[ewodzien]

Now that I have my 335d back, I thought I'd share a few observations after driving three different rental cars during my time without my D.

• Nissan's CVT transmission is impressive. The Altima is a good value.

  No more rubberband driving experience and super high revving engines. The unit in my 2014 Altima really used the torque of the engine efficiently and was very smooth. The Altima got better MPG than my D. All in all, an impressive car for the price.

• Dodge has a superior keyless ignition button

  All cars with keyless ignition should have a start/stop button like the one in the Grand Cherokee I rented. You always know what mode you are in. See the picture below.
  
  
  

• The 2013 NMS Passat is a major step downward in quality.

  Granted, the price of the Passat has fallen and the model I was driving as the bottom trim level- a Passat S. However, everything on the vehicle felt cheap. The plastics are no where near the level of my Mk V Jetta TDI and while it was nice and large spacewise, it felt and drove like a much bigger car- think Lincoln Continental.
  
  Also, the 2.5L engine is thirsty and REALLY down on power. Thank god VW finally has ditched that engine as their base offering. Hopefully the Turbo 1.8L will be a better choice.
  
  To close, I felt that the NMS Passat drove like an appliance and is more plain looking than a Camry.

• The 335D's steering has heavy steering compared to the others.

  I immediately noticed it after getting into my D after an extended absence. Never noticed it before. Of course, my factory sports suspension and 9.5" wide front tires probably add to the heaviness, but I'm not complaining.

-Ed