Nefound respect

[adamsonem]

Newfound respect

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of driving a 2002 325i (sport package - BEA-utiful : Titanium Silver Metallic w/Sport wheels Mmmm Mmmm). That car is soooooooooooo freakin' awesome! The clutch is so soft and easy, it's almost hard to drive at first. The tranny and the clutch were definitely my favorite aspects of the car, it was like driving an automatic, but as a manual. I have a newfound respect for the e46's, and if it were a direct swap, would consider throwing that tranny in my Audi, mos' def!

 

[MrElussive]

Really? My G35C has a pretty stiff clutch and it's a bitch in traffic, but when I'm driving normally (which is an aggressive style), I actually really like it. I once test-drove a 2001 330Ci 5-speed (in 2001) but I honestly don't remember how much muscle it needed to modulate the clutch. I do remember that my Jetta had a really light clutch and I didn't like it at all.

 

[DrPierceMD]

So obviously you eill be getting an e46 now, right?

 

[adamsonem]

I wish I had the funds to do so. I like my Audi a lot, but nothing compares to a Bimmer (dream is an E46 M3 - maybe a GTR? I wish!)...

 

[DrPierceMD]

I came very close to getting the M3, but money was a problem (as it always is) so I got the 325CI instead

 

[MrElussive]

adamsonem, you shouldn't say that. Audi makes damn good cars and it can be argued that Audi's are aging much better than BMW's (for example, new 7-series and new A8). Remember that Audi is only a cheaper alternative to BMW...their heart is in the same place as BMW, though.

 

[Akakubi]

Yes, the unfortunate thing about Audi's is vague tranny and sloppy handling. [???1]
The interior built quality is simply the best in all classes. Attention to detail is just nuts. But they can never get the driving pleasure right. It may be due to the AWD/FWD chassis setup....

As for the ultimate Bimmer, E46 M3 is a nice ride, but too heavy, just like the new S4. Why does a Sports car need so much weight? Even the CSL is a pig. A perfect street M3 will have a 2800lbs weight, ~320HP (no need for more, it's already insanely tail happy) and less gimmicks to go with the package. Remember the E30 M3?

And if you guys think E46 has a great gearbox/clutch combo, try an S2000, or even an Integra GSR or Type R. E46 clutch and dual mass flywheel take away a lot from the shifting experience, trust me on this one.

 

[bahnstormer]

its too bad audi's are autos now. u can't get the good cars in sticks anymore
E55, RS6, S4 too i think?

 

[JamieD22]

... try an S2000, or even an Integra GSR or Type R. E46 clutch and dual mass flywheel take away a lot from the shifting experience, trust me on this one.

Fun cars! I previously drove a 2k Si - absolutely torqueless, but no doubt the most fun I've had in a 4-banger! While I'm anti-rice, I still love that VTEC...

 

[Amer]

Fun cars! I previously drove a 2k Si - absolutely torqueless, but no doubt the most fun I've had in a 4-banger! While I'm anti-rice, I still love that VTEC...

lol thats a funny statement

 

[MrElussive]

The new S4 is available in 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. All A4 models are available with manual transmission (as long as they have Quattro AWD).
The VW/Audi 6-speed gearbox is probably the best gearbox I have ever driven.
Akakubi, have you driven any of the new A4 models? I can assure you their transmission is great now, and the handling is so much better...not quite an E46 with Sport Package, but damn close.

 

[Akakubi]

The new S4 is available in 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. All A4 models are available with manual transmission (as long as they have Quattro AWD).
The VW/Audi 6-speed gearbox is probably the best gearbox I have ever driven.
Akakubi, have you driven any of the new A4 models? I can assure you their transmission is great now, and the handling is so much better...not quite an E46 with Sport Package, but damn close.

Yep, 6-speed is now a standard, everyone's switching to it. I think it's marketing on most cars, even BMW's as the fuel mileage or acceleration virtually does not improve.

Yep, I've driven the new A4 1.8L Quattro with all the bells and whistles. My friend was shopping for one and after the test drive went to get a 325i Sport. [fake] The worst thing was the sloppy handling and crappy shifter/clutch. All VW's have this problem, it just never gets cured model to model unfortunately...

Great car though if you just want a comfortable cruiser. The interior is simply amazing.