M3's...great cars but as the miles came on (65K) range they need more attention.

Either one I'm sure you'll be happy...performance stock VS stock they are close with of course the edge going to the Z when it comes to handling. However, from a looks perspective, I like the Z better. Good luck...either way!

get the z,a baby beemer just would't do it for me:icon17:

Just coming back to Nissan from BMW I say if your not sure look at it this way a 4 year warranty everything covered then save your money because as soon as it's out of warranty look out for the repair bills. I ran over something on the freeway and cracked the transmission oil pan and it set me back 700$ Ouch! another negative is if you Modify the Mods are more expensive and your warranties out the door because any problem you have there going to blame your mod, Now Nissan is less expensive to Modify and less expensive to repair for the life of the car. now what do you really want?

I also cross shopped the 135i and the 335 Coupe with the 370Z. The problem that I found was that most of the BMW Dealers here load the hell out of the cars they have on the lot, making the BMWs much more expensive than the 370Z's. One of the lots I went to did not have a single BMW under $54K :eek: What it came down to for me was that I could get a fully loaded 370Z or a very basic BMW with no options. It's my opinion that a person is always better off getting everything they want as far as options go, otherwise you may kick yourself later for not getting that "difficult to install later" option.

Another thing I did was research on the various forums. I found that the Z forums (here and at my350z.com) were pretty friendly and I fit the demographic. As it sounds like you have discovered, the BMW forum community is a little less friendly, I also think I would be slightly out of place there, since I don't turn my nose up at other cars and say such things as "Oh, it's only a 'insert substandard manufacturer here', it's not a BMW." You could also go to a meet and ask some of the regulars how they like their cars. I did this a year or so ago when I was getting ready to replace my Subaru. I went to a 350z meet and even went for a ride in one of the members cars. Owners will give you an honest view of what they like, don't like, wish was different, etc. about the car. For me, after that meet, I was ready to go and purchase a 350Z. But then my life kinda changed for a year or so and then I decided to wait until the 370Z came out.

Regarding the financing, if you have good credit and get 3.9% from BMW, you can very likely get 3.99% at Pen Fed - see the sticky in the Purchasing forum.

Paul

I agree with this opinion...the 335 is the way to go for the smaller bmw's. Besides the 135 is ugly.