Avdh - my comments were specific to Mikey's question.....
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Avdh - my comments were specific to Mikey's question.....
5301 with sport package Vs. A6 2.7T.
I personally believe that the 5301 sport provides the finest allround driving experience of any 4 door sedan (except perhaps the M5 - I haven't driven one) - not necessarily the most performance, but the best balanced.
It is a combination of a lot of factors, steering, roadholding, handling, ride. Nothing betters this particular BMW in the way it handles all road conditions (except snow and ice). In particular, it excells at transitions from one state to another - braking, accelerating, turning, etc. This gives the driver a lot of confidence, and satisfaction. Enough for most people to ignore its shortcomings which are a woeful lack of style (remove the kidneys and the blue and white badge and it is just another car), and the cramped interior and poor build quality (compared to the Audi).
I love my 2.7T, upgraded with 17" wheels/tires, Eibach springs, and Koni shocks - it is a blast to drive - but I often find myself wishing it drove like a 530i sport. Not that I wish I had a 530i, I much prefer the Audi overall, but I can't deny that the BMW is the better driver's car.
I won't get into the M Vs S argument right now, but my last car before the Audi was the previous generation M3. It was the most fun car to drive I ever had including other MB, Saab, Fiat, Renault, Citroen, and Alfa Romeo (sorry April).
I personally believe that the 5301 sport provides the finest allround driving experience of any 4 door sedan (except perhaps the M5 - I haven't driven one) - not necessarily the most performance, but the best balanced.
It is a combination of a lot of factors, steering, roadholding, handling, ride. Nothing betters this particular BMW in the way it handles all road conditions (except snow and ice). In particular, it excells at transitions from one state to another - braking, accelerating, turning, etc. This gives the driver a lot of confidence, and satisfaction. Enough for most people to ignore its shortcomings which are a woeful lack of style (remove the kidneys and the blue and white badge and it is just another car), and the cramped interior and poor build quality (compared to the Audi).
I love my 2.7T, upgraded with 17" wheels/tires, Eibach springs, and Koni shocks - it is a blast to drive - but I often find myself wishing it drove like a 530i sport. Not that I wish I had a 530i, I much prefer the Audi overall, but I can't deny that the BMW is the better driver's car.
I won't get into the M Vs S argument right now, but my last car before the Audi was the previous generation M3. It was the most fun car to drive I ever had including other MB, Saab, Fiat, Renault, Citroen, and Alfa Romeo (sorry April).
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I think the handling difference is only a marginal advantage for the 530...
To me the handling feel was only somewhat better than my sport package with 16" wheels. I've driven the 2.7T with 17" P-Zeros and that combo beats the 530 sport. Add the advantages of Quattro and the only advantage the 530 has is throttle response and that can be overcome by just learning the characteristics of the A6 throttle.
Unless you just like the ability to easily induce oversteer the 2.7T is a much better car both from a handling and value standpoint.
As an aside, I've driven the 330i with the sport package and it is much better than the 530i. I would buy a 330i over the 530i as the 530i doesn't get you that much room in the backseat or trunk.
Unless you just like the ability to easily induce oversteer the 2.7T is a much better car both from a handling and value standpoint.
As an aside, I've driven the 330i with the sport package and it is much better than the 530i. I would buy a 330i over the 530i as the 530i doesn't get you that much room in the backseat or trunk.
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BMW DSC Vs Audi Quattro
Guys this may raise some eyebrows. Firstly, I have both the Audi A6 2.8 and a BMW 330i and believe I have a balanced view.
EXCEPT WHEN Applying POWER TO WHEELS, Quattro may not provide any advantage over a well designed Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). I am not saying DSC is better it just depends on the design. According to BMW tests the 528 outperformed (did not skid off the course) the Volvo AWD,Audi A6 Avant, Lexus RX 300 in 3 tests (curve with ice/quick avoidance swerve and slalom). I have seen the video on the BMW CD (just came in the mail after I bought my 2002 330i). I have not seen all the test details so I do not fully buy this. However, the limiting factor in these performance tests is friction (do not need power. To avoid getting out of control, the better design will win.Again, clearly when you need power on ice/snow quattro will be better.
EXCEPT WHEN Applying POWER TO WHEELS, Quattro may not provide any advantage over a well designed Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). I am not saying DSC is better it just depends on the design. According to BMW tests the 528 outperformed (did not skid off the course) the Volvo AWD,Audi A6 Avant, Lexus RX 300 in 3 tests (curve with ice/quick avoidance swerve and slalom). I have seen the video on the BMW CD (just came in the mail after I bought my 2002 330i). I have not seen all the test details so I do not fully buy this. However, the limiting factor in these performance tests is friction (do not need power. To avoid getting out of control, the better design will win.Again, clearly when you need power on ice/snow quattro will be better.
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OK, Quattro + ESP...
The 2001 A6 comes with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) that is basically the same as DSC. Did the BMW test include an A6 with ESP?
Quattro (Torsen) provides no advantage unless there is power applied. ESP works pretty well. (I've informally tested it :-)
Quattro (Torsen) provides no advantage unless there is power applied. ESP works pretty well. (I've informally tested it :-)
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