Alan A

As an Audi fan, I am somewhat disappointed that most Audi models trail the competition when it comes to power. This situation has been remedied significnatly with the introduction of the A6 4.2/A6 2.7T and the S4, but the regular A4 models continue to trail competing BMW models.

As most of you know already, BMW is introducing a 3.0 in-line six engine with 225 hp for the 2001 330i/330Ci. At he same time, the 2.5 liter engine is getting a boost of 20 hp to 190 hp. Now I know that the 2001 A4 1.8T is also getting a 20 hp boost, but the performance gap between the A4 2.8 and the 330i will widen even more. On top of this, the latest news from Ingolstadt is that the new bigger 3.0 V6 engine for the 2002 A4 will produce (only) 210 hp. Now 210 hp is nothing to be ashamed of, but it still falls shy of the competition. This is OK for an aging design, but a brand new product should set the standard, not chase it.

If you look at the competition, the Lexus IS300 will and MC C320 will both have 215 hp engines, and other Japanese competing models are already above 210 hp (Acura TL, etc.).

Since the new A4 is coming out after the E46 BMW, wouldn't it make sense for Audi to at least match the power and performance of the E46 BMW? Even with similar horsepower rating, Audis are at a disadvantage because of the higher driveline losses associated with the quattro system. Don't you wish for Audi to stop chasing BMW and raise the performance bar?

Thanks for letting me vent? I'm a big Audi fan, but I would like to not have to justify an Audi purchase based on quattro alone.

Anand@4Induktion.com

If you notice, the A4's engine has been around for four years, plenty of time for BMW to work on their engines... I would doubt the 3.0 liter Audi engine is only gonna have 17HP more than the 2.8. If it is then they are not using the engine to anywhere near its potential. Hell, audi got the 2.2l 20v turbo engine to over 600HP back in the 80's!!!!!!! And depeding on where you live, quattro has been known for justifying buying an Audi. Also look at gearing, and weight differences between the BMW and Audis. THis can make a difference in the amount of power needed from an engine. As far as I know, the current 328i uses a 190HP engine, same as the A4 2.8, its competitor. Now where is the big performance gap in that???? True the smaller 3-series engine has more power than the 1.8T A4, but for the price difference you could easily get a chip and blow it away anyday of the week. Price is also a major consideration in all of this. Look at the differences in prices between the BMW and Audis.

I had to vent also<p><a href=" http://sdaoc.sixmillion.com/aas"><img src=" http://sdaoc.sixmillion.com/aas/adhandaregpicnew.JPG" border=0></a>
<a href=" http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=4928">Registry Entry</a>

Alan A

The current BMW 2.8 engine makes 193 hp, 3 hp more than the A4 2.8 engine. Whilke on paper the two engines have simialr specs, the BMW is clearly superior is delivering a borader torque range. By all magazine accounts, the 328i is quicker by 0.5-1.0 second in 0-60 than an A4 2.8Q. Part of the BMW advantage lies with the lighter body, but the stronger engine is also a contributor.

As far as the output of the new 3.0 Audi V6 goes, I've seen it reported as 210 hp in several magazines.

The weight and drivetrain losses are negative aspects of the quattro system. I'm sure where you live, quattro alone may justify the choice of an Audi, but here in sunny southern California, quattro is a much smaller factor. I would have rather had a choice of a RWD A4 with a lighter body.

Anand@4Induktion.com

Was enough to convince us to buy 4 Audis(three with quattro). I didn't think that the 328i did 0-60 in 6.2 seconds. True that the quattro system does loose a good bit more power than a RWD system but its traction benefits also must be taken into consideration. I don't mean just in fowl weather, hell even in our 2.8 i could get the car to spin all 4 wheels in the rain. But in certain situations such as the outside of a corer with the ability to put your foot on the gas earlier/farther than on a RWD system due to traction reasons

I must admit that BMWs are good cars, and I have nothing against them(unless they have something against me).<p><a href=" http://sdaoc.sixmillion.com/aas"><img src=" http://sdaoc.sixmillion.com/aas/adhandaregpicnew.JPG" border=0></a>
<a href=" http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=4928">Registry Entry</a>

av_audi

You need to compare by price and not order in the model lineup. The A4 2.8 should be compared to the 323i, not the 328. And always remember, in Europe, you have the 320i, 318i, and 316i.

Alan A

I think in Europe the A4 2.8 quattro costs about the same as a 328i. It's only in the U.S. that the pricing is in A4's favor. You are correct in the sense that the S4 is perhaps closer in price to the 330i than is the A4 2.8 quattro, but I think it's natural to compare the models with the same engine displacement. You should also keep in mind that while the 328i costs more than the A4 2.8Q, it also has better resale value. Tehrefore, cost of ownership is not that different.

P. Sev

I have a 97 328is and my wife has a 97 A4 2.8 Quattro, so I can speak from personal experience driving both cars extensively. In my view, the styling and interior and ride comfort in the A4 are superior to the E36 BMW (I haven't driven the new E46's, so I can't comment). However, in the power department there is no comparison - the BMW simple leaves the A4 in the dust. There is a significant low end torque difference between the two and the BMW has far superior acceleration, especially off the line, as a result. I haven't timed it, but after driving both of them, it wouldn't surprise me if the BMW 328is beat the A4 by a half a second to a full second in the 0-60.

Having said all that, when there is snow or rain on the road, I'd much rather be in a quattro than a rear wheel BMW. In fact, even when the road surface is dry, at high speed, I think the A4 Quattro corners better.

In short, I think it is difficult to compare, because from driving them, in my opinion, they're two completely different kinds of cars - the E36 BMW is more of a pure sports machine, while the A4 is more of a balance between sport and luxury/comfort. I can say that I'd rather take a long trip in an A4 than a E36 BMW, as it just seems so much nicer of a ride to me.

Anyway, my two cents, sorry for the length.

FormulaDude

A well equiped 328i is almost as much as an S4, so actually the Audi does compete.<p>--
Now: '95 Firbird Formula 5.7L V8
Future: A4 1.8T (chipped)

mark mahadeo

<p>'00 1.8TQS Tip, no mods (yet...)

Milhouse

I think the 97 2.8 didn't use the 5-valve heads yet so it was only making around 170hp (from what I recall). The 5-valve 2.8 has more power but still trails a 328 in performance.