RE: 2001 M3 (or Audi vs. BMW?)

["TM" <mizutanit@mindspring.com>]

Sorry, Jeff,
I wouldn't qualify 50/50 weight distribution and traction control as
factors that automatically make a car fun to drive. Also, I wouldn't
qualify most BMWs as very good all-weather cars. I know a guy who did
a 360 and slid into the median ditch in his M3 when it was just raining,
on the highway, constant speed. His tires are quite new Michelin MXX3s
and he maintains his car immaculately. He also attends PCA track events
so I wouldn't say he's an idiot driver. BMWs can get really sketchy in
poor weather.

I will say that the E36 3 series cars are a lot of fun to drive in the
dry, though. I think the shift linkage, steering feel and seats of these
cars are better than any Audi I've ever seen/driven, including a 4ks,
4kq, 5ktq, Ur-S6, A4, A6 and A8. But I will never take a BMW skiing,
unless that's the only car I have. I'd rather take a Porsche.

If that's weird, so be it.

Regards,
Taka Mizutani
99.5 A4 Avant 1.8TQMS
86 5kcstq (next week)


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-quattro@audifans.com [mailto:owner-quattro@audifans.com]On
Behalf Of Levis-Fithian, Jeff E
Sent: Monday, November 29, 1999 2:52 PM
To: 'Quattro-List'
Subject: Re: 2001 M3 (or Audi vs. BMW?)


This response originally turned into a page length rant about how, in my
opinion, Audi can't hold a stick to BMW when it comes to performance
(acceleration, engine, handling, braking).  But I'd rather avoid the flaming
that would ensue.  So I'll just say that BMWs are very capable all-weather
cars thanks to 50/50 weight distribution and traction control.  Is the Audi
better in the snow?  No doubt.  But for the other 99% of the time, the BMW
is a lot more fun to drive.

</DIATRIBE>

Jeff Fithian
95 A6q

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 28 Nov 1999 18:11:12 -0800
From: "Pat Martin" <mardkins@email.msn.com>
Subject: Re: 2001 M3

Common misperception.  They work real well in the wet when driven by somone
who knows what they are doing.  They are much better balanced than the q's
which has some real advantages.

Pat Martin
86 4000csq turbo, 2 1/2 cat back, H&R-Boge, MC and loving it.  Drilled and
stopping it. Koenig Cobra 16x7 with Yokohama A520's turning it,  K&N and
uh..
84 4000sq  AKA: The beater.
95 subaru legacy
Bothell, Wa