I have owned a 1995.5 S6 for the last 2.5 years and am interested in getting a 4-seat convertible. The A4 and 3-series are at the top of my list. Having examined both cars (see my post below on examining an A4 Cab) and driven the 3-series, I have a few questions on various topics that I would like to throw before the forum as I continue to compare the two.

1. CVT. I generally prefer a manual shift but like the idea of clutchless shifting (BMW's SMG shifter looks ideal to me). The CVT looks interesting, but I have not yet driven one. I intend to try one soon to get a first-hand impression. Test drives being short, I would like to know any pointers that anyone may have on driving technique using the CVT. I would like to give it the most thorough possible workout in limited seat time.

2. CVT or manual. The salesman that I have spoken with is not sure whether a manual transmission will be available instead of the CVT. Does anyone have any substantial information on the issue?

3. Timing chain vs. belt. The Audi V6 engine uses a belt, while the BMW inline 6 uses a chain. I intend to keep this car for a while, and a $1000+ bill every 60k or so miles is not something that I look forward to. BMW wins in this respect. Does anyone have any useful info on timing belt life on the Audi V6s? If the interval is reasonably long for these engines, this will not be less of an issue. (I am up to 77k miles on my S6 with the original belt, and I get a little nervous whenever I get the revs up.)

4. Handling. Having driven an S6 for a while, I am used to the handling characteristics of quattros, but I am tempted by the idea of driving a less nose heavy RWD. How are the latest generation A4s, compared to their 3-series competitors? Assume that both are equipped with the factory sports suspension, which I intend to order.

5. Sports suspension. How much difference is there between the B6 A4's regular and sport suspensions?

I had a BMW 330cic on order last year which I cancelled. I test drive that car extensively and loved the driving characteristics of that car.

There is little question in my mind that Audi is marketing this car for easy cruising with a softer and quieter 4 season approach than the Bimmer.

That's why I think it is crazy that Audi is not planning to release the quattro as an S4 with turbo 6. That is the car to compete and BEAT the pants off the 330cic and compare or also beat the M3.

At this point I plan to give Audi one more year to get it right. Living in Connecticut, I NEED quattro to drive this car fall, winter, and spring. I can probably live with the multitronic tranny (but I am not happy about it vs. our German friends that have 6 sp).

If quattro does not arrive next year, OR if quattro arrives but the added weight make this car a lug, I will seriously consider changing my mind to the 330cic with the best winter tires money can buy.

It amazes me how the marketing people in the higher up do not listen to the people and do not make rational sense when they release cars to the public.

Audi takes the principle that we are giving you 90% of the car people want, and just be happy with that! I think BMW releases cars the first time that people on this board do appreciate without looking for what ifs?????

Audi seems to be marketing the A4 Cabriolet in North America similarly to the way it marketed the earlier generation convertible - as a rather soft luxury cruiser. Although this may make sense based on market surveys (high-end convertibles are often driven by women, and driven rather slowly), in my opinion it is a major mistake. The previous convertible and the Infiniti I30 convertible both were competent vehicles that lacked both the cachet of Mercedes and the performance image of BMW. Not surprisingly, both died in the North American market after a few years. The new A4 convertible may suffer the same fate if AoA doesn't insert some excitement into it to make it fully competitive with the 3-series (including the M versions).

Like cabrioA4, I will take my business to BMW if the A4 cabriolet does not deliver a driving experience equal to that of the 330Ci, and I suspect that there are many others who will do the same.

and something other than a marshmellow on wheels!

I am one of them - that's why I am looking at the A4 Cabrio. :-)

Very nice action-shot signature photo.

None taken :) Thanks, it was fun!

I have been waiting for the new A4 cabriolet for the last 8 months or so.
I kept my BMW 330i cab order on hold thinking that A4 will be the better choice.
I drove both cars two days ago within 3 hours. My findings :

1. Performance
Both cars have the same displacement engines, similar horse power and torque figures but BMW accelerates faster by about half a second in 0-60 test. This is mostly because it is 200 pounds lighter and has well matched 5-speed manual tranny.

2. Handling
I currently drive Porsche 911 Carrera 2 with quite stiff suspension.
The rear drive BMW has almost perfect front/rear weight distribution (49/51). It also seats almost 1" lower making it much more fun to drive. The speed-sensitive steering feels more direct than Audis.

3. Price
The 330 costs just $1,200 more but with optional European delivery program you get $3K off MSRP without any price negotiations - plus you get a chance to visit Europe (the autobahns....)
I was also considering the 325 cab model with a smaller engine (186 hp) and performance close to A4 (0-60 in 7.7 sec) for "only" about $ 36 K.

Other :
- In my option Audi has better, more elegant and fresher (?) look. The interior design and quality is on the highest level.
- BMW gives you the interior trim choice: no wood, thankyouverymuch.
- BMW has bigger brakes with 12.8" rotors and standard 17" wheels.
- BMW offers aluminum hard roof option but at $ 2.3K much too expensive.
- Audi does not have European delivery program...

Conclusion:
I want 5-speed manual trany with clutch under my left foot not fake computer-simulated CVT gears (my younger sister already has PlayStation). I want well balanced sports car feeling instead of over-asisted steering wheel. I do not like wood on my dashboard...
I am ordering my 330ci cab next week to pick it up from the factory in Munich in the spring 2003....