CAR WARS! Did SOMEONE Get ROBBED? Results May Vary. BMW M235i vs. Mercedes CLA45 AMG vs. Subaru WRX STI

Another comparison review that proves that the idiot who kept saying the Japanese cars are soulless was indeed a "real" idiot.

I mean, seriously. I don't even know why STI is in this. STI is a legit sports car, and 2 series M and CLA AMG are meant for people who can't even afford to buy M3 and CLS AMG, so basically 2 series M and CLA AMG are like the ultimate poser vehicles.

I think it would make a lot more sense, if they compared 2 series M and CLA AMG to something like, Kia Rio, Kia Soul, Hyundai Accent or Nissan Versa. 2 series M and CLA AMG are prob kind of fun to drive, so are Kia Rio, Kia Soul, Hyundai Accent and Nissan Versa, (Not to mention the size of those vehicles are almost the same) so I think that'd be a better comparison there.

But yes, I don't really think comparing Subaru to BMW and Mercedes is meaningful at all. BMW and Merc don't even have the engineering prowess to compete with Subaru in general.

CLA Hands down...when a vehicle looks and accelerates like the CLA, who needs emotion????

The Subaru belongs on a highschool parking lot. The 2 series doesn't hold a candle to the previous gen 3 series couple/convertible which can be had for less with more features

I'm not sold on the CLA yet, nor am I itching to spend 60k on a 4 cylinder, but the numbers are impressive. Seems the Subaru and BMW are just 2 drastically different cars, though presented with a choice between the two I don't know that I'd stick with beemer (currently have a 135i). Maybe the next comparison article should put JDM's 1992 Camaro against a Kia Rio and see which doesn't actually break down before reaching the finish line.

"The 2 series doesn't hold a candle to the previous gen 3 series couple/convertible which can be had for less with more features"

Uhhh... what? No. What previous 3-series coupe/convertible did 0-60 in 4.4s, pulled .97g on the skid pad, and ran neck and neck with an AMG, an all-wheel drive AMG at that? And for less money to boot? (Hint: don't strain yourself, the answer is "none")

1) What is BMW doing wrong since one of the reviewers exclaimed it was the best handling Bavarian in 10 years?

Nothing, apparently they just made the mistake of giving them one with no options.

"2nd Place: BMW M235i
A well-balanced rear-driver in need of options for pizzazz."

Considering how similar the performance of the $46k M235i and $60k CLA45 AMG were I'm pretty excited for a full on M2, since actual M's are the cars that are supposed to compete with AMG's.

That's assuming BMW decides to go down that road.

Personally, I don't think BMW will build a full out M2. The 1M was literally an M3 from the transmission back and, frankly, I can't imagine BMW doing that with a 2-Series and M4.

Then again this is the same company building a 3-Series wagon, 3-Series GT, 4-Series GT and an X3.

Easy decision: CLA45 AMG.

And let's face it. No one shopping a Subaru is cross-shopping a Mercedes or BMW (or vice versa), no matter how similar their specifications may look.

i think the cla looks better, but bmw might be more fun, really a toss up... i just drove the 235i - very quick car lacks the ferocity and sound of my M3 obviously but i think its still great all around.
i really wouldnt fault anyone for choosing either car the bmw or benz.

.... and yet another article about cars that should get instant credibility because they come from Germany. This website should be renamed www.autobiasgermany.com

OR…the article is stating that the BMW was essentially robbed of a victory because of a lack of amenities and not because of its actual driving experience. Or the Mercedes was robbed because it offered too-mature a driving experience than the manic Subaru. Take your pick.

I'll pick the Subaru

How can you compare a boy-racer with a 1980's spoiler with either the M235i or CLA???

If they'd all been the same price then I suspect the result would have been exactly the opposite.

This is going to happen a lot in 2014...cla last in comparisons...

The big upset would be if the new S3 beat the CLA45. The amount of people who would cross shop an STI with a BMW or MB is probably very small, if any.