[nycgolfer]

Hi everyone,
For those of you that have driven the 2006 325i and the 2007 328i, can you feel a big difference in power? I know there's 15 more hp and lbs/torque, but is it noticeable?

[borsalino]

Yes, it is noticeable. I was going to buy the 325i in the summer but held off for the 328i. When I test drove the 328i I noticed that throttle response was better and it was much smoother.

[LI E90]

+1 yes

[Jaws]

C&D November '05 0-60 6.1 s, 1/4 14.7
C&D April '07 0-60 6.1 s, 1/4 14.8

Both identically equipped (mt, SP). That's some difference. 328 is 150 lbs heavier than the 325, so it looks like the published power difference in moot.

BTW, BMW Canada's website published identical 0-100 kmh times at 6.7s for both the 325 and 328.

[DFW_M]

I could feel a little bit of difference, not too much.
As for smoothness (comment above), I disagree very much -- both are equally smooth over the range of RPM.

Then I test drove the 335 and I wet myself...

[danimal]

Originally Posted by Jaws

C&D November '05 0-60 6.1 s, 1/4 14.7
C&D April '07 0-60 6.1 s, 1/4 14.8

Both identically equipped (mt, SP). That's some difference. 328 is 150 lbs heavier than the 325, so it looks like the published power difference in moot.

BTW, BMW Canada's website published identical 0-100 kmh times at 6.7s for both the 325 and 328.

I was definitely surprised by C/D's test results since BMW USA says the E90 328 is 0.4 seconds faster to 60 than the E90 325 (interesting that BMW Canada says differently). And, even though the 328 is heavier, it still has a better power:weight.

But you'll often see strange numbers in the auto rags (like the same exact model differing by half a second or more from one test to another). So many factors: manufacturer variation, how broken-in the car is, weather conditions, driver technique, etc.

Another fact: Since the beginning of the '07 model year, the 328 engine has already undergone some minor revisions, resulting in better emissions and highway fuel economy. Not sure the torque curve was affected at all (peak numbers are the same), but it could make a small difference.

All that said, I haven't compared a 325 with my 328, but I doubt the difference would be particularly noticeable. Either way, you get a silky smooth inline 6 with plenty of punch for pretty much any occasion (except racing 335i's ).

-Dan

[Heidelberg328i]

Got a bud with the 2006 325i and I have the 2007 328i. We red light drag all the time out here for shits and giggles....but he still cannot get "that edge" on me.

Yes...the 328i is little faster with just that edge of torque "red light/green light take off power" over the 325i....but by no means is it a "kill".

[JBM]

Originally Posted by Heidelberg328i

Got a bud with the 2006 325i and I have the 2007 328i. We red light drag all the time out here for shits and giggles....but he still cannot get "that edge" on me.

Yes...the 328i is little faster with just that edge of torque "red light/green light take off power" over the 325i....but by no means is it a "kill".

I'm not trying to sound bad here. But why don't both of you switch cars for a few races and see then. Your "edge" may not be your car, it could just be that you are a better driver.

[Artz 330]

Originally Posted by nycgolfer

Hi everyone,
For those of you that have driven the 2006 325i and the 2007 328i, can you feel a big difference in power? I know there's 15 more hp and lbs/torque, but is it noticeable?

No, the extra weight kills it. We owned both 325i and 328i with same packages and cars drove identical.

[torzeck]

Why is the 2007 328 heavier than the 2006 325?
Same engine, just "tuning" right?

[John 070]

I'm getting the feeling after reading this thread that somehow the 325 has been vindicated and it's not any worse than the 328? I like progress and regardless of what the numbers are on paper, I'd rather have a 328. Plus 328 sounds better, and the badge on the trunk looks better. 328 was top of the line 3 in 1999.

[esbezee92]

im still having a hard time seeing how the 328 is 150 pounds heavier, could someone please tell me what this extra weight comes from

[danimal]

Originally Posted by torzeck

Why is the 2007 328 heavier than the 2006 325?
Same engine, just "tuning" right?

I wondered the same thing here. Never really answered. I sent E90Fleet a message to see if he might know, now that he's back.

Even with the extra weight, the power:weight is still a little better on the 328 than the 325 (0.75 pounds/hp difference), but this probably would only be noticeable to a stopwatch. Even then, there's probably enough variability from one unit to another that this may wash out completely. For example, Car and Driver's numbers for the 325 and 328 were pretty much identical.

-Dan

[John 070]

Someday, when the posts read, 335 vs 337.9, is there really anything better about the 337.9? I wont insist that my car is the same on paper, it feels just as good, there's no advantage to a 337.9, etc. Progress is progress, 325<328, 330<335, and someday, 335<337.9.

328i? what model is that? :-) we don't get that model in Australia..

...nor the 330i...

...nor the 318i LOL

[wuufer001]

never test driven the 328i till now, but i doubt there is a big difference

[Lassaxi]

I've driven both basically back to back, and the difference is very slight, but it is noticeable. I would describe the difference as though the 328 feels slightly lighter than the 325, rather than having more power. Of course, we all know the 328 weighs more, but the difference in how the power comes on feels like the car lost weight, not that it gained power.

[canucklion]

can someone translate this rambling about "337.9"?

Originally Posted by John 070

Someday, when the posts read, 335 vs 337.9, is there really anything better about the 337.9? I wont insist that my car is the same on paper, it feels just as good, there's no advantage to a 337.9, etc. Progress is progress, 325<328, 330<335, and someday, 335<337.9.

[LEDZEP]

I had a 2006 E90 325i that I traded for my 2007 328xi. We also have a 2006 325xiT, so I feel qualified to have made a nice comparison.

The E91 was just noticably slower on takeoff than the 325i E90, due I'm sure to the extra weight of the X Drive system (about 150 lbs).

However, the 328xi feels peppier and quicker on starts than the 325i did. Even with the added weight of the X Drive, I think the added torque more than compensates. Lassaxi put it well - that even though heavier, the 328 feels 'lighter' somehow. Torque I believe is the answer to that.

If you're trying to make a decision between a 325 and a 328 based on performance, there is not a significant enough difference to tip the scale one way or the other, in my opinion.

[ALPINE6SPD]

I have drive both forever since I sell them. You fell more power in the 328 for sure. Its not a huge amount but the low end and mid range fell stronger. I notice you dont have to rev the 328 and much as the 325 to fell the same power. You fell it a little more with the stick than the auto also.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by Artz 330

No, the extra weight kills it. We owned both 325i and 328i with same packages and cars drove identical.

I am surprised you say this Art because I fell a difference everytime I drive a 325 to a 328. Maybe you have a weak 328 or strong 325. I drive both all the time and its a difference not a huge one but a difference.

[Lassaxi]

Originally Posted by canucklion

can someone translate this rambling about "337.9"?

I see what he means. When the 337.9 comes out in MY 2009.314, it will be 0.8% better than the 335, and he won't argue that his 325.412 is better, because everyone knows it will be 3.8% worse. Boy, wait until they put that 337.9 engine in the M3.73... It will have 1/cos e^3% better handling. That will be sweet.