Car decision - BMW 316 or VW Passat?

[Felixdhc]

About to change my company car in the next few weeks and having trouble deciding between two choices. I could get a BMW 316 SE which I only discovered the other day is actually only 1.6 engine whereas previous models were always 1.8. The other option is the VW Passat Sportsline model which is a big feck off 2 litre with 200bhp and buckets of extras. They both work out roughly the same money.

I love both cars (although the new BMW took a while to grow on me) but the Passat would seem the wiser choice in terms of engine size and extras. On the other hand I have driven a 316 now for 2 years and I wonder would I notice a difference in handling etc? Really cant make up my mind on this, any thoughts please?

[fletch]

Probably need to post what type of use is the car going to get.....do you enjoy drivin etc? Before people can comment
If it were me, I'd go for the Passat....personally I'd rather have all that power and all those extras rather than paying for the BMW badge.
I would never buy a BMW unless it had the engine to go with it...and the 316 is just a pretender I think

[Hal1]

Go with the passat, the new one in particular looks great has got big reviews on it too. Very nice looking car, I would definately consider it.

[Felixdhc]

Yeah, its usage would help alright! I do a lot of driving all over Ireland, on the road about 3-4 days a week. The BMW would really be a badge choice alright but are they not considered a lot better for the whole driving experience? I love driving and love cars, always have done. Reading some reviews on the internet make reference to the Passat as being a sensible cautious car...the BMW still gets the old "drivers car"reviews and top marks for handling etc.

...just to add to the choice problem, if I can convince work to let me go for the 318 which should I pick???

[unkel]

Originally Posted by Felixdhc

I could get a BMW 316 SE which I only discovered the other day is actually only 1.6 engine

Who told you that? There is no such thing. The last BMW 3-series 1.6 liter was nearly 10 years ago. The smallest petrol engine in the current 3-series is a 2.0 liter

But I admit, I am annoyed and confused too by the silly model references from BMW in recent history

[faigs]

Originally Posted by unkel

Who told you that? There is no such thing. The last BMW 3-series 1.6 liter was nearly 10 years ago. The smallest petrol engine in the current 3-series is a 2.0 liter

They have just brought out a new low end model 316i to make it more affordable and a competitor in the rep market. It retails at around €34k and I think it might be a 1.6 litre. I read about it in the Times motor supplement last week.

[Felixdhc]

Originally Posted by unkel

Who told you that? There is no such thing. The last BMW 3-series 1.6 liter was nearly 10 years ago. The smallest petrol engine in the current 3-series is a 2.0 liter

But I admit, I am annoyed and confused too by the silly model references from BMW in recent history

I was in Joe Duffy motors the other day and they said the new 316 is a 1.6 engine. They are not on the road yet, due out in the next few weeks - seemingly they have huge demand for them too.

[kbannon]

Originally Posted by Felixdhc

I was in Joe Duffy motors the other day and they said the new 316 is a 1.6 engine. They are not on the road yet, due out in the next few weeks - seemingly they have huge demand for them too.

With most newer BMWs being company cars (Im assuming), BIK will force many to go for a lower end car.

[Hagar]

I don't think that you will be able to use the full power potential of either car legally on Irish roads so that to me evens out the playing field a little. I've had both as company cars in the past and there is no contest. Take the BMW. Yes, it's a badge but change the badge on a Passat and you have a Skoda.

[Saruman]

Not sure if its still the same with the new ones... but a 316 with a small 1.6 ltr engine still has to carry the weight of the 316 so fuel economy is going to be horrible!! If you do not mind filling the tank every 200 miles then go for it..

[kbannon]

The 316i engine is the same one used in the 116i.
It gives out 115bhp/85Nm.
bmw.ie does not give the tech specs for the 316i so i can't see what the fuel consumption is apart from impressive(!) - I guess it will be there soon.

I note from bmw.ie that the 316i will not be available in the UK. I presume this is thanks to VRT !

[Lex Luthor]

New Passat for me....I'm told the Sportsline is a bit too stiff for Irish roads.
My choice would be the 2.0TDi Highline 170bhp with the 6speed gear box.

[bazz26]

As already mentioned the 316i uses the same 1.6 engine found in the 1 Series. It is only going on sale in certain countries such as Ireland where motorists are screwed by high motor taxation and running costs.

Personally I would rather get a generously equipped Passat with a decent engine than an entry level under powered BMW 3 Series just for the sake of the badge.

[unkel]

Originally Posted by faigs

They have just brought out a new low end model 316i to make it more affordable and a competitor in the rep market. It retails at around €34k and I think it might be a 1.6 litre

I stand corrected so. Unfortunately BMW are back to their old tricks attracting badge aficionados (snobs) with underpowered cars

Originally Posted by kbannon

I note from bmw.ie that the 316i will not be available in the UK

Why does that not surprise me?

Originally Posted by bmw.ie

BMW Ireland is responding to the many requests for an entry-level BMW 3 Series with a 1.6-litre engine with the immediate introduction of a BMW 316i Saloon. The new model remains faithful to its original concept - a premium quality family car with unmatched driver appeal. The BMW 316i Saloon is sporty and fuel-efficient and offers the best value-for-money. It is the most technologically advanced car in its segment and will appeal to existing BMW fans and attract new customers.

BMW are using their flexible production technology to make this engine variant available specifically for the Irish market *. The decision to launch this car is based on the significant savings a customer can avail of due to the smaller engine capacity. The BMW 316i is priced at €36,300, which represents a saving of €2,350 compared to the BMW 318i. All of the saving is passed on to the customer

Only 2 grand less? Mad not to go for the 2.0l 318 unless you are the aforementioned snob

Originally Posted by Felixdhc

I do a lot of driving all over Ireland, on the road about 3-4 days a week

Well, with only 115BHP, the 316i is underpowered. How important is power to you? How important are gizmos to you and how do the two cars compare? I presume the BMW is going to cost you more in BIK, so take that into account also. Take both for an extended test drive and with the BMW overtake some slow vehicles on national roads. This is where being underpowered is most obvious

Originally Posted by Felixdhc

if I can convince work to let me go for the 318 which should I pick???

You might very well be able to convince work to go €2k more on top of a €36k car. If you can, I'd get the 318 if I were you

[optiplexgx270]

A BMW with less than 6 pots is a useless shell. Has lots of potential but is let down by the void under the hood. Personally i find that anyone that knows a bit about cars disregards the sub *23 models in the BMW range bar the 1 series.

I'd go for the decent spec'd VW over the BMW for the above reason and also more importantly the VW is a great car. Bottom line if your getting a BMW get a "propper" one. Did you by chance see last seasons topgear test with the new 3 series in it? Well ruling was they had nothing to say as the new model was too boring and just a "car" very plain and mundain.