[vancouver335]

I know this is hypothetical at this point but given that traction appears to be a limiting factor with the current 335i, do you think the additional traction of the upcoming 335xi will more than offset it's additional 230lbs (est.) and additional drivetrain loss in how it performs in 0-60?

I'm certain that in the rain the xi would be quicker but I'm not too sure about the dry. You see, I live in Vancouver BC and we get more than our fair share of rain and my c32 with brand new Michelin PS2s is all over the place in the wet. Since I don't want another poor wet weather car, I'm seriously leaning toward the 335xi (when it comes out), my only concern is that it may be noticably slower in the dry.

Any thoughts?

[bzabodyn]

the short answer - no

the major limiting factor from RWD to AWD is not the weight issue, it's actually the driveline losses - an extra 5-10% loss in HP in power higher in the RPM range makes quite a bit of difference... you'll definitely see quicker 60' times, but you'll be caught after the 1/8th mile mark...

I guess I'm not much of the drag racer anyways, so all this talk of traction loss, etc is of no concern to me really - on a road course, I'm going to need that extra torque!

[vancouver335]

True, but I think I'll still wait until I see the 335xi XEDE dyno results before I make my decision. Hopefully the 335xi is out by the summer. If I could get the 335i with a freakin LSD there would be no question.

[bmwzimmer]

Stock for stock Drag strip scenario....
The regular 335i will beat out or tie a 335xi simply because it's a lighter car and you can still launch it pretty effectively. Times will be close but trap speed for the 335i will be faster which means on the street or freeway, the 335i is a faster car.

Xede 335i vs Xede 335Xi
On the street or freeway, the 335i is probably the faster car but on the track, the Xi will greatly benefit from the traction and beat the 335i off the line and through 2nd gear. It will probably do 0.3-0.6 seconds quicker 0-60 but will trap slightly lower than the 335i as once the 335i gets traction in the middle of 2nd gear or so. With Slicks, the 335i will probably get the same times as a 335xi but with higher trap speeds...
All guesses here so don't ask me where I get my info please....

[Robin_NL]

IMO a 335xi isn't as agile on a track and bends as a 335i. BMW is a front engine rwd brand. Normal 'i's are better balanced than 'xi's, trust me.

If we're talking snow or very very wet surfaces, it may be different. But the mass and the added fwd doesn't make the 'xi' the car to beat imo.

Just like a Lotus Exige owner always has to explain to a Subaru Sti owner the difference between GRIP and TRACTION.

4wd is for WRC(rally)cars and gravel/snow.LOL. Wintertyres are the keyword in slippery conditions. A faster accellerating 4wd car on a wet/snowy surface has to come to a halt some time as well. Good tyres are a must.

[vancouver335]

Yes, on the track I'd definitely give the nod to the RWD but the 0-60 and Quarter mile will be a much tougher call. XDrive is supposed to be nearly 50/50 power to the front and rear wheels in first gear and drop to 0/100 at highway speeds so it *may* have less drivetrain loss where it really hurts, in the last half of the quarter mile. I'd be willing to give up a bit of agility if it gives me better and more predictable acceleration under all conditions. I don't care about snow so much but I'd really appreciate better wet weather acceleration than I'm getting in my c32. I just can't see how I can get the kind of traction I want with a 400hp/450lb.ft one legger. A LSD would make this the perfect car!

[Cornhusker]

With the added price of the Xi, you could get a quaife LSD, and that would be best for straight line and track performance.

[vancouver335]

Now you're talking! I just read about a potential group buy for a quaife LSD. That would do the trick for me and would definitely put me back in the RWD camp.

Cheers!