Bada Bing

but I just don't understand their whole theme throughout the article that the new A4 is more skewed toward the luxury side than the sporty side. I mean they tested the sportiest stock version of the A4 available (3.0 qms). The standard suspension set-up on the new A4 is supposedly equal to the sport set-up of the previous generation A4, which would lead me to conclude that the sport package versions would handle even better than before. Also, the old car with a 190-hp engine was apparently 0.6 seconds quicker to 60 mph, something I find hard to believe despite the extra weight of the new model.

The sidebar comparison of the A4 3.0 qms against the 330i and X-Type 3.0 was quite telling. How can an automatic 330i can be 1.2 seconds quicker to 60 mph compared to a 6-speed A4?

I tell you this, if I were to make up my mind predominantly based on this test report, I wouldn't even bother test driving the A4 3.0 qms. Even the AWD baby Jag can squeeze out 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. My theory is that Audi models (except the A8) need 10-15% more power compared to their rivals in order to overcome the drivetrain inefficiencies and additional weight of their cars.

I have test driven the new A4 3.0 qms and it did feel quicker and more sporty compared to the old 2.8 qms, which makes me wonder what a rocketship a 5-speed stick 330i must be to outgun this new A4 by well over a second to 60 mph!

One final thought: How is it that BMW automatic models suffer only slight degredation in 0-60 acceleration compared to stick (less than 0.5 second), while Audi's Tiptronic degrades performance significantly more (by > 1 second deterioration)?

EricPA

Their 0-60 times are not even close to those reported by Audi, Car & Driver, and Motor Trend.

3.0L Quattro 6 speed 0-60mph:
Audi - 6.9 seconds
C&D (October 2001) - 6.8 seconds
MT - (February 2002) 7.0 seconds
R&T - 7.7 seconds

Huh, you tell me what does not fit?

Now 7.7 seconds is consistent with 3.0Q Tip 0-60 times. It is the same time listed by Audi. Plus, I got the same numbers this past weekend. See the link below.

Based off the other magazine numbers and my personal experience I feel pretty confident that Audi's 0-60 times for both the 6 speed (6.9) and Tip (7.7) are correct.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/32826.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/32826.phtml</a</li></ul>

Bada Bing

You left out the C&D comparison test: 0-60 in 7.1 seconds

EricPA

<ul><li><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/features/2001/october/200110_roadtest_audia4.xml?&page=2">http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/features/2001/october/200110_roadtest_audia4.xml?&page=2</a</li></ul>

Shaun

And if you look at manufacturer numbers, you'll see that the numbers are very similar. The only significant difference that I see is the $7,700 you save on the Audi...<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/31322.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/31322.phtml</a</li></ul>

a4molloy

Beats my friends 330xi even if we switch cars a4 wins

Audi Junkie

It's a long-held principle. You would notice a diminshed top speed if it was "inefficient".

Bada Bing

I know that's a lot quicker than BMW claims. The first time I saw it in Motor Trend I was sure it was a typo, but they confirmed that number in an editorial reply. Then a second Car & Driver test (comparison of S4, 330xi and WRX) clocked it again in the same 5.7-5.8 range.

4 circles

in the "Test Notes:" section on page 65. "The suspension setup feels softer than on previous models." Since the test car had the sport package with 17" Michelin Pilots, I doubt you could find a production car in the same class with a stiffer suspension. It is also surprising that they make no mention of how the suspension handles while driving. I wonder if they actually left the smooth surface of the California Speedway parking lot.

WTD

MoroBluMTM265

The new A4 (3.0Q) is way overweight, it is almost 400 pounds heavier than a comparable 330i, thus the enormous performance difference.
Is Audi wants o be competitive they will have to:
A- make the A4 much lighter
B- Give it a larger (ie 3.6L V6), torquier engine