Jimmy

<ul><li><a href="http://donp.tzo.com/info/audiad.htm">http://donp.tzo.com/info/audiad.htm</a</li></ul>

Rodney

Yes no question, the BMW is quicker off the line. But that's the only place it really soundly beats the A4. In the handling and braking departments things are much closer (with the nod still going to the 323i). Also, I don't put a lot of weight on 0-60, I'm more concerned with passing (20-50, 60-80, etc.) and things are a lot more even here (again the BMW still wins out). My point is that the A4 is easier to drive well than the BMW. If you miss an apex or get back on the gas too soon, the A4 will cover for you, the BMW requires more of your attention to drive hard. If my decision had been solely based on performance, I'd be driving a BMW right now. Obviously it wasn't, I felt that the BMW's performance edge was not significant enough (and much of it would disappear with a chip) to outweigh the Audi's advantages in other areas.

But, these are two great cars, which is why I always counsel people in this dilemma to drive both for themselves and decide which is right for them. Each has its strengths, and only the individual buyer can decide which set of strengths is right for them.

Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms