hakem

I have owned my Audi A4 for 3 years now. Time for a replacement. I was considering 2 vehicles, a new A4 FWD manual, or a 323i.

If I had purchased a new A4 I would have to put shocks and springs in the vehicle, as the sport package is a joke. I would have to chip it, and I would have to get 17 inch wheels and tires. Then you have an acceptable fun to drive sport sedan.

Well I went to drive the new 323i tody at the BMW dealer, and I am sad to say it is perfect from the dealer as is. The suspension is tight, but no harshness. The 5 speed manual should be an industry benchmark by which all others are judged.

The leatherette is a dead ringer for the real thing. There is no visible difference in feel or texture. The only thing missing is the smell.

No need to change wheels as 17's are already a factory option included in the sport suspension package. The wheels are also very nice.

You can lease this car and lease the high performance goodies instead of buying them as you would have to for the Audi.

The car is more expensive than the Audi, but it is a much more refined car in my opinion. A real drivers car. It actually might even be of comparable price after you get done with all the aftermarket goodies for the Audi which it needs.

The Audi has been good to me. But damn that Bimmer is sweet.

Shoe

I actually I went for the 1.8TQMS. The deciding point was the tunability of the 1.8T. I love turbo cars, and the Audi is a great platform for modifications. Quattro was another big factor, because it creates a totally different experience from FWD or RWD. My gf has a 323i so i guess I get the best of both worlds, it really is a great car. i personally think the 323i looks better than the Audi and the engine...it sounds and feels beautiful. No Audi engine can compare to the sweet sound of the I-6 engine.

honestly, if Audi only had the 2.8 engine i would have gone for the Bimmer. Go for the 323i for a change of pace.

Scott

2000 1.8TQMS GIAC

Denver J

Enjoy your new BMW! sounds like you are sold on it.

treerun

AWD rules, I'll be seeing you, or rather you'll be seeing my tail lights on some snowy morning. Me- can't live w/o AWD.

IMHO-everyone has a BMW, not everyone has an Audi. Geezus, I could probably walk from San Jose to Marin County on US101 during rush hour on the roofs BMW's. I like to be different- I've MAYBE seen 10-15 A4 Avants since I got my car a month ago.

Opinions are like a....

Jason H

Enjoy it, it's qualities sound like exactly what you're looking for.<p><a href="http://www.meniscusdesign.com/a4/"> <img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/jasonh_aw_sig.gif" border=0 target="_top"></a>

Dave Griswold

I've never seen a late model bimmer that wasn't sweet somehow...

PSS // Raj

You're right about the sport package. BMW actually understands what "sport" means when you order the sport package. Everytime I see a stock sport 99 or 2000 323 or 328 I say "Damn that thing is a beauty" because it has those 17" wheels and a suspension with almost literally zero wheel well gap in the rear and just great overall aesthetics. It's one thing that everyone has to accept BMW as being the best at.
However, there are a lot of other things that make the Audi a better car IMO, such as the AWD and the unique interior and exterior aesthetic of it. Not a day goes by that I don't turn around after parking my car, look at it for a good 5 seconds and say to myself "I love this car!"
It's a tough decision. I'd definitely have a hard time deciding too.<p>Raj
99.5 1.8T Quattro Tip, 17" Avus Wheels, SmartTire, Eurosport Springs

RickM

....but your post sounds more like you're trying to provoke an argument than it does an honest appraisal of the merits of either car. The A4'a sport package is "a joke"? I don't know anyone...even my local BMW dealer...who would agree with that assessment, given what one gets for the price of it. BMW's leatherette is a "dead ringer" for leather with "no visible difference in feel or texture" from real leather? I've seen it, felt it, sat and driven on it, so I KNOW you can't be serious about that one. 17" wheels are obviously a matter of preference, but the rubber is what's going to make or break the handling. 17" wheels and tires are not "better" than 16" per se. Bear in mind too that you're comparing a FWD and a RWD vehicle, when most people recognize that quattro is one of the distinguishing features of -- and in many cases THE principal reason to buy -- an Audi. You apparently have no interest in what quattro has to offer, so enjoy your Bimmer!<p>Rick
99.5 1.8TQMS

Dave Griswold

Hey, the guy is entitled to his opinions. It sounds like your the one trying to provoke an argument. Damn, cut him some slack.

Jason H

323I sports package(which is $300) more than Audi's, and Whether you order sport, premium, or the combo sport/premium package you get 16" wheels and poorer tires than the Audi OEM Dunlops.

ONLY the 328 has 17's as OPTIONS (stock 16's)

Link to the 323I sport pack items below, from bmwusa.com<p><a href="http://www.meniscusdesign.com/a4/"> <img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/jasonh_aw_sig.gif" border=0 target="_top"></a><ul><li><a href="http://build.bmwusa.com/yourbmw/packages/3series/0270_323i.htm">323i Sport package options for 2000</a></li></ul>