2011 X35d or 2012 X35i to Replace 2009 X35d

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Klepper

Thanks for all the replys! I am going to drive the 35i this weekend and see how it feels.

I don't usually do any towing (I have never towed with my current X35d), so I don't need the torque for towing, but torque usually "feels" faster. It gives that "push you back in your seat" feeling.

I don't think that torque feels faster, it just helps you start off from rest with a heavy load, and helps you avoid transmission shifts. Engine torque gets an awful lot of discussion considering that nobody can feel it directly; what you are feeling is the torque at the wheels, and that is the product of the engine, the torque converter (which multiplies torque) and a multi-speed transmission.

Because the engine spends so much of its time at low rpm, the torque rise matters more than the torque.

Agree you should drive the 35i and decide for yourself. Both are great vehicles.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by JCL

I don't think that torque feels faster, it just helps you start off from rest with a heavy load, and helps you avoid transmission shifts.

+1 on the transmission shifts. I find the 35d to be very pleasant to drive in the mountains as there is very little downshifting when climbing, while most gasoline engines like to down shift one or two gears to get the engine into a higher RPM range.

But there are many old sayings which go

"Horsepower is what you read about, Torque is what you feel."

"Horsepower is what you see on the speedometer with your eyes, torque is what you feel with your butt."

""Horsepower sells motor cars, but torque wins motor races"

"horsepower is how fast you get to the wall, torque is how far you go thru the wall."


Etc.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Penguin

But there are many old sayings which go

"Horsepower is what you read about, Torque is what you feel."

"Horsepower is what you see on the speedometer with your eyes, torque is what you feel with your butt."

Only problem with old sayings like those is that the torque you feel is wheel torque, not engine torque. And we have transmissions, and torque converters, so one doesn't equal the other. But everyone quotes engine torque as if it matters in and of itself.

[Sputnee]

I had the same problem as you. I actually had a 2011 35d on order until I saw the 2012 price sheets, which also included the pricing for the 35d (although the price may change).

I drove both for an extended time. My dealer here in Germany (military sales) allowed me to take a diesel for 2 days and a 35i SA for 2 days.

To be honest, you can't go wrong with either, but, in the end, I chose the 35i SA.

1. I refuse to pay for a 2011 when a 2012 is right around the corner, regardless of the credits that are being given.
2. In Europe, it does not get that hot, so riding with your windows open is actually better than using A/C. I tried it with both vehicles, and I don't care what most say here, the 35d is damn loud.
3. The torgue in the 35d is excellent, but, the shifting of the transmission in the 35i, is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better, plus the responsiveness of the vehicle is better.
4. Around town driving, 35i is hands down better.
5. Diesel is a beast on the motorway, but, 35i is also, once it is in top gear (I was normally pushing it around 100-120 on autobahn) and all I can say is WOW.
6. Diesel gets great gas mileage, 35i is OK. If you driving is mostly city, then it is a wash actually, and according to some, it may even cost you more to own the diesel. I figured it out, it would take me almost 3 1/2 years to recoup the difference in price.
7. If you find the 2012 pricing sheets, you will see that if you price out a vehicle, it some cases, you actually save money by going with a 2012 over a 2011.

I guess, it is personal choice, but, again, regardless of which route you go, you will be very happy.

Just my 2 cents worth