john song

I have similar problem as that someone who posted regarding 1.8T and 323.<p>For more than 9 months I was sure that I was going to get a A4 2.8 Quattro/Sports/Manual. I've been reading about A4 for a long time and saved enough money to buy one. Well I am not so sure now, after I test drove a '99 323 this past monday.<p>I finally located a dealer(180 mile from my home) who had a A4 2.8 with Quattro, manual trans, and a sports package today and I test drove it. Only manual and sprots pacakged cars that I could find in town were always 1.8T.<p>The following is what I was impressed with the 323 against A4 :<br>1. I can really understand people's obsseion with inline 6's sound. I really liked the way it sounds.<br>2. 323 was quieter under highway speed (70mph) than A4.<br>3. The body roll of 323 was minial compared to A4.<br>4. I really loved the way 323's manual transmissin drives than A4's manual. I felt like I was driving an automatic. It was smooth w/ no jumpy/notchy gears. <p>But here is my problem,<p>1. BMW 323 is too expensive for me. After all the basic options (Sports package just cost way too much! $2400! compared A4 which is $400!). The price is comparable to an A4 2.8 well equipped!<p>2. E46 does feel more plastic/spartan. I have to pay $500 for the wood trim and still the interrior doesn't look as nice as A4.<p>3. I wanted a top of the line model(i.e. BMW 328 and A4 2.8Q) and it looks like I have to settle with 323 if I decide to go w/ a BMW because 328 is over my budget, close to $40K. I really don't care much for 0-60 time and 323 seems fast enough, but the thought of having another car in the same model (328) with faster speed kind of bugs me.<p>The main problem is that I really felt that the stock E46 w/ Sports package handled better(or at least more fun) than the stock A4 w/ Sprots pacakge(on smooth and dry course, of course). The most noticible problem was that A4's body roll was more noticeable than 323 under sharp turns and made me "feel" unstable. I think the main reason why A4 felt less stable than 323 at high speed turn was due to the a4's suspension (not balance or anything else). A4's sports suspension felt softer than BMW's sports suspension. Is this why you guys go for that coil-over upgrade? Also, the A4's steering seems very light, it felt over power assited, at least to me.<p>If I put a better anti-roll bars and much better tires, would the hadnling much improve(yes, of course, but how much. I am not familar w/ Dunlop SP8000 tires)? I really didn't want to deviate much from the complete stock.I still can't let go of A4 2.8 and the Quattro! It is better value and more luxury, also, I thought A4 handled better in a very tight corners and turns and speeding out of sharp turns.<p>Would 99.5 handles better than 97,98, 99? Shall I wait until it comes out and test drive it?<br>

Josh

If body roll is a concern, spend $1200 (Ronal R-28) - $3000 (pick and choose brand/style) for 17" wheels with 225/45ZR17 tires for the A4. BMW E46 is too expensive in my opinion, and I still like the 30V over the I-6 for price/performance.<p>You can save another $1650 by not getting quattro...<p>Handling of 99.5 should be same as 96-99.0 unless they update the sport package to counter BMW. Suspension on standard car is upgraded, as per marketing material.<p>-josh<br>98.5 2.8qms