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Recently got wife new car. She wanted something smaller and more fuel efficient than her '03 4 cyl Camry SE. Somehow she forgot those goals and ended up looking at '13 BMW 320i and the MB 250C - both are turbo and put out ~50hp more than a normal aspirated engine of same size.
BMW is 8 spd AT 2L with 180hp, 200# torque at 1250 RPM
MB is 7 spd AT 1.8L with 201hp, 229# torque at 2000 RPM
Both Turbo'd requiring premium gas (191 RON) and get about the same MPG (BMW corrected their MPG last year - down as result of govt criticism that it was overstated).
Dislikes on BMW - hard/fast wearing run flat tires (Goodyears -no spare), wind noise, GPS screen looks like add on stuck on top of dash, costly options unless you buy an upgraded model line with stuff you don't want, engine stop at lights (can't turn it off forever - must set off each time car is started!), and hard to get used to electric shifter. Like the 4 yrs of included maintenance though. (Also BMW made in South Africa while MB still made in FatherLand).
Ended up with MB. It's her car so just ho-hum for me. It's quiet and smooth though. Camry rode rougher but in part due to my selection of replacement tires - and the SE option selection.
Both BMW and MB are heavy cars. I wish the MB still had the Compressor (Super Charger) over the turbo - it looks cooler on engine. Did consider the Porsche Cayman but engine isn't serviceable from above and $20k more - plus was reminded it wasn't "my" car.
I prefer BMW's straight six to the new turbo four.
Sounds like a great cushy ride to Carlisle :-)
My son purchased an Audi S4 late last year; goes like stink. IIRC, it has a 4+ turbo.
Barry,if it is a S4,then it will be a supercharged V6 3.0l. These are direct injected,SC motors with excellent HP & tq. Stock 0-60 is 5.0 secs,and modified is mid low 4 sec,which is exotic car territory. I love mine,instant response from 1200 rpm up.
I have had many turbo cars,they are fun when "on boost" but otherwise transient response is slower than NA or SC cars,that is the only drawback of turbos.