Got to drive an 03.5 330i ZHP

[MrCynical]

Was up at a friends visiting, and we traded cars and went for a little drive through a nice windy and rather empty road. (I also got to ride around in the car all weekend).

Before I even say anything, I'll just say that there were definately things I liked better about his car, and things he liked better about mine. We both basically came to the conclusion that if we wanted 4 doors, get the 330 (which is why he did) and if a coupe didnt matter (which it didnt for me), go with the G.

His car had some fairly new Pilot Sport 2's, while mine had the worn OEM Pilots (so I guess I lucked out haha). Well now I know what tires I'm getting next. They stuck VERY nice to the road to say the least...I'd say better than the originals.

I liked some aspects of the bimmers interior better. His had nav which was very cool and makes me want to get one. I like our seats better, but his steering wheel. I also felt more cramped in the front of his car just due to the shape of the dash.

Backseat...well duh with 4 doors of course the 330 is better. Leg room is so so but at least theres head room.

Shifting hands down G +1. The clutch pedal itself felt a little more forgiving, but omg the throws on the 330's shifter was ridiculously long (and apparently the ZHP package has a shorter shifter...I can only imagine a stock 330).

Power seemed relatively the same. Didnt have a chance to drag race each other but I think it would really depend on the driver with the lighter 330 having the edge.

Much prefer the sound of our engine. Has a more or a rumble to it.

Steering. Stock for stock, I vote the 330. It just "felt" better over bumps in the road and was VERY responsive in turns. This also could be due to the larger tire size up front. Might seem hard to compare this though with the tire differences but I remember what my car felt like on new tires and I still like the 330 better. The overall difference wasnt a deal breaker though as the G still has some excellent handling itself. Maybe go 235 or 245 up front (if possible) when I get new tires?

So just wanted to hit on a few points...I'm sure the 330 has been talked about to death already. If I was going 4 door I much rather prefer the looks of the 330 over the G sedan, but I still am happy overall with my choice of car.