I haven't got my subscription copy of Road & Track yet, but had to take a peak inside the new issue at my nearby newstand. There are two sport sedan comparison tests. The cover test is a MB E55 against the Jaguar XJR. Then there is a 5- or 6-way test between more affordable sport sedans. The field consisted of the Volvo S70 T5, Saab 9-3 SE, Acura 3.2TL, Audi A4 2.8 quattro, MB C280 Sport, and the BMW 328i sport. I believe the order of finish was as follows:<p>1) BMW 328i<br>2) Audi A4 2.8 qauttro<br>3) Saab 9-3 SE<br>4) Acura 3.2TL<br>5) MB C280 Sport<br>6) Volvo S70 T5<p>The 328i finished ahead of the A4 by a score of something like 95.3 vs. 93.8. The rest of the scores ranged down to just over 90.0.<p>So, chalk up another victory for the E46 328i over the A4 2.8 quattro. I really think they should test the A4 2.8Q against a 323i, since they are more comparable in price. I am sure the A4 will win that competition handily.<br>

I think the reviews are becoming predictable -- E46 chosen since newer, bigger, faster... I'm almost tired of it, and not because the A4 isn't winning. The FIRST REVIEW (Car Magazine (UK) comparing A4 2.8q vs. 328i vs. Alfa 156) came out in the A4's favor, and they generally are big 156 and 328i fans. The interior of the A4 is still classier, the AWD is better in rain/snow, and for a fully loaded car we're talking an extra $9K (note: not exactly apples-to-apples with 17" rims, xenon, controls on steering wheel in E46's favor). Actually, add in a BMW CD changer and you're talking $10K. Point is that the A4 is, in my very BMW-centric mind, a better automobile than the E46. For $42K + luxo tax, today I'd STILL buy an A4 2.8qTs + new computer + lightweight mods (wheels, clear corner lamps, etc.). Or a 528i Sport-Luxury.<p>-josh<br>98.5 2.8qms

Gotta admit, quattro rules, bimmer drools!

I haven't driven the new 328, but I did drive the new 323 vs an A4 1.8T Sport 5spd, and the Audi won handily in all regards, and in real world pricing (ie. what's on the dealer lots), the Audi is a few thousand cheaper. <br>If you have a friend that belongs to BMWCCA (I do so as to be invited to their driving schools), get a copy of their latest club magazine and read the members' assessment of the new 3 series. <br>Bottom line - it was misnamed.. should have been called the 4 series since it more "Lexus-like."<p>But, on the subject of smow, I am getting a subtle message in this forum that would indicate that<br>the Quattro isn't all it should be on the slippery winter roads. Any comments?

Well, it isn't a Jeep by any stretch and is still limited by ground clearance and tire choice -- not too many with "mud" tires on them. And in really icy conditions, remember that 4 x zero is the same as 2 x zero traction.<p>That said, my 1.8TQM has been getting through the conditions here in Michigan better than any FWD car that I've driven in the last 20 years, and WAY better than any RWD car that I've ever driven. I wouldn't take it into 15" of fresh, wet snow, but then I wouldn't do that in most vehicles. Before I owned an AWD, I used to get a kick out of seeing 4WD vehicles getting themselves stuck because they thought they could go anywhere in the snow. Now I'm making sure that I'm not one of them!<p> Doug G<br> 98.5 1.8TQM

Remember that most of the drivers on the forum have 55-series (or lower) tires on their A4s; with a set of M&S's, there is NO VEHICLE on the market today that will handle ugly conditions with as much panache as an Audi Quattro. Period. End of discussion.

At least, that's the subtle message I'm getting. If you're going to drive in snow, get snow tires. Plain and simple. The people with snow tires have been raving about how well their car does with them. The people with quattro that are having trouble are still running on their Z-rated summer tires or all-season tires.<p>Tires have a great (perhaps the greatest) impact on your car's handling and traction and there's no substitute for having the right tires for the driving conditions that you will encounter.<p>You don't use snow tires in the summer. Why would you use summer tires in the winter (where there is snow)?<p>

Please translate M&S<br>

I have to disagree. I think concluding from my own personal experiences and Bob Petruska's postings, that Subaru's system would win in snow/ice situations. The only test that Quattro would come out ahead in would be where tires on one side of the car is on dry pavement and the tires on the other side were on ice. The Quattro can deliver more torque to one wheel than the Subaru, but how often will that happen in real driving conditions. In dry or rainy condtions, I will give the Quattro system the advantage.

It was 328i first, C280 Sport second, Audi A4 2.8 distant third, and Alfa dead last. Another British magazine (maybe Complete Car) did 323i vs. A4 2.4 vs. C240 and 323i won that one too.<br>Admit it, the E46 is a much better car. Technology and advancements don't stand still in 4 years.