What to buy? GTI or R20

[Corey_R]

Yeah I know what you mean. Twin scroll is a better turbo, but is it better than having two normal turbos?

Well, based on the 'official figures', the single twin-scroll has the same power and same torque, but the torque is usable over a wider range.
Having said that, it's well known that the previous twin-turbo 135i motor was underrated by the 'official figures'.

But in other news, BMW are bring back the 'is' models. I can't remember whether it'll be a 135is or 335is or both, but apparently they'll have even more power and torque (not sure if there is a mechnical difference or just an ECU different though).

[G-rig]

But in other news, BMW are bring back the 'is' models. I can't remember whether it'll be a 135is or 335is or both, but apparently they'll have even more power and torque (not sure if there is a mechnical difference or just an ECU different though).

I always loved the E36 318is, looked awesome at the time with the BMW 17" 5 spokes...

Still don't like Chris Bangle designs, but the 135i is tollerable due to it's performance. Could be slightly better in the looks department.

The bad ride is mostly due to the runflats i've heard, which i would just swap for normal tyres once they run out (or immediately) would save some money too and not hard to get a plug/repair kit.

A better car with less options > lesser car with more options IMO, especially come time to sell.

[cube_3]

The Performace of the R as a stock setup looks to impressive and I am sure there will be flash upgrades etc. to enhance the R further. It looks like the first R acceleration video is now on youtube showing 0 to 100 being reached in about 5 to 5.5 second:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvDDXbbZgtM

DISCLAIMER: The above video shows acceleration from 0 to 120kms per hour and is assumed to be done in a foreign country where the speed reached is legal. Don't click on the link if you think its an illegal activity.

[gregozedobe]

DISCLAIMER: The above video shows acceleration from 0 to 120kms per hour and is assumed to be done in a foreign country where the speed reached is legal. Don't click on the link if you think its an illegal activity.

Does the Northern Territory count as a "foreign country" ?

I thought they had a 130Kmh limit on some roads there (not quite the same as "unrestricted", but better than 100/110Kmh)

[Corey_R]

I thought they had a 130Kmh limit on some roads there (not quite the same as "unrestricted", but better than 100/110Kmh)

Yeah, NT has 130kph on the roads which were previously unrestricted.

On a side note, and contrary to what the government would like us to believe, on the first full year that the 130kph speed limit was enforced, the death toll rose in NT by 25% !!!

[Nath]

Yeah, NT has 130kph on the roads which were previously unrestricted.

On a side note, and contrary to what the government would like us to believe, on the first full year that the 130kph speed limit was enforced, the death toll rose in NT by 25% !!!

Yeah I remember driving up to Darwin for work back in 2004 (I think) when there were no speed limits, love that black circle with a line through it. Anyway most of the road toll at the time were tourists (international and domestic) who flogged their cars at insane speeds and ran off the road or into a roo, the locals travelled fast but at a speed they were comfortable with. Sad really that the locals get punished because of tourists. Have to say as well that the NT has the best roads in Aus that I have driven on, well maintained and smooth as, have to be with all those road trains.

[Corey_R]

Yeah - I'm personally not sure who the tolls were attributed to, but the rise in toll after the introduction of speed limit is due to drivers falling asleep/microsleeps/boredom etc - the speed limit is now basically too low for roads so long and featureless.