I have to admit the Sonata is an amazing *value*. You pay quite a premium for the BMW and that's true. But of course the BMW is a much better sporty car. But you can almost buy 3 Sonatas for 1 335i! And you can actually fit people and luggage very very comfortably in the Sonata, coz it's HUGE. So if that's important to your friend, a BMW is not for him.
But the new Sonatas look pretty decent inside (and out, but it's high off the ground and has small wheels, which kill it). And it comes with more good standard features than the BMW (of course).
The HP is true -- the 325i has always been very underpowered versus *anything* other than the base class of Civics and Corollas. But it gets a lot out of that, and more than that, the engine is a pleasure to drive.
So just admit those things to him and he'll be happy.
