What does everyone think about this car? I am deciding between the Audi and a SAAB 9-3. Please give me your opinions!!! I want the versatility of a hatchback or wagon - I wish the A4 had a hatchback!!

IMO, the trunk space in the A4 is large enough to stuff almost anything you can in it. If needed, you can always fold the seats down. Now, if you want a wagon... I think nothing beats the A4 Avant. It looks better than any other wagon on the road. Better balance than in sedan form! <br>My co-worker just got a '99 9-3 a month or two ago... he complaints about how much slower it feels compared to his former 9000 turbo (R.I.P.) - even with the power increase of the 9-3. I don't know, maybe he is expecting too much. Eitther way, both car manufacturers have improved greatly since the 80s and early 90s. It all comes down to what appeals to you the most. <br>Personally, when I see his 9-3 and my A4 parked side-by-side in the parking lot... I am so much more pleased with the design and form of the A4. <p>Cris<p>

Since this has been reposted twice, it's best to drive both cars and decide for yourself... Since this is the A4 forum, we're pretty much impartial to A4's. The Saab is made by GM, and doesn't have that native Saab "feel" it used to (even with the quirky ignition). The wood in the higher-end cars looks taped-on, the engine is a powerful 4-cylinder, and the resale value is poor. Aside from that, it's a great car.<p><br>-josh<br>98.5 2.8qms

Most people on the board will naturally be swayed to the A4, but I can offer you experience on both.<p>I have a '97 1.8TQM with "wett" chip and eibach/koni suspension<br>My wife has a '99 9-3 manual 5-door.<p>She may have the newer car, but I NEVER fight for her keys! <p>As a driving and car enthusiast...my biggest complaints about the Saab are lack on low end torque, abundance of turbo lag, and torque steer. Off the line acceleration in just anemic, unless you drop the clutch around 2000-2500 rpm. The sudden burst from the turbo, starting at around 2500-3000 may seem like a lot of fun, but it gets old and I just prefer a smoother torque curve with ooomph at the low end where I need it most.<p>From a handling perspective, the A4 with the factory Sport Package is far superior to the Saab. With quattro, you won't have to contend with torque steer and you'll have all the benefits of<br> all-wheel drive.<p>I personally cannot get comfortable in the driver seat of the Saab, though my wife has no complaints.<p>I do concede that the Saab is quieter when accelerating and at cruising speed. And the cargo are is enormous! If we were going on a long road trip, I would pick the Saab as long as I wasn't driving!<p>My recommendation would be to go with the A4 Avant 1.8TQMS so you'll get the versatility of a wagon (IMHO the best looking wagon available), a great engine that can be easily modified for more power, a great handling sport suspension, and the security/performance of quattro!<p>Now if you don't care about any of the things I complained about in the Saab, you'll have a tougher decision.<p>BTW, we don't regret getting the Saab...in fact my wife LOVES it! But, she isn't quite the enthusiast that I am.<p>Dave<br>

One thing I found with the Avant is that while it has more height through to the front, it actually has less width in the trunk area than the sedan. I tried to put my golf clubs and big fat wheel pull cart in the Avant and it wouldn't fit without folding the seat down but it would fit in the sedan without the seat down. This was because the Avant has more closed in areas on the sides that are used to keep the CD changer etc out of view. In the sedan these areas aren't closed in because the trunk lid keeps them out sight. But if you were trying to put a bike in the car, an Avant might be better. So I'd take along your typical "haul" and see how it fits.

I have a 98.5 1.8TQMS neuspeed with McNeil liner for the trunk and easily pack my my road bicycle and gear with the seats folded down. I have also gone fishing with a friend with all of our gear with no problems. Seems to me the Avant would take care of most reasonable hauling jobs and I agree is is the best looking wagon around. Get the 1.8T and chip it etc.<p>JohnB