Tom
04-21-1999, 07:37 PM
Edmunds recently have a very good comparison test on entry level luxury sedans. Its no doubt that the Audi A4 and BMW E46 have a more tossable nature than other cars in its class. Surprisingly, the blend and boring Acura 3.2TL was ahead of the best Saab ever: the 9-5 SE V6t in rating. Yes, the TL has a pretty good value considered the 225 hp engine and luxury interior, but I think they missed the point where TL needs more spice to be a real sports sedan like A4 and 3-series. Volvo S80 2.9 is a joke considered as a sports sedan, even the T6 version feels softly sprung. Mitsubishi Diamante is a far impovements over the precedessor, but still lacks behind. ES300 is as the S80 which means more like a luxury sedan in feels and control than other competitors, even the Acura and Chrysler feel better in corners. 300M is my favourite American sedan over the years. When I rented a Chrysler Concorde few months ago in Christmas, I felt its cheaper sibiling is a pretty solidly handled car. Too bad Chrysler has a poor reliability record. I have the same feeling as Edmund's editor that the A4 non-sport is not that SOFT at all. It feels more solid that any family sedans, including the VW Passat. I think their views are very objective to each vehicle, unlike Car & Driver magazine. If they can compare is a more price-sensitive (9-5 V6 is the A6 price range, not A4 price range), the comparo will be more usable to people who are shopping for a new sports sedan.<br>Tom<br>97 A4 1.8TQMS<br>99 JETTA IV GLS 2.0<ul><li><a href="http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/brauer/99EntryLevelSedans.Comparo.rt.html">Edmund's entry level luxury car comparo link</a></li></ul>