BOOOOOO!!!



Okay, lets play nice. To the OP- If you think the 135 is a better car, go buy one. Otherwise, why does it matter what anyone else says?

 

I think I missed some of the drama here, but anyways...

As someone who owns an example of both models, I had to get in here . Yes the 135i is faster straight line (stock). I do feel the S "handles better". The steering is quicker and more precise. The 135 is much more civilized on the highways.

IMO both are great cars, just with very different strengths. My personal preference can be summed up as follows: if you are in the market for a lightly used 135i, PM me . (yes I'm serious)

 

the answer to both those questions is yes.

there is no way in hell a 3,400lbs bmw packing 53% of that weight in its nose will handle better than an s2000.

the s2000 will run circles around the fat 135i

see how many 135i's you find at your next autocross meeting....

 

In scca autox (stock for stock) the S2k is the top car in a mmuch faster class than the class the 135 is in, and the 135 is not the overdog in that class, in autox handling is more important than straight line speed by a long shot. So based on this information I would say that at least in tight situations the s2k handles much better, I would venture to say that the gap is probably not as wide in a more wide open course like a road course but the S2k is still probably better handling but not necessarily faster around the track.

Disclaimer: these are logical inferences I have drawn from driving other BMW's and data from SCCA Solo. Take them for what they are worth

 

 

At the end of the day he drives a bimmer and you drive a Honnnduh. Not gonna make any panties drop with "better handling"

 

Taking this thread on a slightly different tangent:
(suspending my personal bias that driver >>>> car and that driver skill is the only "bragging right" that a performance enthusiast would care about... because everything else is just a reflection on checkbook size)

The S2000 was designed over 10 years ago with existing technology.
Road test numbers for MY04-05 were done with 5-year old tire technology.

Why wouldn't you upgrade things like wheels / shocks / tires if you were looking for handling improvement?

Of course, then using "published" data becomes meaningless.

For example, an AP1 with "205/225 S02s" has a skidpad rating of 0.88g.
A CR with "215/255 RE070s" has a skidpad rating of 0.95.

What does that mean? Get 17 inch wheels and wider tires.

Aside from cost, why wouldn't you? Especially if you cared about comparing your car's performance.

To the OP, if you guys are both driving enthusiasts... sign up for novice autocross school together and swap cars for a run or two.

 

When it comes time for repair work...Honda owners laugh at BMW owners...always have.

 

I haven't read any reviews of the 135i that would make me suspect that it "handles" better than the S2000. Lots of complaints of generally being too soft and understeery. Also, 300hp and lsd isn't available even as an option? Way back when you could get a limited slip even on the lowliest 318i, but now you HAVE to get an overpriced/overwrought/overweight M car to get one...

Anyway, despite not having driven the 135i, I feel perfectly qualified to state that the S2000 should offer much "better handling"

 

The correct answer is obviously 25.