Ken Garff - One of Salt Lake City's BMW Used Car Dealers

BMW 328 & Dodge Viper Comparison

BMW 328 Overview

Many people consider the 3 Series to be the standard bearer of entry-level luxury vehicles. Although not as powerful as the turbocharged 335, the 2008 BMW 328 combines brisk performance, excellent handling, and a supremely connected driving experience to tantalize buyers. Available in sedan, coupe, sports wagon, and convertible models, the 328 comes with standard rear-wheel drive or optional x-Drive all-wheel drive (not available on convertibles).

Powering all 328 models is a new, 2.8 liter inline six-cylinder engine making 230 horsepower, mated to either a supple 6-speed manual transmission or intelligent 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic with manual shifting capability. A 5-link/5-beam rear suspension compliments the sublimely communicative chassis.

Safety is truly emphasized in the 328, with available dynamic stability control, including brake fade compensation, start-off assist, brake drying, and brake stand-by features with dynamic traction control for expert handling in all weather and road conditions. The standard 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Brake Control stop the car with authority. A standard tire pressure monitor alerts the driver to any significant drops in pressure.

BMW’s innovative technology is present inside as well. The optional Navigation System incorporates a large 16:9 screen with voice command and real-time traffic information. An available Logic7 audio system with CD/MP3 audio system features 13 upgraded speakers and a standard auxiliary audio input to treat you to an auditory feast. Sports Wagon models feature a panoramic roof, which is almost two feet longer than a conventional sliding roof, letting in 60% more fresh air. 3 Series convertibles have a fully automatic retractable hardtop that raises or lowers in just 22 seconds at the push of a button, making top-down motoring a breeze. Convertibles also features run-flat tires to save space in the trunk and provide peace of mind.

In it essence, the 2008 BMW 328 is a well-balanced blend of luxury and performance, offering a distinctly well-tuned driving experience.

Dodge Viper vs. BMW 328 Comparison

Performance

As far as horsepower, the Viper packs quite a punch and will knock the BMW 3 Series down a few rungs. On the flip side, keep in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums. With that kind of horsepower, the Dodge Viper is a genuine sportscar.

Handling

The Dodge Viper has tremendously bigger tires than the BMW 3 Series. Keep in mind that bigger tires could look and feel better, while smaller tires might provide better handling in deep snow. With their similar turning radiuses, the BMW 3 Series and the Dodge Viper indubitably handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain

The Dodge Viper's engine is tremendously bigger than the BMW 3 Series's. Keep in mind that more sizeable engines may use more gasoline than smaller ones. The Dodge Viper packs quite a punch compared to the BMW 3 Series in terms of torque, which is the force that lets you accelerate quickly. Torque equals pickup, and the Dodge Viper will have picked up and gone by the time the BMW 3 Series finally gets moving.

Utility

The BMW 3 Series will most definitely prove more practical than the Dodge Viper for those of you with frequent kid-cargo.

Comfort

While the front cabin in the BMW 3 Series offers a bit more head room than the Dodge Viper, there frankly isn't much of a difference.

Dimensions

The 3 Series is a tad more ponderous than the Viper. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Dodge Viper than the BMW 3 Series because of its more capacious tank. The Viper and the BMW 3 Series compete for the same parking spaces. The Dodge Viper's shorter wheelbase will give a sprier feel in daily traffic. However, the 3 Series is likely to have a smoother, more stable ride.

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The BMW 3 Series is markedly cheaper to get to the dealership than the Dodge Viper. In terms of MSRP, the BMW 3 Series costs tremendously less than the Dodge Viper.

Overview

The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Dodge Viper isn't quite as generous as the BMW 3 Series's.

Ken Garff - One of Salt Lake City's BMW Used Car Dealers

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