BMW 3-Series loses to a Ford in AutoCar review?

1) Can it be true? Yes.

2) Is it likely? No.

3) Is it a ploy? Undoubtedly, but that does not negate #1

Somone post the article and let's dig into it.

Wow what's up with all these companies beat BMW in handling all of a sudden.Some must have leaked out BMW's suspension secrets,looks like every company has the "magic feel" now!!!

Mistype:
"Someone" must have leaked out BMW's suspension secrets.

Ford Mondeo is a nice looking FORD i've ever seen. However, it can still be 'found on road dead' so we will have to see about that.

Hey testers are beginning to shed their biases. If buyers have extra money to burn, god bless them but BMW cars are boring, same design and same looks every year. Agent001 apparently don't like the message so he decided to shoot the messenger. Wake up Agent001, it is over for BMW. Audi, Lexus are after them and if Honda gets serious about making lux cars, BMW would be sucking ass.

you are a troll, you have no idea.

Just a little tip BMWsuks--BMW does not make lux cars--they never have and the they never will. They have always been a sports car company, and the Japs are all about being serious about making a lux car. Understand the industry before you begin to flex your opinion muscles--you will make a fool of yourself...oops too late.. you already did.

BMW certified pre-owned sales are more than that of Audi.

Good job Ford!

I agree with everything you just Stated.

I was also quite Aghast at the proclaimation by JC and his mates that the new XK was the Best GT in its Segment when it was up against the 6-series & Porsche 911 & SL

Ford Europe is as much british as it's german.

buckfush, what are you talking about?
Loads of people regard Ford as British - I do!
Dagenham motors and all that? Transit vans? Ford Escorts and Cortinas? All regarded as British, and to me, and to a lot of people in Britain, Ford is British.

I don't think bias...but there's always a sense of fighting for the underdog. Everyone wants the 3 to be beaten, just to show that it's possible. And you never know, the test could reveal price was a deciding factor.

Somebody asked for a Review.
Here is a GOOD REVIEW from somebody who knows about cars.

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article1971541.ece

Quote form Jeremy Clarkson's Review of the New Mondeo

"And the news gets better still when you go for a drive. Because of the size and weight, it feels a very different car from the old model. The fun, the joie de vivre, has gone. Even the 2.5 turbo I drove doesn’t encourage you to stick it into a bend and revel in the electric responses. Now, it feels refined and comfortable. It feels, unsurprisingly I suppose, like a Volvo. And for that reason you should avoid the optional sports suspension. It’d be like teaming a well cut tweed suit with a pair of training shoes"

Hardly in a position to tackle any BMW.

And I am not a Big BMW fan by any standard.

could this article be any dumber?

Subjective v. Objective.

Examples:
It feels better = subjective

If ford were to get a 1.41.57 on a track v. bmw 1.45.92, with same set up, driver, etc, thats objective. (theoretical numbers of course)

then again, whats the point of this comparison anyways? not like people are going to be swayed to buy a ford over BMW...

It IS the subjective over the objective. That is why, although Lexus gets better track numbers (not on all track tests) than BMW, they still loose out on driving dynamics, and, in some cases, styling. I have nothing against BMW or any manufacturer in particular. I just abhor seeing people being hypocritical. Please stay consistant with your views!

This new Ford Modeo look really good, but I didn't expect it to out handle the BMW 3 Series? if this is true than BMW can kiss good about the "Magical Feeling" it been braging all this time.

And to make it worse, it was beaten by a car made for the mass? It sure sucks to own a 3 Series now.

If this is true and they're not just tryin' to sell magazines then the Lexus IS will be put to shame by the Ford Mondeo.

The new Mondeo is a brilliant car. It's also brand-new, the 3-series is already 3 years old..

And besides.. who cares if BMW lost this comparo? It's not the end of the world. It's not ALL about slalom speed or other performance figures you know.

The Ford probably handles brilliant... but that's doesn't mean it's faster than the BMW.

This car won because it was better overall.

You're Wrong the new BMW has not been out for 3 years, it only been out like 1 1/2 or 2 years max. Stop making excuse, your belove 3 Series just got own by a car that was suppose to less magical feel ;)

No one can stay number #1 forever, that period. So much for the ultimate machine, got own on a straight line run by a "Ford".

Lexus- if the 3er got beat, then the so will the IS since the 3er owns it.
Mondeo
3er
IS

You're right it's only 2 years older.

I think it is more us like people ex.here on autospies, that makes BMW better than other, i have one the 3rd in my live, i like the quality, the driving position, its a good car. I know very well that other cars are just as good, but most got fwd, i dont like that. BMW is just a car for me. I dont care about what magazines write, its my opinion that counts for me. Sure an IS 250 would be just as good, same with the Mondeo, but dont we all have our favorits?

I'd rather drive a BMW go-kart than a car with sponges for a suspension like on a Lexus.

Get your information straight. Ford Mondeo isn't a brand new car. The Ford Fusion is nearly identical car for the U.S. market and its been out for around 2 years. Exception to minor difference like having 6 speed for Mondeo..everything else is probably only a cosmatic differences.

Having said that, Ford Mondeo probably does NOT corner or take slaloms better that a BMW3. However, like the article says it does drive better. But this isn't anything new if you ask me. BMW's suspension isn't set for regular driving like Mondeo's is...rather built for the performance. Question was why is it not sold in U.S.? b/c N.American roads are different than that of European roads. Ford Fusion sebling is much more adopted to home, while Mondeo is built for more for European roads. I don't think its a magazine's ploy at all. Its been truth for awhile. I drove BMW3 once and its pretty jarring ride if you compare to likes of IS. IS is obviously more adopted to American roads. Just b/c it drives better doesn't mean its a better car either.

The Mondeo is a brand new car, based off the new Volvo S80/Ford Galaxy/S-Max architecture. The Fusion is based off the old Mondeo /Mazda6 platform.
It's not just cosmetic, it is a completely new car.

okay, you are probably right. I was thinking of the 07 model.

It still does not matter, it got beat by a Ford model? what happen to German Superiority? or ultimate machine?

Don't try to change the subject by bring in the Lexus IS. It the BMW 3 Series that was being compare got beat by a Ford not Lexus IS.

Ford Europe is 100% GERMAN.

Retards.

Lets keep in mind here that the Ford Mondeo is a good product from Ford. Another thing is the Mondeo isn't 100% pure crap like the ones sold here in the US. Secondly, I still doubt the handling is better than the 3-series. It may be close but I doubt it can beat it. Last but not least, losing to a Ford Mondeo is much better than Lexus losing to a KIA or a Hyundai.

you guys kill me sometimes. I dont know why you even waste your time arguing these silly subjective mag covers. The 3 is better hands down! The 3 series should be proud, if it wasnt the best, it wouldnt the standard by which all others are measured. When you are on top, you are always gonna have the guns pointed at you.

~

BMW big time loser.no matter how you slice it

You Lexus trolls always make comments on negative BMW articles, and yet you trolls don't even bother to argue in JD power articles. How loser can u guys be?

these magazine comparisons cause so much celebration.

Hyundai beat Lexus on pricing Not overall package, like interior and realibility.

The funny thing is the self proclaim ultimate driving machine got beat by a family sedan made by Ford? I thought you German say American cars are inferior. So what your answer to that?

You can't use the "Magical Feeling" anymore because it got taken away by the Ford Modeo, period.

Well "Lexus" if Ford beat out the 3er in handling, it doesn't mean the 3er is a poor handler, it just says worlds about how the Ford handles, & if so true, it's out-handling any Lexus just as well.

Hyundai that grows up will beat even bmw.

"BUCKFUSHdotcom" ever heard of an M6, M-coupe, or even the M5? The IS 250 with the X package will not out-handle every BMW. The regular IS 250 runs the slalom @ 64mph, the sport tuned suspension apart of the X-package equipped to the IS 250 will bring it up to the IS 350's handling capabilities.

Ok trolls, you have to stop and read this, because U have had enough of all the crap being spewed here.

Drives better, does that mean handle better? Now thats the 1 million dollars question. Drives better means it can handle better, or be more comfortable in daily driving. Now which one do you think is the case with this 1? Untill I see some track numbers, the 3er is the best in the handling department.

Also for the guys that said IS owns the 3 series, why do you think every car magazine in the world always compares new cars to the 3er? Is it just an incident?
Its because its on top, and is still on top!
Next time there is a new compact sport sedan new to the market, which car will they compare it to? The Mondeo?! Ofcourse not.

Now quite the trolling.

Of course...the 3 series has come into criticism for its harsh ride on motorways, where the more softly sprung Ford excels.
"Drives better" could mean anything really.

Exactly my point but the trolls cant live without trolling.... lol

Why not? I like my Ford Fiesta Courier also! Ford builds better cars as Toyota in Europe. I hope coming soon in USA to!
Note: BMW ist the best car maker. I drive now 25 years BMW 3 and 5 series => I´m happy with my BMWs!.

This is great news for Ford. It's a shame that most of FordEurope's cars do not make it north america.
somebody commented above that BMWs are boring. you might believe that magazines are biased towards BMW, but whatever they are they are not boring. I drive an 05 325i. While it is not the fastest car in its class, it is fast enough, comfortable, has a high quality, and very exciting to drive when you want it to be. I also drove 328xi of the new generation, and was extremely impressed with the driving side of things. some interior elements are confusing, though, and i also don't enjoy looking at it. anyhow, long story short, BMWs are great to drive, and i would also love to drive the new Mondeo. I also haven't driven the G35 or the IS250/350. They both are very exciting prospects.

Let me take a crack at senselessly switching the conversation from the actual topic to Lexus out of desperation:

The Lexus IS out-handles the 3-Series everyday of the week and twice on Sunday!

Ford beats bmw...period!

How is it that a FWD Mondeo handles better than the RWD 3 series? Not likely.
I drive a new IS250; my son has a new 328i w/ sports pkg. I love the way the IS handles. My son drove my car and laughed. He thought it had a far way to go to beat out the BMW. He thought the brakes were especially a weak point on the Lexus.
I still love my IS250 and wouldn't trade it for anything.

Have you no shame that your son has learned nothing from his father?

Actually in this case, the father should learn from his son !

I know the truth, but it good sometime to lose than win all the time. I guess the ultimate driving machine is what it ought to be after all.

The Ford Modeo, an American brand beat the BMW 3 Series in a straight line run? what next? Now imagine if they put 300hp or 306 under the Modeo hood?

The BMW 3 Series got out run by a Ford Modeo on a straight line?

What are your excuses now German fan? here one for you all, oh!..At least it did NOT Overheat like it did when it was compare to the Infiniti G37 a month or two ago.

Funny thing about this is that Ford is a great brand in Europe offering several class leading vehicles that we have never seen here. Check out Bond driving one in Casino Royale - car looks awesome! I have driven one and it is a performer as well - besting a BMW, maybe - but better than what we have here - certainly. The Focus is an enduring European hit and is the class leader where the VW is trying to catch up. Yes, it is like Ford is contained in Bizarro world in Europe, where the company makes money, the brand is held in esteem and Kinetic design is kicking ass. Develepment of the Reflex and Iosis would contine to lift Ford, but will it help them at all here in the US? Not very likely. A Ford BMW comparo is useless, but it does show that Ford is capable of being on the right track.

I hate to admit it, but Ford can definitely be a force to reckon with. Only if they bring the design and technology from the Europe to the U.S.

Why don't they just bring the Ford Modeo and Iosis here to the U.S. They need to put those car in a premium brand and sales at a price slightly lower than premium price.

But no....! all the Freaking CEO is to busy filling their pockets with money to care. Just watch, the currently CEO will probably leave and not empty handed for sure. And than we have another Ford CEO who will fill up his pocket as well, and so on and on...

I own three 3 series, and have personally driven the Mondeo in Italy on the Autostrada as a rental car. This article is BULL.

I have driven the previous generation Mondeo and i have to say it was pretty good on the road. Engines and interior quality were ok. Nowhere near the 3series however. I ve test driven the new car about a week ago and i have to say i was pretty impressed by the overall presence and performance characteristics but get it next to a six-cylinder BMW and it really does not stand a chance. A good step forward for Ford, i still dont understand why they dont get it over to people in the states, but for overall performance and that feel-good driving factor the damn "propeller" still is the one to have...

More hype. This is just a ploy to sell magazines. In the real world the 3 series will win in every single category.

Amen.

a car is mostly based on what u guys like 2 drive, see feel and which makes ur heart beat faster when u look at it again and again

I have a 2007 BMW 335i hard top convertible with twin turbo’s and the sport suspension package and the luxury package.

A bunch of other great options as well. The car is amazing to drive .

When a BMW is loaded up it drives and handles like no other, however if you get the plain paper bag variety with nothing on it. It rides like a cheap Chevy.

Mine was in the shop for a window that would stick and I was provided a courtesy 3 series hardtop with 4 doors and basically no options. The ride was pathetic.

It all depends on how you build your car, what you order. It makes all the difference in the world. Makes a bid difference in the pocket book too. But a loaded BMW can't compete with that FORD. The FORD will most likely drive better when compared a plain BMW 3 series.

Duke

I like the BMW! And I also believe they are over rated mainly because they are not that reliable. I am even less of a ford fan because they are always behind the times and reliability is also sub-standard.Although the Ford may be better? I would like to see a race!