We set out to buy a $32,000 Japanese or German designed sports car and getting the most value for our dollar was the number one priority. After extensive research, we narrowed our choices to the Nissan 370Z because of its power/performance and overall good looks and the BMW 128i because of its performance/handling/braking, warranty / maintenance program, and also, to see what all the hype was about. Our final decision might surprise you.

Challenge Basis: Base Model Sports Cars / $32,000 Price Range

2011 Nissan 370Z Coupe

Models and Options
We chose the base 370Z Coupe equipped with the close-ratio 6-Speed Manual transmission. We also tacked on the splash guards, carpeted floor and trunk mats. The total MSRP for our Z of choice came to $31,370 including destination and handling fees.

Interior
The 370Z’s interior is far more spacious than you might think considering there is no back seat. There is compartmental storage behind both seat as well as a mostly concealed and quite sizable trunk. There’s plenty of room for luggage, groceries, and the daily this-and-thats that tend to find their way into our vehicles. The ignition fires via push-button starter switch, the steering wheel / gauge cluster is adjustable, and the seats are surprisingly comfortable with more than ample leg room (for a 5‘ 10” man). Our only serious aversion to the look and feel of the Z’s interior is the compartment hatch that covers the hole that houses the satellite navigation. Unfortunately, the navigation is only available as an option with the pricier touring model. Overall, the base model Z’s interior feels like it was the beginning of something special but, if you want special, you’ll have to pay more to get it.

Performance
Under the hood, the Z packs a 332 horsepower, 270 lb-ft of torque, 3.7 liter aluminum-alloy V6 that packs an impressive exhaust note upon startup. Unfortunately, the sweet little note drowns out at moderate speed due to road noise. Impressive sounding or not, it will do 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and clock a 13.2 1/4 mile and that’s impressive from a $32K base model. The 53/47 weight distribution combined with Vehicle Dynamic Control, 2-link double-wishbone aluminum-alloy front / 4-link aluminum-alloy rear, front and rear stabilizers, and a 3-point front strut tower brace make for well handling car if driven on smooth pavement or at the track.

Warranty
36-month/36,000-mile limited vehicle coverage
5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain coverage

Pros: The Engine, The Styling, The Price Points – The Z is an incredible value for the money and the price points and low production numbers will help ensure it keeps a strong resale.

Cons: First, the interior dash compartment door where the SAT Navigation would be installed in the touring model is at best, a design afterthought and should have been replaced with a separate dash. Second, blind spots galore. You will have quite a challenging time looking over your shoulder every time you change lanes.

2011 BMW 128i Coupe

Models and Options
We chose the base model Titanium Silver Metalic BMW 128i equipped with the 6-Speed Manual and Black Boston Leather interior. Our 128i was healthily equipped with keyless entry, iPod / USB adapter, and power front seats w/ driver seat memory. Total MSRP + Destination and Handling Fees for our BMW was $31,500 plus TTL.

Interior
The BMW 128i interior, even in the base model is spectacular. The leather has that wonderful patented BMW smell and looks and feels of true quality. The dash and gauge cluster are minimalistic in appearance yet filled with features like the maintenance schedule, engine diagnostics, and fuel consumption / MPG. The 128i has a very spacious two-person back seat and trunk space large enough fit all your luggage, gear, and groceries. The power adjustable seat controls mounted high on the backs of the front seats make switching between taller and shorter drivers effortless. Overall, even at the base level, the 128i’s interior impresses and gives you the feeling you did exceptionally well for you money.

Performance
The BMW 128i is every bit a proper BMW behind the wheel. The 128i has an aluminum block 3.0-liter, inline six-cylinder engine that produces 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. It will punch 0-60 in approximately 6 seconds flat and its near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, forged-aluminum front suspension pieces and lightweight steel multilink rear suspension, make for great handling and exceptional steering. The 128i’s breaks are beyond impressive with Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, and Brake Stand-by features. Translation – when you’re plowing through first gear and shift into second, the brakes will automatically apply a short blip between shifts that gets your wheel spin under control and assists in your second gear tire grab. Additionally, when driving off from a steep incline, the brakes automatically applied for 2 seconds giving less experienced drivers confidence on the hills and less fear of rolling into the car that’s pulled too close to your rear.

Pros: Interior, Performance, Handling, Steering, Braking – The BMW 128i offers massive bang for your buck. You’ll love driving the car and your passengers will enjoy riding in comfort.

Cons: Lack of a Limited Slip Rear-Differential, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) light Blinks while accelerating through the gears. We would just like to know it’s working, not see blinking lights. There’s no engine temperature gauge. At least we can’t find one.

Warranty
4 Years/50,000 Miles Warranty
4 Years/50,000 Miles Maintenance Program
4 Years/Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance

Final Thoughts on Both
The Nissan 370Z has the most powerful engine and aggressive looks to match. Where it lacks luster in the interior, the Z makes up in the exterior design and strait-line performance. However, with exception to the Z’s power and handling, the overall ride and comfort are less than what you would expect from a car of its stature. The tires make an incredible amount of noise and the blind-spots are unnerving. The BMW 128i is tight and impressively designed on all fronts. The interior is all BMW from the leather to the instrument panel. While we would love an extra 100 horsepower for the price, the 128i is an exceptionally well balanced car that performs in a manner you would expect from a BMW at considerably higher price.

Our Decision

We purchased the BMW 128i. The Nissan’s power advantage and arguably more masculine looks don’t make up for the lack luster interior, uncomfortable ride, and lack of a comparable warranty / maintenance program. We also found dealing with the BMW Dealership to be an exceptionally better experience than with the multiple Nissan Dealerships we visited. Ultimately, if you want to feel like you are buying a car worth every penny of $31,500, buy the BMW 128i.