kokujin

An A4 is in no class with a Mercedes... no comparison

kokujin

I just think it is funny when people try to compare their cars to cars in other classes. For example, one time on bimmer.org I read a post by someone who said that if you want a four seater convertible, buy a 3 series, if you want a two seater, buy a Porsche 911. Now, the comparison is not made outright but by making the statement this individual attempted to put his/her BMW in a class with Porsches - a humorous proposal at best. I know an A4 could be considered a bargain because you get great styling, interior, cornering, etc. for an entry level price. However, if you leave your car stock and want any kind of performance out of it, you are being had. My friend's 99.5 1.8tq, before he got his apr chip, couldn't handle my other friend's civic, it weren't for the superior handling... that was what I was referring to. I know the two cars are obviously not in the same class, but neither is a 1.8t and even a C-Class Mercedes. There are just so many more features on a MB and more performance (and more money) that the two do not belong in the same class. Anyway, I didn't want to **** anyone off and start a flame war (get enough of that on bimmer.org), I probably share a lot of the same love you do for Audis, I just think my judgment is less clouded by A4 ownership.

Jordan
expecting 330ci in september

larryV

...and prices aside, out of the E46 3 series, the B5 A4, and the current C-class, the A4 is tops in my book. In terms of my definition of a sports sedan that is. MB's are nice, but not my style. I prefer a sporty character over tuetonic luxury. For $40K+ I'll take an S4 over the C-class anyday, easily even over the C43. An A4 not in the same class with MB as far as features and performance? I think not. And no, my judgement is not clouded by A4 ownership... I had an open mind before my purchase having never owned an Audi before... and I'll still have an open mind after I sell my A4 next month.<p><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/larryvsig2.jpg">

myke050

<p><a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=4681"><IMG SRC="http://members.aol.com/lechterbub/sigfile.JPG" border="0"></a>

truth

<p>truth
00' 2.8 Avant QMX
Silver/Onyx, Cold, Conv.,
Side Curtain Air Bags, 35 % tint
Weather Tech Mats F/R + Cargo (DOG)
Debadged

ringo

Their owners might be pissed that lowly Audi gets a switchblade key...<p><img src="http://www.ringosoft.com/car/sc2.jpg"/>SC400, A4 1.8T on order

ringo

"Otherwise, Audi could nickel and dime their options list like BMW does"

Um, I seem to be paying $400 for paint in my 01 A4... sound familiar?<p><img src="http://www.ringosoft.com/car/sc2.jpg"/>SC400, A4 1.8T on order

larryV

$475 for folding rear seats on a 328i (you'd figure that would be standard on a $35K car)

$2900 for the premium package!! (which doesn't even include leather) Gasp! ...to add leather, cough up another $1450!

$500 for wood trim! (standard on base A4 2.8)

$1350 for the sports package (twice as much as Audi's, granted you get 17" wheels)

...it all adds up with the BMW.

Don't you see this? Maybe I'm being a little harsh when I say nickel and diming but look at this as an example:

2001 Audi S4 tiptronic, premium package, cold weather package, bose system, no nav, $41900 msrp

2000 BMW 328i steptronic, <b>comparably equipped</b>, no nav, no ESP $43585 msrp

Even with the $1K price increase, the S4 is less and the bimmer doesn't even have quattro or ESP standard!<p><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/larryvsig2.jpg">

ed4

i think they switched over to the electronic cardridge-like thingies 2 years ago, at least on the E-class and S-class<p>Ed from Troy

early 98 2.8QTip
'01 1.8TQMS

Hydra

How do you like your SC400?