WHY Would ANYONE Want A Tesla When They Could Have THIS For MUCH Less?

I get the BMW 335d any day of the week over that UGLY unpractical Telsa. Man I saw one at work and it was super small and I mean small. It look like a size of a Miata but with a Huge price tage.

The Tesla has 0 impact on the environment once it's on the road and of course doesn't use any gas, we'll see who's laughing at 10$ a gallon, I went to a small meet with a few Tesla people a while back. People forget it took 80 years for us to finally get the combustion engine right, Tesla has been at it for what ? 10 years ?

The guy who just pulled off 100 000 kms on one seems pretty happy, let's see, no oil changes, no spark plug crap, no timing chain crap. so Tesla's are reliable as well.

Everyone who's owned a BMW knows that passed 100 000 km it's a crap shoot and you're hoping no electronics go bananas.

Actually BMW is issuing an EV line starting next year so obviously they disagree with you.

Tesla has a little more then 0 impact on the environment lol, the majority of electricity comes from coal power, only a small fraction of electricity actually comes from "green" sources. That and when it comes to the end of the vehicles life span it still needs to be disposed of. That in itself is another impact.

"People forget it took 80 years for us to finally get the combustion engine right, Tesla has been at it for what ? 10 years ?"

Here is a little history lesson. Up until the 1920's Electric cars were outselling internal combustion vehicles. By the end of the 1800's the world land speed record of 66mph was held by an electric car. Since then the electric motor and battery have been in continual development across many different industries. To discredit the trillions of dollars spent on electric motors, batteries and their development shows tremendous ignorance of the subject.

As to the costs associated with running electric vehicles. I'd much rather have to deal with relatively cheap timing belts, oil changes and spark plugs then with very expensive battery replacements. Also, the Tesla isn't hassle free, it too will also have to deal with replacing brake pads, tire changes, faulty electronics, windshield washer fluid, transmission oil...

If we are making comparison with Tesla the proper BMW to compare would be the BMW Activee.

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/1series/activee/2011/showroom/index.html

Tesla have not, but all DIESELS CONTAIN :
- Diesel Particle Filter
- Piezo Injectors
- Turbo charger(s)
- Clutch(es)
- Complicated gearbox
...
The electric powertrain is simplier than any diesel. (I'm driving diesel, the maintenace and reapir costs are huge.)
The best choice is Lexus GS450h. Simple powertrain, good perormance and outstanding economy.

funny how you say that, since the 335d is just a fraction of a second slower than the gs450h, gets better fuel economy (car and driver's tests yielded 8 mpg better than the lexus), and the battery pack could be a serious pain in the ass down the road.

Just wait until the Model S, that will be a more interesting debate.

I think the question should be - why buy a tesla when you can buy a lotus? The BMW is in a different class - it's also heavier, less focused, less fun but more practical, luxurious and dare I say - generic? The BMW is an awesome car but is a car for a completely different audience.

The Telsa is an unusual beast. It doesn't have the handling of the lotus but the seamless acceleration seems impressive (I've not driven one - but I drive a lotus). And then you have the "green" credentials, which appeals to a certain segment of the population. It is also far more exclusive if that rocks your boat. And yes it is small - but that should only be a issue if you are fat or too tall. It's a fun car.

Sure, you could modify the BMW to be better - but why take the BMW out of the BMW? No non-BMW/car person would look twice at a 335d in the car park.

What is your next comparison? Why buy a Zonda instead of a 335d? Because the utility, functionality and comfort compromises also apply.

A pointless topic - please remove.

I don't think anyone would cross-shop them....

nice

Why?

Because every one and their mother drives a 3-series. That's why.

"There's a good reason, the same reason why it is a constant on C&D's Ten Best for some 2 decades...and badge isn't one of them."

- Those magazines are for people who don't know anything about cars. I couldn't care less what cars are on thier "10 best list".

The 3-series are boring overrated cars. The 3's are not anymore exciting than a V6 Honda Accord. The 3-series is nothing more than a RWD, nicely balanced, German version of a Honda Accord. I'll pass thank you.

I think you need to drive a Subaru STI or an EVO. Getting back into a 3-series after driving those cars make the 3 series feel like a Camry.

lex how old are you, 16? Evo/STI are tuned economy cars that are not very refined. You live in a little boy racer fantacy world.

"Evo/STI are tuned economy cars that are not very refined. You live in a little boy racer fantacy world. "

- You have a lot to learn about cars dude. EVO's and STI's are respected cars by enthusiasts and racers alike. The only folks who don’t respect them are car dumb BMW owners that don’t know anything about cars. Sounds like someone you know?

I'm not sure what you mean by refined, but the current versions are very refined And which 16 year old can afford a $35,000+ EVO/STI let alone insure the thing?

Dissing an EVO or STI is an admission to the world that you don’t know jack about cars.

Read and learn dude. Edmunds picked the EVOX MR over the 335i. I guess Edmunds is run by a bunch of 16 year olds?

http://www.insideline.com/mitsubishi/lancer-evolution/2010/comparison-test-2010-bmw-335i-vs-2010-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-mr-touring.html

Any of you car dumb losers care to comment on this:

http://www.insideline.com/mitsubishi/lancer-evolution/2010/comparison-test-2010-bmw-335i-vs-2010-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-mr-touring.html

Edmunds also praises the 3 series whats you point??

Here is the verdict from edmunds

"So it comes down to what's important for you in a performance sedan. MANY WILL SAY IT'S A SUBLIME MIX OF PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT. AND FOR THOSE FOLKS, THE BMW 335 IS THE RIGHT CAR. IF IT'S PURELY PERFORMANCE THAT YOU WANT and COST IS A FACTOR, then the MITSUBISHI EVO is your car"

"lancer: The less costly, more performance-focused machine prevails. This time, anyway. "

"335: A standard among performance sedans, the 335i is still a better choice for many drivers."



"Yes, when driven to the limit on a deserted, twisting road, the Evo is the quicker of these two cars. Driven every day, in a world that's full of real-world stuff — bumps, potholes, freeway irregularities and, let's not forget, women — the BMW's compromises suddenly turn into assets. Even its slower steering seems like a positive attribute in a world where you don't want to change lanes with every sneeze. "


"In daily use, the Evo's heavily bolstered seats, busier suspension and maximum-attack attitude are a compromise."

Seems to reinforce my initial comment

De-boosting but no counter arguments? You guys are pathetic. LOL!! I used to own a BMW 3-series BTW.

bmwM3,

Do you still think that EVO's are for 16 year olds? Edmunds picked the EVO over the 3-series? How can that be? How can a publication pick a "tuned economy cars that is (are) not very refined" over a BMW that reeks refinement? They picked the EVO because they can see pass the badge and are not BMW snobs. I think you learned something today.

My point was that an EVO is every bit as good as a BMW 335. Not as good in some areas (luxury), but better in other areas (performance). Do you even know what a Limited Slip Diff is?

Since you posted all the Pro BMW stuff. I'll post the Pro EVO Stuff.

"Hammer It
Get serious about covering ground in either of these cars and you'll be going very, very quickly. Both offer a level of performance that's substantial for their relative cost. That the performance-cost ratio falls heavily in favor of the Evo becomes evident when both are driven on the same back road.

It's here that the Evo's roots as a rally car with its associated emphasis on a significant amount of traction-enhancing electronic and mechanical hardware help to turn the 335i into a dot in the mirror. Off-camber turns, midcorner bumps and loose gravel on the road are overcome virtually effortlessly thanks to the Evo's all-wheel drive and goes-where-you-point-it handling. Combine this with the fact that once the dual-clutch transmission is set to S-sport mode the Evo MR offers an intuitive two-pedal experience for driving, and the Evo becomes the perfect car for the imperfect road."

"There Must Be a Winner
That this was a close comparison test goes without saying. But in the end, the ability of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring to deliver value in the form of usable features like a dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive and limited-slip differentials give it the win."

bmwM3,

So is edmunds living "in a little boy racer fantacy world"? Once you said that, you exposed as being closed minded (typical BMW owner attitude, I'm not surprised).

Respect the EVO!!!!

"I'm still picking a Subaru STI Wagon and I don't care what the BMW badge whores say, it's a better "ALL-AROUND" vehicle that a RWD sedan."

- The STI's are badass. I like the 4 door version. But seriously, to each his own, but how can somebody diss an STI while at the same time giving props to a Chick/Snob mobile that doesn't even have an LSD? BMW owners are a piece of work.

The EVO is the most hardcore version of a lancer, and your comparing it to a regualr 3 series which is a sporty compact luxury car. I dont think limited slip diffs and DCT is nesseccary for a car most people drive to work and back. It has its place on an M3 or M3 gts, which is a performance model. But expecting a standard 3 series to drive like a hardcore evo is not rational....unless your 16.

p.s. I do respect the evo its a great car for the price.

I don’t expect the 3-series to drive like an EVO. It can't drive like an EVO and never will. The EVO is a technological masterpiece. The only BMW’s that can match the EVO’s driving dynamics are the "M" models. That speaks volumes about the EVOS prowess. But you think that the EVOs are for 16 years olds? LOL!!


LSD's and DCT's aren't necessary. Are you serious? LSD equipped cars are way better in the snow than a non lsd equipped car. And the DCT? The DCT in normal mode behaves like a standard automatic transmission. I'm not sure why someone would vote against things like that.

The more think about the EVO's merits, the more stupid that "16 year old" comment sounds. Enjoy

"I see no mention of "snob appeal or badge whoring" yet that is what you came away with."

- I see no mention of "16 year olds" either. Yet you only comment on what I said. Why aren't you saying something about the Evo's being associated with "16 year olds" comment? It’s obvious what side of the fence you sit on. You have an obvious bias. You are no better than I am.

I meant to say; The more "I" think about the EVO's merits, the more stupid that "16 year old" comment sounds.

"p.s. I do respect the evo its a great car for the price."

- You didn't before today. Who you think you are fooling. :)

So you do think that the EVOs/STIs and rally cars are assocaited with 16 year olds? WOW! and LOL!! You know the average age of a rally car driver?

Why?

Because the Telsa isn't a snob mobile (yet). And the 3-series is a chick-car.

I've driven 335's extensively while my 330i was spending days in the service bay. I’m not comparing a 330i to a 335i. Not sure why you think that owning a 330i prevents a person from experiencing a 335?

The 3 series in general are chick cars. The 328s more so than the 335. But since that are almost 100% identical (except for the exhaust tips and badging) is easy to confuse the 335 for the chick version 328.

The M3 is a completely different animal. The only BMWs I'd consider are the 550i or above, or any "M" model. The rest are just German Infintis

"The only BMWs I'd consider are the 550i or above, or any "M" model. The rest are just German Infintis "

And yet you just said you own a 330i...

"Owned" as in past tense. I got rid of it 2 years ago.

Because it's harder to steal diesel then it is to steel electricity?

The complete lack of car knowledge here is comical. "C&D says" What a joke.

The 3-series was always chick car. It was a chick car when I owned one, and it's a chick car now. Get over it. The 335's are boring. I was all set to get one, then I drove the EVO.

I sure did. I was willing to except the chick factor if I liked how they drove. The 335's are fast, but after having one for about a week, I wasn't really feeling that excited about it, and I didn't know why. When I test drove the EVO X MR I realized what it was. The 335s put too much velvet between the driver and the road. I'm not ready for that type of vehicle yet. Sorry. Maybe when I turn 60 but not now.

"the current 335i is literally as fast as the e46 M3 yet somehow THAT isn't a chick car...because it's an M."

- The E46 M3 isn't a chick car because they're aren't being driven by females. Whenever I see an "M" (e46 or otherwise), 8 out of 10 times the car is being driven by a male. Whenever I see a 328, 9.5 out of 10 times the car is being driven by a female.

I see just as many females driving 335s than a I do males. No more no less. I see nothing but females driving the 328s. How the heck does stating that observation make me a badge whore?

Why buy a brick house when I can buy an RV. Im just saying... 2 different demographics.

Hoorayforpeepee,

If I have $100,000 to blow on car and save the environment I would get a Lexus GS450 hybrid or Toyota Prius and still have some money left to get Nissan 370Z and have fun with it.

Let me ask you ask how of us here can afford a $100,000 Telsa?

Let me answer that for you, NOT a lot, IMAO.......

@Hoorayforpeepee,

let me ask you a question, how many of us here can afford a $100,000 Telsa?

here is the answer, NOT a lot, IMAO.......

Drive a Roadster and you'll never go back to an archaic ICE. I picked up my Roadster 7 months ago and could't be happier. No gas. No oil. No emmissions. Miniscule maintenance (the car only has 12 moving parts). It is the hottest car on the planet and I dread driving/riding in anything else. My Model S will be here in just over a year and we'll finally be an EV only couple.

A couple more reasons: 0-60 in 3.6 seconds blows the pants off almost anything I encounter on the road. I've seen more Porsche, Lambo and Ferrari fawn over the car. In fact, one guy I met recently emailed to say he sold his 911 Turbo and ordered a Tesla Roadster 2.5 Sport.

It's so quiet. When we drive on mountain and country roads, we can hear nature. It is a unique experience and I can't wait for day when millions of EVs make the world a cleaner and quieter place.

Useless article. Tesla has the Model S coming out soon, so if you HAVE to compare a BMW sedan to a Tesla, at least let it be a sedan as well.

And why is there STi and EVO debates popping up here? STi's and EVO's are raw AWD rally inspired vehicles, the 3-series is a "luxury" (if you must call it that) sport sedan, and the Tesla roadster is in a category almost all its own.

I respect all these vehicles, but trying to compare them to each other is just going end up being a fanboy pissing contest.

clearly a more well engineered vehicle to something based on an economy car."

- Blazinboy,

You don't know what the hell you are talking about. And you don't know jack about cars. E46 BMW's had a serious rear sub frame issue that required owners to bring in their cars to fix it. Even pass the warranty the dealers had to fix it because parts like that aren't ever supposed to break (unless the car was totaled). The rear sub frame cracked. BMW had to send the cars to a body/frame shop to fix it. They showed me a bill for $5,100 that the body shop charged them. I even had to sign a paper stating that I wouldn't talk about it.

So when you spew your nonsense you just don't realize how little you actually know. Can you actually explain some of the "Superior Engineering" that the 3-series has? Or are you just running your trap? Name one thing that would make the 3-series a better engineered car? Just one thing? Be specific

And anyone who brings up what a person can afford into an car argument, are only projecting their own self-image. It also tells me that you are taking disagreements about a car personally. Which makes you a big time loser. It only a car dude, What next? Assault? LOL!

It isn't a "Run of the mill" Lancer

Any comments on this?

http://www.insideline.com/mitsubishi/lancer-evolution/2010/comparison-test-2010-bmw-335i-vs-2010-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-mr-touring.html

Looking forward to when electric cars will be the majority on the road, can't stand all the pollution...

Maybe some people don't like BMW and don't ever want to own one.