Audi falls from C&D's Top 10
 

I recently received a copy of C&D's yearly "Top Ten" awards only to learn that the A4 has fallen out of the top ten. The article does give the BMW 328, 540, and roadster a coveted showing.<p>It appears C&D ignores the bang for the buck ratio. I frankly cannot justify paying nearly $6000. more for an equally equiped 328 (328 offers no quattro drive in the performance ratio).<p>In addition, Car & Honda..woops, I mean Car & Driver pays its yearly homage to the Honda Acoord.<p>Give me a break...I think C&D needs to chane its old guard...I smell moth balls...<p>Robert<br>98.5 Silver QMS..oh yeah leather & Bose too

Real price differential between 328i and 2.8Q is about $4,000
 

I once did a detailed cost comparison between these two cars and the real price differential is about $4,000. For example, if you consider sport- package equipped versions of both cars, you need to add the cost of sport seats ($500) and upgrade cost of 17" wheels/tires from 16" (perhaps $1000)to the A4's price to compare the two cars on a fair basis. Also, the BMW has some standard features missing on the A4, e.g. head protection system, audio controls on steering wheel and CBC. You can also get xenon headlamps, in-dash CD and navigation system on the BMW 3-Series. <p>Of course, the big advantage on Audi's side is the quattro system. This could be the biggest deciding factor for some people.

Right about the quattro difference (More)
 

I think you've hit the nail on the head. The new 328i was certainly in my price range but I had a real problem with the lack of AWD. If the quattro of my new A4 saves me just once from having to put on chains/cables, it's well worth it. I'm just not a good enough driver to appreciate the non-AWD advantage (?) the 328 has over the A4. <p>Also, 3-series BMWs are as common as Accords. If I hadn't gone for the A4, I think I may have bought a 6-speed 540i. Still not as good looking as the A4, 'though.<p>Lastly, does BMW - or anyone - have a sport steering wheel that's as nice as Audi's? <p>fergus

The BMW 3-spoke wheel is nice too
 

I have only seen it in pictures, but it looks as nice as Audi's and it includes audio control buttons. However, the BMW 3-spoke wheel is only available as part of the sport package.<p>Quattro is not a huge factor in Southern California. If I go for an A4, I am somewhat more inclined to go with a FrontTrak car for cost and weight considerations. Out here in the LA area, I see at least 50% non-quattro A4's on the road.

Re: I got it yesterday and......
 

I was very upset when I saw the cars they had chosen. OK BMW deserved to be there but so was Audi or at least the Bettle, give me a break Car and Driver!! The Bettle deserved to be there more than some other cars!!<p>Oscar<br>97.5 1.8TQM