Evo IX or AWD BMW 335i
 

Looking to upgrade from my Celica to something Turbo, a little bigger and AWD and it's pretty much down to these two. I've driven both and of course the BMW will offer a lot more luxery and the Evo will offer more a "connected" driving experience. Still not sure what to decide on though. ;(

Just wondering if anyone has any input.

What are you going to be using it for?

Good luck on finding an unmolested IX. Evo X would be cheaper long run.

The AWD system on the BMW IMO sucks and ruins what little feel the car has. Meanwhile, the Evo IX is one of the best drivers cars ever. You'd be a fool to not go out of your way to find a clean one.

I was going to import a Evo 9 after driving one man those things are fastttt but interior in the evo is pretty bad tho

Not sure what year 335 you are talking about but they are nice cars I would fear any cars out of warranty since maintance is burtal.

BTW a AWD 335i is called a 335xi

I had a 135i and 335Xi prior!

BIG TQ 1500rpm that twin turbo Inline 6cyl moves, however handling is no Evo !! Great mpg too, I seen close to 30mpg 70mph trip!

Evo raw power, no luxury, cheap interior, HUGE aftermarket!!!

BMW smooth, quiet, great Power, but heavy, won't handle/corner the same.
Many did ecu reflash and ran high 12s pretty stock w/ N54 engine, they are Very Responsive and had prior fuel pump issues, but total recall last I heard.

Drive em both !

Good luck!

oh yeah forgot to mention that the 335xi or should I say the N54 is underrated for damnn sure

DD.

Some of the newer AWD 335s are 335i "xDrive"s. Either way. :P

There is one I'm looking at now. He did have aftermarket cams, exhaust and I believe an intake, but it's back to stock. Hes also got an Exedy twin disk clutch.

Can you go into more detail on that? I've heard that before, but I'm not really sure how/why the Evo's "system" is better than the 335(x)i.

Are you in an Evo now? Which were you more happy with? In the end it seems to come down to Luxury vs Handling. Did you do any suspension mods to the 335?

Also, how does maintenance compare between the two? Both cars are going to cost more to own than my Celica, but is the BMW a lot higher than the Evo? I'm a college student and can afford the monthly payments, but I'm not rich either.

It may be plain but I didn't think it was that bad. Excellent Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel, shift knob, pedals, soft touch plastics... It's better than the Evo X IMO.

I'm starting to think I should have attempted to get an Evo IX back when they were still new. My Eclipse feels pretty similar though with less lag and less body roll, albeit with less power and less ultimate grip. But the Evo IX really does have great feel and is fun - while the Evo X just feels a little more disconnected and less strung.

I haven't driven a BMW 335 but I sat in one and it doesn't seem like it would be AS immersive or fun. But the engine in those cars seem pretty amazing. My brother has one and I need to drive it...

3 diffs full-time AWD >>> 1 diff reactive part-time AWD.

For DD-only though I'd get 335xi, but I'm getting old and find stock Evo ride unbearable on MI roads. And given all the problems of late-model 335s - I'd stick with the ones that are still under warranty. Otherwise it could get real expensive. And finding 335xi with sport package (supposedly softer than regular 335i sport package) and stick shift is really tough.

Exactly.

New Legacy with direction injection turbocharged FA20 would likely sit halfway between the two on the focus/comfort equation as well.

+1

Get the FR-S/BRZ. ;)

Isn't that why you're on this forum? :D

My desires have since changed. :( FR-S would be my first choice for a second car, but I'd like something with more room and a beast in the snow.