Passat vs BMW

[Matt6481@xxxxxxx]

I think I can look at this one from all angles...
currently driving a 92 325is manual (of course) I can only say that this the
most ideal vehicle imaginable (short of an///M3) and that review comes despite
a leaning towards Porsches. In my past is a Passat VR6 (great car, but a
different animal altogether when compared to the new AUDI Passat) and several
trips in an A4 5 valve and S6. Last week I drove a new A6 with tiptronic, and
I can only say this it is quite disconcerting to be able to smack the tip
lever and count to 4 before the tranny shifts. The new Passat is very much an
Audi-esque car, from its engine to tranny to styling to chassis. I found the
interior sterile, the chassis unentertaining, and the body roll painfull. My
BMW can perform any task I ask of it, from luxury car with a mostly usuable
backseat, to lithe performer, to excellently balanced snowcar (its true, with
a near 50/50 weight balance, anything is possible). 
Thats getting a bit away from the subject though... Quite frankly, the new E46
is a bit softer than the E36, but the sports package with 16 inchers is a nice
touch. E36 comparisons aside, it is light years ahead of the Passat in terms
of the smiles per mile factor. The Passat does not like to search for its
performance limit. VW's have great potential as road cars, but unless you
really want a front driver, the Passat cannot compare to the 323i sedan. 

Good Luck, and no matter what you choose, enjoy!!

Matt

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