[rondocap]

So throughout the years I learned one thing - it seems like when you have a certain car brand - there is always that holy grail of performance brand that you look up to across the grass. For example, for the VW GTI crowd - it's the BMW and especially 335i. For the BMW crowd, it seems to be Porsche.

So I've driven a couple in the past, so I thought I'd try the newer ones to see how they stack up against the E90. First, the Panamera. I actually like the look, and the interior is really nice. Basically, it takes everything the iDrive has, and sort of spews it out across the car in a combination of buttons and the dash board screen.

Interior quality is top notch, but a little secret: I got used to the iDrive and miss it. So easy and ergonomic. Buttons and touch-screens just seem less efficient.

As for the drive, this was a nicely loaded Panamera 4. Not the S, so we are talking about the 300HP V6 model. It had sport chrono pack: PDK. Absolutely stunning shift speed, leaves my 08' 335i steptronic in the dust in terms of shift speed.

Otherwise, the V6 was not too exciting. The engine, while moves when you get on it, is not nearly as quick or good as the 335i engine. The steering I did not like as much either - my 335i has very direct and heavy steering, and I felt the Panemera was a bit too ponderous. And it's a big car too, the hood was immense in your view. If I had driven the S or the turbo, I may have liked it more.

And then, I drove a 2011 Cayenne Turbo. I know, this has nothing to do with the sedans or the E90. But it's really good. In sport mode, the steering and suspension were really tight, car handled great. And the power and torque were amazing. Really put you back in your seat - great sound too. Same great interior.

Definitely impressive for an SUV, or any car for that matter. It drove better than the Panamera 4. Now, if I drive a Panamera Turbo - I am sure I will be blown away as well.

So thoughts coming back into my 2008 E90 335i? First, the interior is definitely much more straightforward and simpler in comparison. The Porsche is just newer and more updated. But, here's the kicker - I felt like my BMW is just a more direct drivers car - i.e the car engages with you at minimal effort, while in the Porsches you sort of need to engage the different levels of sport modes, etc. The BMW also feels tighter in handling, but that could be due to my heavier steering feel. A bit more nimble than those two heavier cars, that's for sure.

Oh, and I guess one similarity between the E90 and the turbo is the....turbos. Both exhibit very little lag, and I sort of wanted to mod my 335i even more now to get that same kick in the pants that the Cayenne turbo gave me. Felt like being shot out of a catapult, but so smooth.

[CombatNinja]

Thank God someone finally wrote a review comparing a 335 to a Cayenne Turbo. Now I can finally get some sleep...

[vince217]

Apples to oranges.

Come back when you've driven a Cayman and compare it to your 335

[Martin528]

These pretzels are making me thirsty

[rondocap]

Yeah, I know the Cayenne is a bit of a stretch comparison wise - they are still both performance cars. The Panamera is closer, being a sedan.

[iBoost]

you guys are dicks!

[bmwtechray]

i drove a 2012 Cayenne Turbo and i loved it!!!

[MattMD]

335i is the poor man's 911.

[335REGULATION]

Thanks for the comparison!

[mercedes123]

What an excellent comparison review. Could you please do a review of the '13 Toyota Sienna vs the '13 m6. I am having trouble deciding between the two.

[BrazilianBimmer]

This is exactly why they say that BMW owners are such dicks and douche bags.....

[rondocap]

Originally Posted by mercedes123

What an excellent comparison review. Could you please do a review of the '13 Toyota Sienna vs the '13 m6. I am having trouble deciding between the two.

Ha, ok that made me laugh.

[Turb0Surge]

Originally Posted by mercedes123

What an excellent comparison review. Could you please do a review of the '13 Toyota Sienna vs the '13 m6. I am having trouble deciding between the two.

Ahhahahaha I'll give you that one... You made me chuckle.

[theblackmamba]

335i isn't the poor mans 911. You're comparing two completely different cars for different purposes.

[Castle]

Hey, OP is comparing two cars he tested to his own. To me, that's a natural thing to do. I've read posts of guys comparing their rental hyundai on that business trip to their BMW at home. That's what's on my mind every time I drive a car, to compare it to my own. Nothing wrong with that. Thanks, OP, for your contribution.

[PsychoSlug]

Thanks for posting, OP. I was thinking the same thing when I had the opportunity to test drive the Panamera 4. It was a nice car, but it felt good to get back into my E90.

[r3dbimmer89]

Haha Panamera is more a 5/7 competitor. Yeah I agree with your post...I drove a Panamera 4 and also the Turbo. No comparison at all. Even though, the steering feels a little light for my taste. Now moving on to a 911/Boxster/Cayman... no comparison what so ever...blows 335is out of the water. That steering was sublime. But Im referring to the 997/987s though. I heard the experience has changed in the new 991/981s becoming more softer like the F30/F10s.

[aesfah]

Originally Posted by Turb0Surge

Ahhahahaha I'll give you that one... You made me chuckle.

+1

[doubleIN]

if there are any forum members who are air force pilots, I would really like to read a comparison of 335i versus a F-22

[CAPSGOD]

Originally Posted by mercedes123

What an excellent comparison review. Could you please do a review of the '13 Toyota Sienna vs the '13 m6. I am having trouble deciding between the two.

[pits200]

Originally Posted by r3dbimmer89

Now moving on to a 911/Boxster/Cayman... no comparison what so ever...blows 335is out of the water. That steering was sublime. But Im referring to the 997/987s though. I heard the experience has changed in the new 991/981s becoming more softer like the F30/F10s.

I really wouldn't put the boxster way above the 335 in terms of performance. They've made ground over the past few years with the boxster but it's still not a legit porsche.

[335BBS]

Originally Posted by rondocap

Yeah, I know the Cayenne is a bit of a stretch comparison wise - they are still both performance cars. The Panamera is closer, being a sedan.

Both performance cars? One is a huge truck and the other is a large GT cruiser.
There is nothing even remotely similar in this comparison.