bhp – Power (Audi S5 V8) vs. Handling (BMW 335i – E92)

Power versus Handling

Depending on your current status, you could be a family man looking for a good size set of wheels to fit the family in. Or you could be a thriftier looking for the most economical solution. You could also be one to only consider a babe magnet which in most case, point you in the direction of coupes. Whichever you are, comes one of the factors most car buyers would consider when comparing available options; power versus handling.

Power in most relative terms to a driver centers around acceleration off the line, torque and perhaps the ease of overtaking on demand. One would think that the larger an engine capacity, the more powerful the car. Often overlooked, a more powerful engine though delivers better power delivery may not always mean better power delivery. The question on power to weight ratio comes into play.

Handling on the other hand refers to how nimble to car is. In the hands of a good driver under the right conditions (not on public roads please), there is relative ease in throwing the car around on the track. The more common attributes of a car that handles exceptionally well includes the ability to take corners at higher entry and exit speeds. For the boy racer, these are important attributes of a car. Though it is not something we look forward to, a car that handles well might just be your saving grace in pulling you out of a sticky situation.

So in a situation of power versus handling, which would you choose? Nothing beats the feeling of a snarling engine under the hood. The burst in power as you the floor the accelerator can be exhilarating if you do not care for the extra dollar of fuel you burn up in a 5 seconds burst and say “eat my smoke” under your breath. Having a good grip and feel of the road conditions via feedback more often than not results in more confidence and better anticipation. This might just be all that is needed all that is need to make one feel like the ‘king of the road’.

Given the advancement in technology, it is not too difficult to have the best of both worlds at a reasonable price in modern automobiles. So, creature comforts aside. If having an average Joe ride is not going to satisfy you, what will you pick? 50bhp more? or 100kg less than the competition.

Fifth Gear – Audi S5 V8 vs. BMW 335i Shoot-out:

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For me, this is no easy question either. When the clouds settle, I might just find myself leaning more towards handling in hope of a lighter car translating to better fuel economy.