Test Driving Some Other Sedans, Not That Impressed

[rci3044]

With the availability of the Tribute edition, I decided to see if trading in my 2021 GT2 would be viable. I also started looking at other performance sedans as a result. I test drove a 2022 BMW 340i xDrive and I wasn't all that impressed. I had read that stock for stock, the 340i is a faster car, but when I got in the car and drove it, I was not at all convinced. Now, as a disclaimer, I don't have experience being in other sports sedans so my expectations were likely unrealistic. I figured a car that could do 0-60 at least a half second quicker than my stock Stinger would present a noticeable difference to my butt-dyno. Instead, I nailed it and thought, "that's it???" Driving on the interstate didn't help either. I went from 60 to 90 MPH and was disappointed. Yes, the 340i felt quick, but nothing that felt faster than my Stinger. To make matters worse, I have access to E85 fuel and frequently run my Stinger with a JB4 on Map4. I left the dealership in my Stinger on Map4, nailed it, and it just felt faster. So, last night, I went back to the BMW dealership and test drove the same 340i and a brand new 340i. Nothing changed, same results. I was entirely unimpressed and have no desire to trade in my Stinger for a 340i. Other things I noticed was that I liked the interior of my car better and the exterior. The 340i seemed to have a better suspension and it was easier for me to get out of the cab. But, in my opinion, the 340i was just not as good. I was expecting more and I didn't find more.

The sales manager happened to be there the second night, and I shared the same observations. He acknowledged the Stinger is an amazing car and added that it is much faster than most people realize. Then, he offered me the fob to a new 550i xDrive. I took it out and yeah, it's faster. It was also pretty plush inside--but it had better be for the sticker price! The final twist here is he then had me take their M5 Competition out for a test drive. Oh man, what a car! What began as a disappointment turned into a fun night of test driving.

Honestly, I don't know if the 550i is enough to sway me either...and I am not going to drop the $128K for the M5! My Stinger has been such wonderful car, fast and comfortable and a fantastic bargain. I thought I would have my mind blown with the 340i, but only the M5 did that. So, it was a good learning experience. I am still planning to test a new Lexus IS 500, Genesis G70, and an Audi S5. But now, I think my expectations are better tempered after my experience with the 340i. Anyone out there have similar experiences? Are there any other new cars out there worth testing?

 

[RedCal]

I'd toss the C43 AMG on the list

 

[Kamauxx]

With the availability of the Tribute edition, I decided to see if trading in my 2021 GT2 would be viable. I also started looking at other performance sedans as a result. I test drove a 2022 BMW 340i xDrive and I wasn't all that impressed. I had read that stock for stock, the 340i is a faster car, but when I got in the car and drove it, I was not at all convinced. Now, as a disclaimer, I don't have experience being in other sports sedans so my expectations were likely unrealistic. I figured a car that could do 0-60 at least a half second quicker than my stock Stinger would present a noticeable difference to my butt-dyno. Instead, I nailed it and thought, "that's it???" Driving on the interstate didn't help either. I went from 60 to 90 MPH and was disappointed. Yes, the 340i felt quick, but nothing that felt faster than my Stinger. To make matters worse, I have access to E85 fuel and frequently run my Stinger with a JB4 on Map4. I left the dealership in my Stinger on Map4, nailed it, and it just felt faster. So, last night, I went back to the BMW dealership and test drove the same 340i and a brand new 340i. Nothing changed, same results. I was entirely unimpressed and have no desire to trade in my Stinger for a 340i. Other things I noticed was that I liked the interior of my car better and the exterior. The 340i seemed to have a better suspension and it was easier for me to get out of the cab. But, in my opinion, the 340i was just not as good. I was expecting more and I didn't find more.

The sales manager happened to be there the second night, and I shared the same observations. He acknowledged the Stinger is an amazing car and added that it is much faster than most people realize. Then, he offered me the fob to a new 550i xDrive. I took it out and yeah, it's faster. It was also pretty plush inside--but it had better be for the sticker price! The final twist here is he then had me take their M5 Competition out for a test drive. Oh man, what a car! What began as a disappointment turned into a fun night of test driving.

Honestly, I don't know if the 550i is enough to sway me either...and I am not going to drop the $128K for the M5! My Stinger has been such wonderful car, fast and comfortable and a fantastic bargain. I thought I would have my mind blown with the 340i, but only the M5 did that. So, it was a good learning experience. I am still planning to test a new Lexus IS 500, Genesis G70, and an Audi S5. But now, I think my expectations are better tempered after my experience with the 340i. Anyone out there have similar experiences? Are there any other new cars out there worth testing?

I don't think it's fair to compare any stock car to a modded car. If you want a real comparison you'll need to find an equally modded BMW/Audi/Lexus.

Also, you're referring to an M340 x-drive, right? It's much faster than a stock Stinger, and probably faster than most modded Stingers. It has 0-60 times in the mid-3s and quarter mile times lower than 12.10s, stock.

I had a 2020 M550 for a while. I also described it as "plush." Driving it was like driving a fast sofa. I kept it for a few months and moved onto an S5. The S5 was faster than my Stinger (both modded) and sounded absolutely amazing stock. It felt much more sporty than the BMW.

People here don't like when I say it, but if you really want to accelerate fast get an EV. BMW's i4 M50 is faster than their M3. A Tesla Model 3 Performance is A LOT faster and costs nearly $4k less than the Tribute Edition you're contemplating.

______________________________

 

[Snicklefritz]

what a rabbit hole! unless you have lots of money freed up to spend on cars there is no reason to compare the much less expensive stinger to any of those 'brand' sedans.

the closest I've come to making a comparison is actually 'all in the family', comparing the 2.5l to the 2.0l. and my butt dyno could not tell a difference either, and I was expecting to feel at least a little more power.

 

[Kamauxx]

what a rabbit hole! unless you have lots of money freed up to spend on cars there is no reason to compare the much less expensive stinger to any of those 'brand' sedans.

The MSRP for his Stinger in 2021 was $55k.
23' Kia Stinger Tribute is $57k.
23' Genesis G70 3.3 starts at $45k.
23' Audi S5 starts at $56k (w/AWD included).
23' BMW M340 starts at $56k.
23' Lexus IS500 starts at $59k.

I'd say he's right in the ballpark.

 

[JSolo]

Forget these cars... all of them. Get yourself a nice motorcycle... More smiles/mile, and keep in mind, cars lean the wrong way in turns.

A decent bike can be had between $10-30K (depending on your wants).

 

[Snicklefritz]

The MSRP for his Stinger in 2021 was $55k.
23' Kia Stinger Tribute is $57k.
23' Genesis G70 3.3 starts at $45k.
23' Audi S5 starts at $56k (w/AWD included).
23' BMW M340 starts at $56k.
23' Lexus IS500 starts at $59k.

I'd say he's right in the ballpark.

none of them will impress a change. the one that did impress is over twice as much money, that's the rabbit hole Ima referring to.

 

[rci3044]

Forget these cars... all of them. Get yourself a nice motorcycle... More smiles/mile, and keep in mind, cars lean the wrong way in turns.

A decent bike can be had between $10-30K (depending on your wants).

I hear you! I wish I had the balance and sensibility to pilot something like a Yamaha VMAX, Ducati 1260 S or a Triumph Rocket. ...love those bikes!

 

[Kodiack]

My last bike was an FJR1300..that thing was the perfect combination of crazy fast and touring comfort.
Sadly my old bones made it impossible to enjoy any longer and someone got a steal of a deal. A collector bought it to add to his 15+ bikes as a daily driver.

 

[rci3044]

I don't think it's fair to compare any stock car to a modded car. If you want a real comparison you'll need to find an equally modded BMW/Audi/Lexus.

Also, you're referring to an M340 x-drive, right? It's much faster than a stock Stinger, and probably faster than most modded Stingers. It has 0-60 times in the mid-3s and quarter mile times lower than 12.10s, stock.

I had a 2020 M550 for a while. I also described it as "plush." Driving it was like driving a fast sofa. I kept it for a few months and moved onto an S5. The S5 was faster than my Stinger (both modded) and sounded absolutely amazing stock. It felt much more sporty than the BMW.

People here don't like when I say it, but if you really want to accelerate fast get an EV. BMW's i4 M50 is faster than their M3. A Tesla Model 3 Performance is A LOT faster and costs nearly $4k less than the Tribute Edition you're contemplating.

Yes, I am referring to the M340i xDrive. After driving 2 of them in Sport+ and then going to my Stinger on Map 0, I can't really tell a difference. So, for me, a stock Stinger and a stock M340i felt about the same. I would have to have someone in the M340i racing side by side with me to notice any difference I'm guessing. Now, I will admit that I didn't mess with any sort of launch control and maybe that is where the mid-3 second 0-60 times are realized (not to mention driver error on my part, maybe I missed some performance setting on the M340i). My observations are solely from stepping on the gas at a green light from a dead stop or on the interstate. I am well familiar with the websites and car guys all stating the M340i does 0-60 in the mid to high 3's, but I thought my butt-dyno would feel the difference. It was so underwhelming that I have essentially written off the M340i in terms of justifying trading in my Stinger based on the M340i's performance alone.

I appreciate you sharing your experience with your S5. I am looking forward to test driving one soon. Audi's have been a favorite of mine and I am excited to be in a place where I can now consider even buying one.

______________________________

 

[Kamauxx]

Yes, I am referring to the M340i xDrive. After driving 2 of them in Sport+ and then going to my Stinger on Map 0, I can't really tell a difference. So, for me, a stock Stinger and a stock M340i felt about the same. I would have to have someone in the M340i racing side by side with me to notice any difference I'm guessing. Now, I will admit that I didn't mess with any sort of launch control and maybe that is where the mid-3 second 0-60 times are realized (not to mention driver error on my part, maybe I missed some performance setting on the M340i). My observations are solely from stepping on the gas at a green light from a dead stop or on the interstate. I am well familiar with the websites and car guys all stating the M340i does 0-60 in the mid to high 3's, but I thought my butt-dyno would feel the difference. It was so underwhelming that I have essentially written off the M340i in terms of justifying trading in my Stinger based on the M340i's performance alone.

I appreciate you sharing your experience with your S5. I am looking forward to test driving one soon. Audi's have been a favorite of mine and I am excited to be in a place where I can now consider even buying one.

The S5 is going to disappoint you too. It will be slower than your Stinger. The suspension may be more firm than the M340, so that might help with the sportiness of the drive.

I've got a JB4 from my S5 collecting dust in my garage. If you buy the Audi I'll sell it to you for a good price. You don't even have to fuss with the plugs to use it.

 

[rci3044]

The S5 is going to disappoint you too. It will be slower than your Stinger. The suspension may be more firm than the M340, so that might help with the sportiness of the drive.

I've got a JB4 from my S5 collecting dust in my garage. If you buy the Audi I'll sell it to you for a good price. You don't even have to fuss with the plugs to use it.

That's good to know about the S5 and I will certainly DM you if I go with an Audi because I am sure to mod it. I am curious about how the interior looks and feels, as well as how it sounds. That M550i and the M5 I test drove sounded fantastic. I know they are V8's but it helped me recall how much I love a good exhaust note. I am curious if the Lexus IS 500 will have a similar effect.

 

[Kamauxx]

That's good to know about the S5 and I will certainly DM you if I go with an Audi because I am sure to mod it. I am curious about how the interior looks and feels, as well as how it sounds. That M550i and the M5 I test drove sounded fantastic. I know they are V8's but it helped me recall how much I love a good exhaust note. I am curious if the Lexus IS 500 will have a similar effect.

It has some confusing settings. I think the car has to be in Dynamic and sport + mode for the exhaust's baffles to open. Whatever the mode is called, you'll notice it sounds significantly better when downshifting. It gives some nice burps and gurgles. A really easy exhaust mod is unplugging the exhaust baffles (or whatever they're called) so they stay open no matter the driving mode you're in.

Let us know your thoughts.

 

[JSolo]

I hear you! I wish I had the balance and sensibility to pilot something like a Yamaha VMAX, Ducati 1260 S or a Triumph Rocket. ...love those bikes!

There's a time and a place, just like with a car. For me it wasn't so much about straight line speed as corners, sweepers, tighter corners (didn't care much for hairpin and other such 10-15 mph corners). Just riding at an 'athletic' pace. You "don't" have to go wot every time you take off. It is possible to get more than 5K miles out of a bike rear tire .

My last bike was an FJR1300..that thing was the perfect combination of crazy fast and touring comfort.
Sadly my old bones made it impossible to enjoy any longer and someone got a steal of a deal. A collector bought it to add to his 15+ bikes as a daily driver.

In a previous lifetime I had a concours 1400. A true kaw. Would cruise at 90 mph all day without breaking a sweat or even with revs above 4K. Had the luggage and gps on it. Made finding the roads rarely traveled that much easier.

Riding is definitely physically demanding. On a hot day i'll gladly welcome the car's AC than sweating like a pig in full gear with a brain bucket on. Hope to eventually get something once I leave this area. Almost brought home a k1600gt 4 years ago.

 

[Devin]

People here don't like when I say it, but if you really want to accelerate fast get an EV. BMW's i4 M50 is faster than their M3. A Tesla Model 3 Performance is A LOT faster and costs nearly $4k less than the Tribute Edition you're contemplating.

The Model 3 has no soul.

 

[Kamauxx]

The Model 3 has no soul.

Tesla Model 3 Performance is A LOT faster and costs nearly $4k less than the Tribute Edition you're contemplating.

This is a fact that can't be refuted by a pretend metric like a "soul."

I guess a soul is worth $4k and 200 less hp to some people. Enjoy your car's soul. See ya at the finish line. Eventually...

______________________________

 

[ldp82]

I briefly thought about an m550i xDrive Off Lease price was close to my new 23 Stinger GT2 all wheel drive. This is my winter and daily car and I already have a Shelby GT350 and a 911 for summer. I also didn't want to send the wrong message to customers picking them up in a $90,000 car. Lovely car but the maintenance scared me away and I think tossing the Stinger around is pretty fun. The warranty is just the icing on the cake. If I really wanted to go big I probably end up in a Panamera.

 

[AtomicGTL]

Hmm idk if that was a faulty m340i lol I test drove one prior to picking a supra... it's in every word of performance faster than the stinger even when it's tuned. Unless it's running big mods.

 

[LetekHimself]

what a rabbit hole! unless you have lots of money freed up to spend on cars there is no reason to compare the much less expensive stinger to any of those 'brand' sedans.

the closest I've come to making a comparison is actually 'all in the family', comparing the 2.5l to the 2.0l. and my butt dyno could not tell a difference either, and I was expecting to feel at least a little more power.

Oh boy I got the 2.5 and I think it's way faster then a 2.0 stock. Its almost close to the 3.3 with mods I hope to build Mt 2.5 to smoke a stock 3.3

 

[LetekHimself]

Forget these cars... all of them. Get yourself a nice motorcycle... More smiles/mile, and keep in mind, cars lean the wrong way in turns.

A decent bike can be had between $10-30K (depending on your wants).

My 400 is 5k and it's boss. Fast as f*ck. And u can ride it at 80 or 100% throttle bause it's not a 1 litter or h2 or 636 where u gotta baby the throttle 99% of the time to not die in town.