Quote:
Originally Posted by d3mon Finally found a useful video that shows an IS38 equipped vRS doing a quarter mile run with proper data logging, and it's a really sad story for FWD fans when it comes to how well they can launch.
As per the video uploader, the vRS is pretty much maxed out with the following mods:
with a 0-62mph (0-100kmph) time of 5.3 seconds.
Sure, the way it goes after 100KMPH is crazy, but that's largely academic on our roads. |
This is very interesting to compare to the newly launched G20 BMW 330i Sport which is marginally more expensive than the vRS and with lesser kit.
You do however get nicer interiors, RWD, and brand value; and a claimed 0-100 time of 5.7 seconds IIRC.
Once discounts start rolling on this variant - expect it to be close enough to this vRS price point on road, and arguably a nicer place to be in upto legal speeds.
Where the stock vRS will excel though is in the drama up to those legal speeds (wheelspin, the exhaust note, the dsg fart, etc.) & the amount of kit on offer; along with better handling (the G20 is still a little on the softer side though improved from the F30 according to many reviews I've read though I am waiting to go for a test drive once it is safe enough).
Now IMO most vRS buyers can be broken up into the following categories:
1) enthusiasts who will appreciate the vRS for what it is, whilst keeping it stock or close to stock (remap, better tyres, etc. but nothing too hardcore like turbo upgrades, suspension upgrades, etc.)
2) enthusiasts who are ready to put in money to tune the vRS - stage 2 & higher, suspension upgrades, new brakes, etc.
3) non-enthusiasts who enjoy driving and / or want a car that looks sporty
I reckon the Superb 2.0 TSi & the 330i Sport will lure majority of the 3rd category of buyers.
Category 1 & 2 is where it can get interesting.
Category 1 could be impressed enough with a stock 330i, but the softer suspension & lack of features could be a little bit of a downer; but then again BMW globally does have OEM solutions for a lot of these issues if one is willing to pay for it over time. BHPian Graaja for instance has gotten the
M-Sport Suspension installed in his 330i GT (Installed: M-Sport Suspension in my BMW 330i GT) .
Similarly BHPian Karan567 has gotten the M Exhaust on his
F30 328i (The ULTIMAT3- F30 BMW 328i. EDIT: Upgraded with ///M Exhaust, Injen Intake & Steinbauer Power Module) .
If these parts are available for the G20 as well - it could really bring the 330i up to spec for category 1 who missed out on the vRS - though at a price!
For category 2 - the 330i could be a viable alternative with a host of performance parts available; and those who don't mind going the pre-owned route could have great luck with finding a sparingly used F30 330i at a steal. I have seen a bunch of stage 2 F30 328i's & 330i's; and many a times BMW may even have some parts from their own catalogue.
That being said - the vRS does have the edge in terms of part availability, and expertise in India given the number of cars that have been worked upon; as well as globally.
As someone who owns a stage 1 328i with the M-Adaptive suspension, I wouldn't mind going up to stage 2, but stage 3 is something that would require a lot more thinking unlike in the case of the vRS - where a lot more owners & tuners have tinkered with their cars and understand the limits in more depth. Strength & comfort in numbers I guess
Personally, I think it is for this above reason that the vRS will still maintain it's loyalty & fan following; not to mention it's excellent resale value