Re: 328i vs. A4 2.8q ?

[Stilian Elenkov <elenkovs@vtls.com>]

Matt & Jenai wrote:
> 
> Hi Mr. Rooke,
> Here are some of the pertinent stats and some comments.
> 0-30 advantage bmw by .3 seconds
> 0-60 ditto by 1.0
> 0-100 ditto by 3.2
> 0-130 ditto by 8.8 seconds
> 1/4 mile ditto 15.8 @ 89 v. 15.1 @ 93
> street start ditto by .6
> 30-50 ditto by 1.9 seconds
> 50-70 ditto by 1.2 seconds
> 70-0 braking ditto by 6 feet
> skidpad ditto .80 v. .82
> lane change manuever ditto 62.1 mph v. 67.9 mph
> Also better gas mileage to boot!
> 
> Quotes pertinent to the performance discussion:
> "...the A4 is much more nose-heavy than the bmw, with 58.6 percent of the
> weight at the front, compared with 50.2 percent.  All this, plus the
> long-travel suspension that makes rough roads so tolerable, conspires to
> limit the A4's performance when driven 10/10ths."
> "the body doesn't feel as tight as the bmw's...it doesn't turn in as eagerly
> or with as much feel...and there's a little less body control (than with the
> bmw)"
> "Additionally the bmw's brakes were significantly better...braking the Audi
> down at the end of the back straightaway at Waterford required a lot of
> pedal pressure."
> "Feels as though there is a lot more grip to work with in the bmw...it has
> none of the vertical floatiness you get with the Audi.  The bmw feels more
> connected tot he pavement and sends more accurate signals to the driver
> 
> They did like the A4's steering  and stick during normal driving (although
> not during hard driving) and they said it handled rough pavement better
> while the bmw reacted with a bit of chatter.
> 
> Obviously both cars are very fine.  The A4 is a tad cheaper and not quite
> the performer.
> 
> Matt Pfeffer

Why did not you mention the tires and wheels used on the cars the Audi
with 205/55/R 16 mushy all season conties and softer suspension with
longer travel and 150lbs more and the BMW with 225/45/R 17 performance
tires.

The tires alone could make up the difference in the handling/braking
department. The acceleration is another story.

Stilian