Photo: Car and Driver
With the growing focus on efficiency and low fuel consumption, the attention diesel and electric vehicles receive is also on the rise. Automakers responded quickly and one of the first was BMW, the German manufacturer introducing an diesel 3 Series in the US for the first time since 2009.
That model is dubbed 328d and you might also know it as 320d if you live in Europe. The car has 184 HP and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque coming out of a 2-liter engine under the bonnet, sent to either the rear wheels only or all four, depending on your needs. The guys from Car and Driver took it for a spin to see how it fares against its 320i competitor.
The petrol-powered 320i has the same amount of power, 184 HP but less torque, being rated at 270 Nm (200 lb-ft). However, it’s faster to 60 mph from a standstill but takes up more gas. In the end the owners and BMW enthusiasts will only have to decide what is more important: 0-60 times or efficiency, as the 328d is 9 to 10 mpg more frugal.
On the road there is so little to set the two apart. Even the engine noise of the diesel isn’t as bothering as it used to be and the superior torque will make your forget about petrol. Inside and out the same optional features are available so there’s no actual difference here either.
So, in the end, it’s all about personal choices when it comes to the 328d model. It’s true, Americans have been reluctant towards diesels over the years but maybe it’s time for a change.
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