2008 BMW 1 Series

We're all clamoring about the 135i, but can you blame us? The surprising power delivery and cornering capability of the BMW make it hard not to. But while the 135i is the focal point of the 1 Series offerings in the U.S., the 128i is the more sensible sibling with similar attitude. We were impressed by the 128i when we first drove it and now that we've tested the cheapest BMW available, we can show you how it stacks up against the competition and its twin-turbocharged brother.

Removing the turbochargers may subtract 70 horsepower from the straight-six, but overall weight drops 200 lb. With 230 horsepower to move 3228 lbs, the 128i hustles to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and through the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds at 96.1 mph. The coupe also stops from 60 mph in 108 feet; only three feet longer than the last M3 we tested. Mind you, the 135i grabs its rotors the same way and accelerates about a second quicker -- 4.7 seconds to 60 mph and through the 1320 in 13.3 seconds -- but that additional speed costs $6,300. The 128i starts at $28,600 while the 135i begins at $34,900.

Price wise, there's really no direct comparison to the 128i. Mazda's RX-8 is the closest, providing the basic engine-in-front-thrust-to-rear drivetrain layout of the 128i. The Mazda also has about the same legroom in the rear (none) and it's about $1,500 less. The difference is made up in power; where the 1.3-liter rotary spins itself up 159 lb-ft of torque, the 128i serves 200 lb-ft. This shows in acceleration, as the RX-8 takes three-tenths of a second longer to get to 60 mph. The 128i provides more grip too, circling our test track at an average 0.89 g, while the RX-8 only produces 0.84 g.

Not that anyone's likely to cross shop the two, but a Mustang GT Premium costs $300 less than the BMW and runs to 60 mph four-tenths faster (5.3 seconds). But that block of Detroit iron has a tough time holding its weight around the bends and it can't match the interior quality of the Bavarian coupe. An Infiniti G37 Sport can do both, and it's two-tenths faster to 60 mph (5.4 seconds), but costs $36,200. That's already $1,300 above the price of the much more potent 135i.

Thanks to a sport package which stiffens the suspension and adds more rubber, the 128i feels fluid and composed around mountain roads. During less spirited driving the 128i makes for a competent commuter, achieving 18 and 28 miles per gallon in the city and highway which betters the 135i's 17/25 city/highway mpg.

Many made complaints about the pricing of the 128i, though after comparison it appears that this compact is in a class of its own, factually and figuratively. It works well as an inexpensive alternative to the 135i, and the owners of this capable entry-level coupe won't be missing the turbochargers at all.