HI Folks,

I'm planning on buying a new A4 sometime soon and I need some opinions from you all.

I've been test driving some of the new A4's and need some input from those with more knowledge and experience. What I've found is that the 3.2L 2005.5 A4 sedans perform far more "sportily" than the A4 cabs. Far more low end torque/acceleration than the 3.0L cabs (either Quattro or FWD). I know that there are a large number of differences between the two cars but the difference is just incredible. Punch the A4 sedan and she just takes off. Punch the Quattro cab and you get a slow, whining acceleration (the FWD seems to be just a small bit better). Is there any chance to see a 3.2L cab anytime in the near future? Will there be a 2005.5 version of the A4 cab? The dealer says no. I don't want to spend the bucks on an S4 but, man, if you're going to drive a convertible (even if it's not strictly speaking a sports car) you sure want it to fly! I guess there's always the TT but I like the room of the A4.

So, does anyone have a guess as to when we might see an A4 cab that performs as well as (or close to) the 3.2L A4 sedan?

Am I being unreasonable in wanting better acceleration (at the cost of an A4)? Is it just me or do others have the same experience with the cab vs the sedan?

If I had to choose a cab, I guess I would get the FWD version. It is ever-so-slightly faster and given the way I drive I don't really need Quattro. The FWD is also a bit less expensive than the Quattro. Any thoughts on this? Does the Quattro offer that much more? I live in sunny Southern California so there is no worry about snow or ice (and generally not that much rain). I also don't drive curvy mountain roads at 100+.

Not to start any flame wars but I test drove a BMW 330 cab and that car was just superb in handling and acceleration. You just don't get the amenities with the BMW (seats were less comfortable, air conditioning was weak, general airflow with top down was poor, stereo poor, std seats are leatherette/vinyl!) unless you pay out the wazoo.


Finally, a pricing question.

I've spoken with a dealer (the first one so far) who will sell me an A4 for a bit less than 1K over invoice. Is this what Audi's are going for?

Well, that's it for now. I'd appreciate all info.

Thanks for your time,
Zag

 

The B7 (2005.5 new style) cab is not out yet. I don't think it is expected anytime soon either. All i've seen to date are a few spy photos of it. You can probably get an Audi for 500 over invoice if you tried hard enough. Don't mess around with FWD. Quattro makes the car and Audi. My first Audi was fwd, and I didn't think I was missing much. Now that I have quattro, I could never go back. It's simply awesome. I've yet to be able to break a wheel loose in any condition.