Saturday Afternoon Comparo

Wife was out of town so I drove a couple of new cars I've been studying. First up was the new BMW 535i. I drove over an assortment of rougher streets and two freeways. I found car to be very responsive and involving. Turbo kick-in was more than I expected, that is rougher. Never could come to comfortable terms with the headrest and didn't like the action on the turn signal stalk. Having no logical place to put the fob is a nuisance. Where I thought the car fell down was on quality of interior materials and amount of rear seat legroom. I currently drive a 13 year-old MB and its leather, wood and plastics are far superior to that in the BMW. My car is two inches shorter and has a lot more rear seat room. I left thinking there was nearly as much rear room in a 3er.

Next I drove a Hyundai Genesis V8. Hear me out. This is a teriffic car especially for the money. Very much a quality look and feel throughout. Great engine response and very roomy. Ride was on the firm side of comfortable and steering was pleasing to my touch. Sound system was the Lexicon and it was the best I can remember hearing as an OEM installation. One other thing, it stickered for $16k less than the BMW which was not that well equipped.