re: A4 vs 105 GTV

["Hardwick, Robert C" <Robert.Hardwick@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Well, Laurence, you asked!:

I've got an Audi 90 Quattro, the A4's predecessor, as well as a 105 spider
and Alfa 164.  The Audi is my daily driver and it's great in this capacity.
The quattro system is superb in foul weather.

But if I want to get a smile on my face, I drive one of the Alfas,
especially the spider.  It's raw.  The 164's V6 makes lovely music.  Neither
of the Audi's engines is particularly inspiring, although the 1.8t can be
chipped to unbelievable horsepower (time bomb?).   The 2.8 doesn't seem to
be so easy to modify, witness the delay in Audi's own twin turbo'd S6.

If you have to contend with snow, all wheel drive is wonderful, and Audis
are the only spirited cars in the US with this feature.  If you don't, go
with a used 164 for 1/3 the price of an A4 and far more reasonable parts
prices.  Oh, and whatever you do, hang onto the GTV, especially after all
the renovations you've done.

Robert Hardwick, Seattle 

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