IAA-C63

We're looking at a convertible for my wife, and we just test drove the 335is convertible.

With respect to performance, the C63 completely blows it away: much stronger acceleration, much tighter handling and less floating around, sharper and more communicative steering, and better exhaust note.

I mention all of this because I expected the 335is to be a much closer comparison to the the C63. Of course, the 335is coupe is lighter and stiffer, so that would help, but I still expect that the gap would be wide. An M3 convertible would be a fairer comparison, but I haven't had a chance to try one yet (not many around).

The bottom line is that this comparison once again confirms what a great car the C63 is.

stangxs

You can't really compare a 335 to a c63 lol, definitely try an m3.

Still though, c63 > m3

jsc1234

why not try the m3 convertible?

C63newdude

I owned a 335i coupe new back in 2007 and had a simple mod (Procede V1.4) and the car was as quick as my current C63. I am not the only one telling you this, anyone that had a 335i with the tune and downpipes will tell you that is as quick as a C63 or close.

As far is the weights, a 335IS convertible ios very close to what a C63 weight, they are within 200lbs or less.

khmergod

Test drove M3 and wasn't impressed. Saw C63 on showroom and built one that day.

IAA-C63

It might be as quick with the mod in a straight line, but the C63 handles much better in curves and overall (though the 335is has a much more cushy ride). Again, the comparison to the convertible might not be fair, but I wanted to share the experience anyway, especially since the 335is is a "tuned" 335i, plus I expected the gap to be narrower.

And I'm not here to bash BMW either. I had a 3-series convertible several years ago which had great handling, and we currently have a 3-series wagon. Recently, I've test driven a bunch of BMWs, and I wonder if they're not a bit off their game with respect to performance, especially compared to their cars from the 1990s. They don't seem to quite have the purist "spark" they used to.

GMA36C

I went from a 335i sedan to a C63, I felt like the 335 was easier to drive fast and the ride was wayyy cushier (which I kind of miss) and as far as handling goes the C definitely has less body roll but the bimmer wasn't bad either. I love my C63 but can really see myself going back to BMW when the new 3-series is released. I hardly ever get to use my 451hp so it seems like such a waste. Not to mention I got 10 more mpg with the 335

JM

You CANT compare a C63 with a 335....

IAA-C63

Interesting that your feeling on this is opposite of mine. Maybe the 335 sedan handles a lot better than the convertible? I did drive the 335 sedan a few months and thought it was good, though not in the same league as the C63, but I didn't drive it back to back with the C63.

Again, I recognize that the M3 is the proper BMW to compare with the C63. I'm offering a comparison with the 335is convertible mainly because I happened to drive one today, and the difference was striking. Same rationale for my comparison with the Panamera Turbo a couple of weeks ago.

park423

The 335is sounds great though