Re: A4 vs M3 - JBTDT

[PDQSHIP@aol.com]

In a message dated 96-09-16 20:43:04 EDT, Todd writes:

<< BTW, if you follow this line of reasoning, any A4Q can be said to smoke
 a Porsche Turbo/Ferrari F50-F40/Callaway Corvette/etc, if you are only
 talking about inclement conditions.  IMHO, when most people speak of
 their performance, thay are speaking of dry conditions.
 
 The 6K figure is way low.  How do I know?  I recently drove both cars
 (in the wet mind you) on the same day, and 6K worth of mods will simply
 not get the A4Q to the M3 range (in the dry).
  >>
......   hmmmmm....  And, bob, I will throw a few cents in here as well...
 Just happened to take Dan Bocek's M3 to the Waterford q event, and it rained
all day Saturday and was perfect weather Sunday...  Haven't sat down with the
full report yet, but after the experience, Todd has a very valid point, one
that you may not think to be the obvious:

*  The M3 was definitely one of/the fastest car on the track --- IN THE WET
(michelin Pilots - thumbs up)
*  The M3 was one of the fastest cars on the track - in the dry (michelin
Pilots -thumbs          down)
*  The 50/50 weight distribution of this machine (and RX-7's too btw) with a
limited slip in the rear makes a car that is tough to beat wet or dry
*  It would take a LOT of mods to get the A4 anywhere close to the M3 in
anything other than snow and slush, but might argue (just like my folks
RX7-GSLSE) that the proper tireage in the winter might majorly narrow the
handling gap - tho the why question might come to mind
*  The handling of the A4 from the factory is good, the handling from the
factory on the M3 is superb.....  
*  I drove the M3 hard, and there is no doubt in my mind that 6k spent on the
A4 would make a better A4, but the comparo wouldn't be with the M3.....
*  I do understand the European race standings - tho I would bet some serious
money applies to this argument
*  The M3 doesn't need any mods (ok maybe a supercharger would be in my
sights) to kick serious butt, street or track
*  The suspensions on both cars is awesome (M3 for practical A4 for
theoretical engineering), but the work on the A4 isn't done, IMO

This list is q oriented and is my driveline of choice as well....  But some
serious seat time in the M3 shows where Audi could look at putting some
dollars....  And brakes from the factory that stop like NOW....

More to follow on Waterford soon....

Scott