Aramation Auto

bizjournals finally released its study on the 10 best and worst commutes in USA. Top worst commute isn’t a surprise as NYC is oftenly regarded as the commute by others regardless of the study: the fact that Manhattan is an island connected to the rest of the city by tunnels and bridges creating bottlenecks don’t help either. A surprise on the list is Boston, which I was sure would rank higher than 9th place, especially given the problems related to the Big Dig.

10 worst commutes

1. New York City
2. Washington D.C.
3. Atlanta
4. Chicago
5. Riverside-San Bernadino
6. Baltimore
7. Bridgeport-Stamford
8. Miami-Fort Lauderdale
9. Boston
10. San Francisco-Oakland

10 best commutes

1. Omaha
2. Buffalo
3. Tulsa
4. Rochester
5. Dayton
6. Fresno
7. Oklahoma City
8. Milwaukee
9. Grand Rapids
10. Salt Lake City

Both 2008 BMW 535xi and 2007 Infiniti G35x offer similar size with similar performance: BMW’s offering is slightly better and is more performant as well. How do these vehicles compare in price?

535xi vs. G35x - Price

To select similar configuration, G35x was equiped with Technology Package ($1,100), Premium Package ($2,300) and Navigation Package ($2,150), and 535xi was priced with Rear-door mounted side impact airbag ($385), Active Cruise Control ($2,400), Premium Package ($2,100), Cold Weather Package ($750), Comfort Access ($1,000), Navigation system ($1,900), Satellite radio ($595) and Logic7 Sound System ($1,200).

Fully loading G35x meant inclusion of Rear Spoiler ($550) and Sport Package ($1,100) whereas 535xi was upgraded with Sport Package ($1,300), Night Vision ($2,200), Heads-up Display ($1,200), Rear Seat Heating ($350), Split Folding Rear Seat ($475), Power Rear Sunshade ($575) and Lane Deviation Warning ($500).

It’s clear no one (or virtually no one) will purchase a fully loaded 535xi… but if you do, you’ll receive far greater upgrades of technology currently not available on the G35x such as Heads-up Display and Night Vision.

Ultimately, if money is no object, then the choice is clear: it is BMW 535xi. However if you put both brands on equal footing and compare these cars, then G35x is a far superior value. Then again, if money is no object, why get just a BMW 535xi instead of something more exotic and less mundane?

Gas-electric hybrids are becoming increasingly popular even though it does not make economic sense to opt for a pricier hybrid than equivalent gas model. However they give you a green image, make you feel like you’re contributing to saving the environment, and some authorities give you a tax break as well.

Now an advocacy group for the blind have completed unscientific tests specifying that they pose a health risk to the blind as they cannot hear the hybrids when operating in electric-only mode. Some are arguing for mandatory minimum noise legislations (really?). While I understand the need to protect the blind, I find argument for an artificial noise generation pretty weak: there are many things on the road that are virtually silent and could cause problems for the blind, and some of the attraction for the hybrid is its near-silent. Noise is also a serious pollution that people in big cities must deal with, and hybrid offers some reprieve in that aspect too.

Instead of making hybrids noisier, carmakers and governments should find innovative ways to ensure blind persons do not collide with cars in general.