RA1

After drving an 1.8T a few weeks ago, I had to drive the 323i for a direct comparison. I realize it's foolish to base a comparison of two fine cars on 10 minute test drives, but here's what I think. I'll opt for the 1.8T.<p>The A4 felt quicker due to the low end torque and it also felt much stiffer. I thought for sure the inline six would have felt much more powerful than it did. But the biggest thing that is pushing me to the Audi is BMW's unwillingness to negotiate. When I said that I'd be willing to pay $1000 over invoice the dude laughed and said that I'd be very lucky to get the car for $500 under MSRP. The only option I wanted on the car was the sport package (that's all I want on the A4 as well) and they wanted $29,300. There's no way that car is worth that when you consider you can get an equally equiped A4 for $23,000-24,000 (knowing that Audi works off invoice prices). Now I really want an A4!<p>Any opinions? I can't wait for Car and Driver's upcoming review of these two. I can't see how the A4 could lose, and I'm not just saying that to kiss the collective asses of all you A4 owners.

vic

I'm sure everyone will have their own favourite, especially on a subject like this. In this forum we all opted for the A4 and I'm sure in the Bimmer forum they'll do likewise. The most important thing is that you have chosen something that you really like and that to me is a good enough reason to choose the A4.

Jason

It's really up to you...we'ld be here forever (like some of us anyways =) if we compared and contrasted the cars...it all comes down to your personal opinion and what you like. <p>Jason<br>98.5 1.8T pearlescent

John

I, too, will find the C & D review of the 323i vs the A4 1.8T interesting.<p>Think I can qualified as less biased than most, since I purchased a 323i and my wife (at my urging) fell in love the the A4 1.8T Quattro.<p>I agree that the A4 "feels" faster, but it also feels faster than the A4 2.8 (which is not true). This issue is not nearly as important to me as it is to some on this forum. There are MANY makes and models which are faster in acceleration than either the A4 or the 323i. It was probably the least important element in the choice of my car and my wife's.<p>In normal driving, there is a much greater sense of control with the 323i on dry roads than you get with the A4. The Audi seems to "float" over uneven pavement, while the Bimmer seems to stick to the road like glue. Even in Minneapolis, I think the value of the Quattro is questionable in day-to-day driving. There wasn't a single day last winter where I could have really used Quattro. It carries a fairly heft price in dollars, weight, and performance on dry surfaces. But the wife wanted it.<p>Having owned 5 BMW motorcycles (which also would have been left in the dust by much cheaper Japanese iron.<p>It boils down to this: If you crave the feel of a BMW, you will always compare other cars you drive to them (motorcycles, as well!). I believe most buyers of BMW's bought them knowing full well that excellent cars could be purchased for less, and for which Quattro is available on just one (unless you include the Synchro option on Passat).<p>In my case, I paid S8,000 more for the 323i than the A4. Although I still enjoy my occasional drives in the A4, in the month I've driven my 323i, I haven't once felt I made a bad choice (for my car). Of course, my wife loves here A4 with equal passion.<p>This is an argument which in my mind will not end any time soon. The E46 has definitely upped the ante, but who knows what Audi will come up with in their next incarnation?<p>John

RobP

Is your wife's A4 with sport suspension-it reduces the float.