BMW/Jetta/Camaro comparison.

[1995Camaro383]

So for the past few months I've been looking for a car to use for my new job. My job requires about 20k or so miles a year, they only pay a set amount per mile so obviously the more fuel efficient the better. Also let me start out by saying I am a Camaro lover, my mom had a '85, then later a '95 which I bought and through 10 years moved out the V6 and moved in a 1st Gen Carburated 383 (obviously a LOT more to it, but not getting into it here). I want a fun car, yet very comfortable, and efficient. I'm only looking to spend about 25k also. Here are the options I've come up with;

- 2006 VW Jetta TDI - 45+ mpg, however they seem to have reliability issues, also not a huge fan of looks, also don't know yet how comfortable for long trips.

- 2009 VW Jetta TDI - 40+ mpg, don't know if their reliability has been solved this would also be an expensive purchase just for the sake of 'practical' <--I hate that word /sigh. Meaning I'm a car guy, it's a Jetta....

- 2007 3-series BMW, 28mpg, I think they are beautiful. Lots of power, 6-speed, handle amazing, supposedly the ultimate drivers car. I've never driven one, can anyone here tell me how they drive and how the comfort is compared to a new Camaro?

- 2006 5-series BMW, 28 mpg, Fairly easy to get with low miles for the price I'm willing to pay, but again how is the comfort and driveability?

- 2010 used V6 Camaro, 30 mpg, I must say after all the MPG research I've done on efficiency the new V6 in the camaro is amazing, over 30 mpg with what? About 260 or so at the wheels? I'm leaning toward finding a used 2010 2LT RS for around 25k the next few months but I'm curious how comfortable they are after being in the big boy seat for 6+ hours. I remember my old '95 getting a little uncomfortable after a few hours.

Sorry about the long post, I'm having a tough decision here, I want to be able to justify to myself and my wife that I can sacrifice the 15+ mpg decrease over the Jetta for a fun, great looking car like a new Camaro. Anyone had a rump in the seat for 4 hours a day for a week?

[2SSARMY]

You won't regret the camaro. I drove my SS 11 hours the first day I got it up to Texas and I still wanted to drive it.

[ART-2008]

I've owned a lot of nice cars. The front seats of the 2010 Camaro are very comfortable, and feel very roomy for a sporty car.

I've owned 4 Corvettes, a Jaguar, a BMW M Roadster, an H-1 Hummer, as well as other cars. The new Camaro has the BEST blend of comfort/performance/handling/mileage of any car ever built!

Buy a V-6 Camaro, it will be the PERFECT car for you!

P.S. A USED BMW! When it needs service, and it will, Your bills will be higher than a Camaro payment.

[1995Camaro383]

Thanks ART, hopefully I can find a used 2LT/RS with low miles that hasn't been flogged. I appreciate your comments, I am directly looking for people that have driven BMW's and the Camaros and can offer a good comparison, I have also heard that repair costs for the BMW's are quite high.

[calmaro]

You would be surprised at what lousy mileage midsize BMW/ Mercedes/ lexus get. They claim mid to high 20's, but in reality you will be lucky to get 19-20 driving easily. Take it from me!

[ART-2008]

95CAMARO383,
Stop in at a dealer , and get a test drive for yourself, better yet, try to test drive both the LS and the LT. I have a 2SS but all versions of the Camaro are very impressive.

You could proably find a new LS in your price range for the price of a used 2LT/RS. Advantages to a new car:

Hey, it's a NEW CAR & you're the first owner (just kidding).

You will have a standard 100,000 mile GM Drivetrain warranty, handy with all of the driving you will do for business.

If you need to borrow money, interest rates are usually lower for a new car. I have a good credit score, and the dealer got me 3.54% through GMAC.

"Poke Around" at a dealership. You may get a pleasant suprise, if not you can always just walk away. Like I said, I am impressed with all versions of the new Camaro. Best Wishes...............Art

[2SSARMY]

Yeah my Benz got like 15mpg, and it was a 3.2L v6.

[1995Camaro383]

Well as 'most' people have only one new Camaro this may be a difficult question to answer, but here it goes; Can anyone compare the leather to base seats as far as long trip comfort, in all weather conditions (very cold in winter, very hot in summer).

[2SSARMY]

The leather seats of the 2SS are amazing. They heat warmers work wonder in sub-freezing temp. and I can sit in the car all day and not get a back ache.

Chevy did wonders with the seats if you ask me.