Re:A4 vs 164

[Lawrence.Gowin@domain.elided]

This thread may be getting a bit old, but I feel I should chime in.  I've
had a 2000 A4 for over 2 years now.  It is a 1.8 turbo quattro, with the
factory sport suspension.  It is brilliant yellow and thus one of the
easiest cars to find in a parking lot.  A number of Alfa enthusiasts have
driven my Audi and they've all commented that it is a fun sporty car to toss
around.  The one complaint that everyone has had is that the steering lacks
feel and usually the words "...for the money..." are used at some point in
comparing it to an Alfa.  

My biggest complaint is that I see them everywhere.  I'm sure a lot of
people on this board can relate to this, and it sometimes really bugs me
that I drive a common car.  I've thought countless times about selling the
A4 and getting a 164.  The Audi would be better in the snow, more reliable
(no flames please, its newer, has a great HVAC system, and solid electrics),
and safer (dual front airbags, side impact curtains, etc).  However it lacks
the engine note and distinct styling of the 164, though I think the A4 is a
handsome car.  Having driven a few 164s, the one thing that strikes me is
the size of the Alfa.  It feels and drives like a bigger car.  I prefer the
feel of small to midsize cars.  

There are a lot of points to keep in mind in comparing an A4 with a 164, the
biggest being that these cars were aimed at different market segments.  The
164 is a more logical alternative to an A6, though given the number of late
164s they aren't true contemporaries in the US.  I may still get a 164 one
day, but the Audi is a great alternative until the new Alfas show up.

Cheers,
Lawrence
'71 GTV

Lawrence Gowin
Level (3) Communications
lawrence.gowin@domain.elided
Office:	(720) 888-1234

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