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Okay, belore I start I know I'll get the "why don't you &^% yourself and go to the Acura forum" response. Oh, well, sad that this board attracts that kind of response.
For anyone who's interested, I had the opportunity to test drive the Type S this weekend and I thought I'd share my observations. For the record, I have a week 12 323Ci on its way, don't think I'll switch, but....
EQUIPMENT: This car is loaded. The ONLY option is the navigation system (which this car had). For the most part it matches the 3 series feature for feature. Std eq on the Type S includes leather, power seats (not as nice as 3-series), Xenon, Moonroof, 6 disk in-dash CD player (it sucks in six through one slot... neat), keyless entry (except it uses a key fob instead on an integrated key), alarm, automatic steptronic-like transmission (can't get a manual), Bose 6 speaker stero, heated seats and mirrors, 17" alloys, auto dimming mirror, homelink remote control, floor mats (Duh BMW!), auto tilt down side mirrors in reverse, side airbags but no head airbags, and some sort of automatice stbility control system like the DSC. The front seats slide forward under motor control when you get in back and move backwards under motor control as well all activated by flipping the drivers seat forward, nice touch. Very nicely equiped.
COLORS: Well if you like Silver and Black you're all set. The only other exterior options are a nasy Gold, and a decent bright red. Interior, pretty much black leather. You can get a "parchment" leather on the black, but silver only comes in black. The leather is perferated and nice to the touch. The parchement is kind of a brown color. There are other colors available on the std CL 3.2.
DRIVE: This car's got power. 260hp, 232ft-lbs from 3500-5500. I've only driven the 323, but this car could beat the 323 in a heartbeat. I suspect it could easily beat the 328. The handleing is not nearly as precise as the 3 series. The ride is more firm than a family car, but not as firm as the 323Ci. But when you put your foot down, it goes. 19/29 mpg, premium fuel. The steptronic transmission shifts fairly well. It's been a month since I've played with the 323 Step, but it seem on par, may even slightly quicker shifting???? My memory may not be able to recall that well.
STYLING: Well the 3 series has this beat hands down. From the front, I'm reminded on a cow-catcher on a train. It's got a big front end that sticks way out, and the headlights look much bigger in person than in the pictures. At 192 inches, its pretty big for a coupe. Inside its nice, decent organization, nice metallic faced dials.
NAV SYSTEM: I never got to play with the BMW nav system so I have nothing to compare it to. The screen is bigger (6") and very easy to read. I tried to find my home address but it did not have my street in the database (one DVD for the whole US). I did find a nearby street and it created a route in less than 30 secs. Nice females voice too. It very quickly recalulated a new route when I blew off the turn cues. The cues were given at just the right time to make my turns. As you type, the keyboard only "displays" letters that can be picked, reducing keying effort, nice touch. If I were going to but a nav system, this one seems pretty decent. $2K option.
VALUE: Similarly equiped to the 3-series, the car is about $6K less. This dealer had a $4K dealer markup which I laughed at and she quickly conceded it would not be charged. Carorder is selling for MSRP. They are in high demand I suppose. For the dollar, this car is definately a better value. 4yr/50K mile warrenty
I was very impressed with this car. I liked the acceleration and the standard features. I didn't like the styling, lack of color choices (I love my Topaz Blue... when I get it that is), and the handeling is not up to the 3-series. Nice but not quite there. Can't beat the value. But of course it's NOT a BMW.
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