2010 STi vs 2010 BMW 135i

[03zWRX]

Interesting convo came up with a buddy of mine. What do you guys think?

Stock vs Stock, 2010 STi vs a 135i. The BMW is a 300hp/300tq bi-turbo 6-cylinder vs the 310hp/290tq turbo 4-cylinder.

On a road track.

[oguitar]

I would place my money on the 135i. BMW really engineered this car well. Those turbos might be small but they create instant power. It would be a good/close race though.

[SD_GR]

The narrower and bumpier the course the better the Impreza will do IMO, but in any case I don't expect the differences to exceed 1 second per km regardless of surface or layout.

[2004NeonSRT4]

given equal drivers, it would be very close. it would depend on the track and other small things rather just what cars. weather, altitude, length of race etc. i'd give the edge to the bmw.

[SeattleJeremy]

given equal drivers, it would be very close. it would depend on the track and other small things rather just what cars. weather, altitude, length of race etc. i'd give the edge to the bmw.

I think Weather and Altitude will have less to do with this race due to both the engines being Turbo. (This is amusing the asphalt is dry)

Length of the race will be a big impact though. The longer the race the less likely the Impreza will be in front.

[Sinister]

My impression is that the 135i still has softer suspension (without the dinan upgrade)... I'd say the curvier the course the better chance for the impreza. BUT... on a long road course with a couple of straights, the 135i would probably hand the impreza a beating

[2004NeonSRT4]

I think Weather and Altitude will have less to do with this race due to both the engines being Turbo. (This is amusing the asphalt is dry)

Length of the race will be a big impact though. The longer the race the less likely the Impreza will be in front.

agreed, i was thinking about the m series which are n/a.

i say a short race where tire wear/heat isn't a problem the awd could abuse its tires to a win. but over a longer distance the rwd would prevail.

[wrx1234]

in a standing 1/4 it seems like they would be pretty even anything past the 1/4 ( From a roll) the STI would... im guessing lose.

[Pavia]

You could consider the '10 STI SE as stock. How would that change the mix?

[03zWRX]

You could consider the '10 STI SE as stock. How would that change the mix?

The M series bimmers could be considered stock as well. Guess if there was an M1 this conversation would be a moot point...

However, the SE is probably more comparable in price to the 135i so that would definitely be the comparison to make.

[Sinister]

There really should be an M1

[binjoau]

I have raced a number of 135i BMW's recently in my stg2 09 WRX which from experience is much faster than a 2010 STI.

I am sure the 135i would win, they are a crazy fast little car. Why it doesnt have the M badge il never know!

[teflon_jones]

There really should be an M1

I don't know about that Kevin. From everything I've read, the 3 series is a superior platform to the 1 series. I would change this thread to 2010 STi versus 335i if we were looking for a true comparison.

[oguitar]

I think the 135i and 335i are basically the same car but the 135i is supposed to be slightly lighter and be more basic (less luxurious). I could be wrong though.

The thing that makes these cars special IMHO is the small twin turbo setup. These cars start spooling like at 1500 RPM. BMW might have moved to a single turbo setup for newer models, but that I would have to check on.

[Sinister]

1 series is much lighter and smaller than the 3 series