BMW 135i vs Subaru STi vs Mitsubishi Evo X

By Bruno Bouchard

2nd place: BMW 135i

Benjamin:

Do you want a powerful machine which torques mightily at all speeds and demonstrates high level road hugging? The 135i challenges them all. No doubt, the suspension is brittle on degraded pavement but, otherwise, it performs very well; practically no roll and the steering is very precise. Thanks to the 300hp double-turbo six-cylinder and 300 pound-ft of torque, this Series 1 beat everyone on the strait and keeps gas guzzling to a minimum. The braking power is not negligible either.

A little caution concerning its versatility since it only offers a two-door with difficult rear access. I thought it would finish first; it didn't stray far but the Mitsubishi Evo MR won the day. Still, a fine performance for the only rear wheel drive at the event.

René:

I'm in total agreement with my colleague concerning the 135i's driving pleasure. Those German roots cannot be denied. The elements of BMW's success are front and centre: the perfect balance, the steering and a high precision manual transmission guided by a fabulous turbo compressed engine. O! If I could be the young bachelor I was but with the budget I hope to have in ten years, my choice would be simple indeed.

Whether on the circuit or the roadway, this 135i seems at ease, another fine characteristic of this famous name. How can BMW make vehicles which are as comfortable on everyday roads yet behave so professionally on the track? I remember my training on the Mont-Tremblant circuit when the instructors drove 335i during three days straight while we had to settle for M coupes. At no time did we encounter problems with these family cars. Hats off!