How Fast Will Cars Get?
Discussion
Hi all,
Due to the recent adverse weather conditions I have been driving a Vauxhall Astravan for over a week. When I then stepped back into my BMW 320d I was struck by how much quicker it was. I've never really thought it was a fast car but a week without it reminded me it is pretty quick for a normal car.
Bearing in mind the 320d is the de facto replacement for the 318i from about 10 years ago there's a big step in terms of performance isn't there? As each model comes out it will be that bit quicker and more powerful than the last. When the E46 318i came out it had 118 BHP but a 320d ED has 161 BHP and is considerably quicker by all measures.
Will this continue forever? Could we ultimately see in 2020 a 3-Series that does sub 6 second 0-60 times?
Due to the recent adverse weather conditions I have been driving a Vauxhall Astravan for over a week. When I then stepped back into my BMW 320d I was struck by how much quicker it was. I've never really thought it was a fast car but a week without it reminded me it is pretty quick for a normal car.
Bearing in mind the 320d is the de facto replacement for the 318i from about 10 years ago there's a big step in terms of performance isn't there? As each model comes out it will be that bit quicker and more powerful than the last. When the E46 318i came out it had 118 BHP but a 320d ED has 161 BHP and is considerably quicker by all measures.
Will this continue forever? Could we ultimately see in 2020 a 3-Series that does sub 6 second 0-60 times?
mc_blue said:
Hi all,
Due to the recent adverse weather conditions I have been driving a Vauxhall Astravan for over a week. When I then stepped back into my BMW 320d I was struck by how much quicker it was. I've never really thought it was a fast car but a week without it reminded me it is pretty quick for a normal car.
Bearing in mind the 320d is the de facto replacement for the 318i from about 10 years ago there's a big step in terms of performance isn't there? As each model comes out it will be that bit quicker and more powerful than the last. When the E46 318i came out it had 118 BHP but a 320d ED has 161 BHP and is considerably quicker by all measures.
Will this continue forever? Could we ultimately see in 2020 a 3-Series that does sub 6 second 0-60 times?
I don't think everyday cars will get any quicker. Economy emmisions seem to be where manufactures are concentrating. A long time since I've been asked 0-60 speed of anything, most cars seem quick enough.Due to the recent adverse weather conditions I have been driving a Vauxhall Astravan for over a week. When I then stepped back into my BMW 320d I was struck by how much quicker it was. I've never really thought it was a fast car but a week without it reminded me it is pretty quick for a normal car.
Bearing in mind the 320d is the de facto replacement for the 318i from about 10 years ago there's a big step in terms of performance isn't there? As each model comes out it will be that bit quicker and more powerful than the last. When the E46 318i came out it had 118 BHP but a 320d ED has 161 BHP and is considerably quicker by all measures.
Will this continue forever? Could we ultimately see in 2020 a 3-Series that does sub 6 second 0-60 times?
mc_blue said:
Will this continue forever? Could we ultimately see in 2020 a 3-Series that does sub 6 second 0-60 times?
I thought we already had sub 6 second 3 series (330d) 
2ltr petrols were doing around 9 to 10 secs 0 to 60 back in 80/90s with about 115/130 bhp, but things like catalytic converts and safety started adding weight so power went up with out a huge gain in speed.
What has changed dramatically is diesels - you were probably looking at 2ltr diesel doing 11 to 12 seconds 0 to 60. With modern turbo charged diesel engines you are seeing similar power and considerable more torque for same size petrol engine.
I wouldn't like to predict how much faster they will get - but I expect some other regulation to put the brakes on gains
An E90 or F30 320D has broadly the same acceleration as an Aston Martin DB4 or a normally aspirated Porsche 944, and close to an early Audi Quattro: around 0-100mph in 20 or 21 seconds. Top speed depending on exact model is between around 141 and 147 mph, fully in line with those older cars (actually a bit faster)
An LCI facelift E90 does 0-100 in 15 dead, the same as an early 535D A new F30 330D does 0-100 in well under 15 seconds, I think Autocar clocked it at 14.2, which is better than a 4.2 E-Type or a 944S: about the same as an early 80s Porsche 911SC, or quite a lot of the better Porsche 928 models. Within a few tenths of a Ferrari 328GTB. Limited to 155 but would go a lot faster.
"Ordinary" cars have never been faster, and I see no present sign of them becoming slower.
An LCI facelift E90 does 0-100 in 15 dead, the same as an early 535D A new F30 330D does 0-100 in well under 15 seconds, I think Autocar clocked it at 14.2, which is better than a 4.2 E-Type or a 944S: about the same as an early 80s Porsche 911SC, or quite a lot of the better Porsche 928 models. Within a few tenths of a Ferrari 328GTB. Limited to 155 but would go a lot faster.
"Ordinary" cars have never been faster, and I see no present sign of them becoming slower.
Edited by Lowtimer on Sunday 27th January 17:22
Edited by Lowtimer on Sunday 27th January 17:30
I was pondering this with a friend the other day,
My old 323i Coupe had 170bhp. Not a slow car really.
The current 320d has the around same bhp and a boot full more torque too. Considered 'normal'
Hot hatches from my youth had 100bhp or so, nowadays they're closer to 200- 250bhp!.
Its all relative, and improvements in technology will undoubtedly lead to 'everyday' cars being getting quicker. I don't think it will get much sillier, not many non 'car people' want to drive around in 300bhp cars all the time!.
My old 323i Coupe had 170bhp. Not a slow car really.
The current 320d has the around same bhp and a boot full more torque too. Considered 'normal'
Hot hatches from my youth had 100bhp or so, nowadays they're closer to 200- 250bhp!.
Its all relative, and improvements in technology will undoubtedly lead to 'everyday' cars being getting quicker. I don't think it will get much sillier, not many non 'car people' want to drive around in 300bhp cars all the time!.
As an old fart my first cars had 50- 60 bhp on a good day; but things such as an MG Midget were huge fun - oversteer everywhere on v little power. Light weight and great steering. My Yeti TDI has about the same performance as an Austin Healey 3000 except it has more grip and better brakes; my Seven- old design , young engine - accelerates quicker than any car the weeklies tested in 60s including Lambos, Cobras and Ferraris. Things have got sooo much quicker- but not necessarily better to drive...
mc_blue said:
Will this continue forever? Could we ultimately see in 2020 a 3-Series that does sub 6 second 0-60 times?
Who cares about 0-60 times ?The six cylinder 325 does a GPS verified 155 mph (160 mph on the dial)
Quite fast enough really for any practical purpose.
It makes 8 and 12 cylinder cars look a bit pointless, except for
a dwindling band of enthusiasts who like the sound.
Since almost all BMWs are limited to 155 mph anyway, I suspect
it makes the petrol 330 and 335 look a bit pointless too.
Still, there is the 330D and 335D who want a fast diesel.
dcb said:
Who cares about 0-60 times ?
The six cylinder 325 does a GPS verified 155 mph (160 mph on the dial)
Quite fast enough really for any practical purpose.
It makes 8 and 12 cylinder cars look a bit pointless, except for
a dwindling band of enthusiasts who like the sound.
Since almost all BMWs are limited to 155 mph anyway, I suspect
it makes the petrol 330 and 335 look a bit pointless too.
Still, there is the 330D and 335D who want a fast diesel.
Mumsnet is that way ---->The six cylinder 325 does a GPS verified 155 mph (160 mph on the dial)
Quite fast enough really for any practical purpose.
It makes 8 and 12 cylinder cars look a bit pointless, except for
a dwindling band of enthusiasts who like the sound.
Since almost all BMWs are limited to 155 mph anyway, I suspect
it makes the petrol 330 and 335 look a bit pointless too.
Still, there is the 330D and 335D who want a fast diesel.
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