I am considering two great cars, but I am having some trouble. I would appreciate any help you can give me. I am considering an A4 2.8 Quattro and a BMW 323i. Do any of you have any extra info on the 99 1/2 model than what is on the mid year changes page? Did they update the interior as well? Any pictures? Comments on the Audi vs. BMW? How do you owners like your cars? I've posted this similar mesage at the BMW E46 page, and hope I can also get helpful info from you. Thank you.<br>

I am going through the same happy agony and at least there are/were 3 more people, those who sent me emai, who is going through the same decision. Nobody seems to know if 99.5's sports suspension will be upgraded or not. The regular suspension will be upgraded. Have you checked out the <a href="http://www.vwvortex.com">www.vwvortex.com</a>? It should have more info about the change.<p>I've decided to hold out until 99.5 comes out. I will test drive it and then decide.<p>good luck,<br> john<br>

<br>nt

This is a natural comparison.. two small Euro 4 doors, semi-luxury, etc.<br>I was not enthralled with the new 323 when I recently test-drove it. It seems much larger and less sporty to me, not nearly as precise and athletic as its predecessor. Of course the A4 can feel that way too (especially the 6 cyl. version) without the Sport package. For my money, get the 1.8 T w/ sport pkg. with 5 speed for true sportiness, the 2.8 Auto w/sport pkg for luxury. But DO get the sport package on your A4.

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FS,<p>I have 97 2.8QM. I have driven 98.5 A4 2.8. I have test driven 99 328 with sports pkg. I have test driven 98 323 convertable. Here is my take on these cars. (By the way there is not much change for the 99.5 A4)<p>First of all, I'll assume you are looking for manual T. and that you are comparing 323 to 2.8 for the price reasons.<p>Audi) Quattro - What a system. Worth every extra pound. You just can't know the feeling of pulling out of a corner with all four wheels working or waiting for a wet slippery day.<p>Audi) Engine - I know people talk about BMW's smooth 6 but I really prefer 2.8 over 323.<p>Toss) Red light drag - I really haven't pushed BMWs (since they were not broken in) but Audi does not have a great first gear ratio. However at highway speeds (above 80mph), 2.8 settles down nicely.<p>BMW) Front design - Great scale down of 5 series.<p>Audi) Nice Butt - Beatiful<p>Toss) Interior - 99 is a vast improvement for BMW but still 2.8 is classier I think.<p>BMW) Steering - Great center feel. Nice feedback. Quattro likes to play on it's own.<p>Audi) Character - I know both are German cars but for me, A4 2.8 delivers more balance and German car tightness than BMW 3 series.<p>Ok, so where do you go from here? What I would recommand is see if you can drive either cars for more than a day. There are so many cars that feel different after just few hours. Drive a loaner or a friends car for at least 5 hours or so. I think you will be happy with decision after that.

First of all, I wouldn't compare the 323i to the A4 2.8. I'd do 323 vs. 1.8T and 328 vs. 2.8, but that's all a matter of semantics. You want drag-strip acceleration, chip a 1.8T to make the 0-60 comparison even...<p>Second of all, drop quattro if you want to save your money. There's $1650 right off the bat.<p>Third, I'd like to see a 323i SELLING for $27K. Add in options (like I did when I priced one out), and you'll CLEARLY be near the $33-35K range - more than my A4 2.8 quattro).<p>BUT, this all comes down to driving pleasure and what car fits you better. I've driven over 3000 miles in an E46 (as passenger, in BMW driving events, and BMW drive-for-the-cure), and I wouldn't trade my A4 for one. Over 28K miles in my first year, my A4 has been trouble-free. If I were to sell my A4, I'd get an A6 or 528/540 first...<p>-josh<br>98.5 2.8qms

323i vs. 2.8 comparison IS pretty much the norm....<p>and its really apple to oranges anyway since they are two very<br>different cars.

electronic front/rear proportioning and Cornering Brake Control, multi-function sport<br>steering wheel, Service Interval Indicator, Car & Key Memory (okay it doesn't fold, big deal), Locking glovebox with rechargeable take-out flashlight, signature drop-down tool kit, wood shift knob, fog lamps, heated mirrors, and in-dash CD.

thousands less at a VW dealer.

I made that very comparison. Wasn't aware I was supposed to send you $1 for the privilege.<br>