I am really disappointed with this car. Audi made lots of changes and improved lots of things about the car, but they failed to address the only two things really wrong with my 98.5 1.8Tqms.

They made the new A4 HEAVIER.
Weight distribution STILL sucks at 58/42.

I won't be buying this car because even though it handles better and looks better to some people (okay I don't like the looks but I certainly could live with a black car or silver with painted lowers), it is an even fatter slug than my car.

I do think it looks too much like a passat now. I've looked at a new silver 3.0 manual at work for three days now, and I like the distinctiveness of the butt and the headlights, but the rest of the car looks more classy and less sporty.

I want sporty.

Darryl

Must be responding to demand -- or perceived demand.

I guess they figure if you want sporty, you should get an A3 quattro. Which is fine if you live in Europa.

I didn't drive any of them. I don't want a heavier car, period. The 325 is already lighter than the first A4 (3219 lb, 325 manual rear drive - old 1.8T manual, quattro, 3241 lb - new 1.8T Manual, quattro: 3406)

There are plenty of attractive upmarket sedans. The old A4 was a borderline sports sedan, barely making the cut IMO. The new one may handle better, but weight is the enemy, and nose-heaviness really makes it worse.

The major problem with my car is the nose heaviness, making the car lumber around corners. More weight is bad, and leaving the weight distribution as bad as it is is criminal if Audi really expects the A4 to compete against the 3 series.

I'm not saying I wouldn't by an A4 over a Lexus GS or an infinity anything or any other fwd car. However, this car is no longer a luxurious sports sedan. It joins the ranks of sporty cars - like the maxima, the ford probe, etc.

I'll buy a Lexus IS300 before a new A4. But seriously, my next car will be a 3-series. Until then, I love my 98.5 A4, but the car I long for is the 325/330 coupe.

I'm just disappointed, not saying don't buy this car.

Darryl

too bad. How 'bout a 225HP, 6-speed, alloy block, 3000lbs, 1.8tqm coupe? That would be more like it!