Hi folks, looking for feedback/opinions.

I am fairly new to this forum but there's a question I have been dying to debate for months now: why is there (or seems to be) such a difference in car handling between older platforms and newer ones? I mean, with all the technological advances of today's cars, handling should be better today but in my opinion it is not.

I own a B5 2001 A4 2.8 Quattro(5sp) with sport suspension. I have driven this car at 180km/h (110 mph) a few times (not anymore with Ontario highway racing laws...) and once you pass 140 km/h (85 mph), the car literally gets sucked down onto the pavement. Nothing will get it off its course. You can set your cruise control on and put both hands behind your head, and this car will keep a laser-like straight line, regardless of winds, etc.

Back in 2006, I bought a A4 2006 3.2 Quattro (6sp), without sport suspension, and anywhere above 140(85), the computer chis seem to be working overtime to keep the car on the road. I reckoned it was due to the lack of a sport suspension. The car seems to be going through cycles of drifting/returns/drifting/return, in split second successions.

I really felt the difference when I drove my '01 again two weeks after taking delivery and driving my '06. I was supposed to trade in my '01 but refused on the low trade-in amount that was offered. Thank God.

I turned in my '06 back to my dealer once my S4 was delivered.

I took possession of my new 2010 S4 Prem+ on Jan 14, and I am very satisfied with it. I have yet to take it on a long trip but so far the handling at highway speed in the area, is a tiny bit below my expectations, maybe due to trying to get used to the Servo steering feature, which in my opinion makes the steering on the light side.

Would the Drive Assist make a difference?

Any opinion is welcome. I'm curious to see what planet I am from...

Cheers.