audi v bmw

["Vikas K. P. Sinha" <vkps@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Long time lurker, first time poster.....

Had to comment on this discussion.  Background: I'm about to order an A4
1.8TQ, for a couple of reasons.  #1, I can't afford a used M3/4, the
true object of my lust, and #2, I personally don't like the E46 323.  

I'm still looking for a used 328 4-door w/sport package, if I find a
suitable one I might cancel the A4 order.  If not, I will be thrilled to
own a car as well-equipped and as composed as the A4.  Will an A4
outperform a 323 on the autocross?  Probably not.  Does the A4 have the
nearly telepathic steering that the BMW enjoys?  No.  

But from a driver's standpoint, IMO, the Audi is nine-tenths the car for
seven-tenths the price, including insurance, and IMO the real-world
benefits of quattro push the A4 over the 323.  Notice I said "IMO".  For
a guy who doesn't street-race and who is a novice autocrosser, the A4
fits my needs.

Remember, folks, there's a lot of damn fine cars out there, and there's
no reason to take the attitude that some on this list seem to enjoy
taking.  Mr. Seigenthaler, you have a sublime car.  My advice to you is
to enjoy it and leave the childish oneupmanship at home.  You may take
this advice or leave it as you will....

>> <snip> The last comparison test between the A4 and the
>> new 328i that I read ( last months Car & Driver), the BMW kicked 
>> the A4's but.  Just wait until you sell your wonderful A4, Audis 
>> are not known for holding their resale value like ........... 
>> ohhhh lets see a.......BMW .  
>> Norm Siegenthaler
>> 97M3	


David D. Beatty writes:

> as I recall, the a4 and the 328 if comparably equipped would have 
> come in at nearly $10k apart.  While informative, I found it to 
> be a stupid comparison.  Should have compared to the 323.  
> Notably, as I recall (read it a month ago), the a4 was VERY close 
> in the overall points tally to the 328, far from getting its 
> "butt kicked".  If tested by the same editors, there's no doubt 
> the a4 would beat the 323.

The C&D article tested an A4 2.8 against the 328, which is a fair
comparison.  You might be confusing the 2.8 with the 1.8T, against which
the 323 is slotted.  In both cases, though, the BMW product is roughly
$2K to $4K more than the comparably equipped Audi.

By the way, the point differential was indeed VERY close -- 1 point.

<snip>

> I'm glad to see audi return.  <snip>  I'd love to see
> audi offer an //M equivalent with quattro.  Then maybe BMW would 
> feel compelled to figure out a way to get the Euro-spec //M3 into 
> the US !!!!!!!  

> David D. Beatty

Audi S4 -- targeted for Summer '99 arrival stateside.  Biturbo engine
produces 265 HP, six speed gearbox, quattro.  //M equivalent enough for
ya?  :^)  

Either this car or an E36 M3/4 are gonna be in my garage someday....


- -vik

------------------------------