[mulletman]

I picked up a magazine at the grocery store the other day, and they had kind of a mini-article on the 120d. I can't remember which magazine it was, and I went back today to look for it, but to no avail. Anyway, it was apparently regarding what is supposed to be newest version of this car. The stat line read something like this. 2.0 liter twin turbo diesel 4 cylinder, 200 horses and close to 300 ft/lbs of torque. 0-60 was in the mid 7's, and the quarter was in the low 15's. They also mentioned that they expect 41 mpg on the highway. If BMW can pull this off, they will have a small 4-seat sport coupe that will have excellent handling, braking, and a decent amount of power in a RWD setup. It also looks awesome. All at only 4 mpg less than a Civic Hybrid. Thoughts?

[mattslope]

Diesels are nose heavy compared to their gasoline powered counterparts. BMW has demonstrated this with the 335d and 535d sedans.

All this to say that I'd gladly drive and compare the Diesel against Gasoline BMWs, but something tells me that the front end push would drive me nuts. I'd be more than happily proven wrong.

And having the torque on hand that C&D described the 335d as wielding would turn me into a hooligan.

[mulletman]

Originally Posted by MattSlope

Diesels are nose heavy compared to their gasoline powered counterparts. BMW has demonstrated this with the 335d and 535d sedans.

All this to say that I'd gladly drive and compare the Diesel against Gasoline BMWs, but something tells me that the front end push would drive me nuts. I'd be more than happily proven wrong.

And having the torque on hand that C&D described the 335d as wielding would turn me into a hooligan.

You are probably correct.... and since BMW's are known for coming out of the factory with understeer and brake fade, the extra weight probably wouldn't help. Although both of those issues are easily cured.

But when compared to other vehicles that get similar gas mileage, I can't help but think that this would be the most fun vehicle in the class, by far.

[mattslope]

Agreed. Much more fun than a Jetta TDI. Or... *shudders* Prius... ew...

[LaserRacer]

Originally Posted by mulletman

But when compared to other vehicles that get similar gas mileage, I can't help but think that this would be the most fun vehicle in the class, by far.

This is true, however, that is like saying "an official Red Ryder carbine-action two-hundred-shot range model air rifle is the best bb gun for self-defence".

If you are looking for serious performance, your best bet is probably to look elsewhere. It just doesn't seem to be the right tool for the job in my eyes.

[mulletman]

Meh, torque + gearing = speed. I'd be interested to find out what weight and balance differences exist between the 120d and a 128. And don't tell me that diesel and performance cars don't mix.... who was it that has been dominating Le Mans recently? And what sort of fuel have they been running?

The best performing and most fun vehicle available with similar fuel economy will always be the following, or something really similar.

[LaserRacer]

Indeed... however I must object to the idea purely on principal. We both know why that abhorrid fuel is dominating Le Mans (cough cough...displacement increase).

That said I was referring to the concept of 40 mpg+ performance, not just the fuel selection.

[mulletman]

Originally Posted by LaserRacer

Indeed... however I must object to the idea purely on principal. We both know why that abhorrid fuel is dominating Le Mans (cough cough...displacement increase).

That said I was referring to the concept of 40 mpg+ performance, not just the fuel selection.

Agreed.... LeMans would have stayed interesting had they never banned the 917/956/962 family of cars. And whoever came up with the idea of putting a kink in the Mulsanne Straight, needs to be punched in the face.

[LaserRacer]

Das auto weighs to much...Klaus...remove das shift knob... Hanz, Hanz!...craft a crude one out of some balsa. Da...

Those were the days of racing.