A 6 Questions

Why the 4.2? Just out of curiosity. The 2.7T gives you better acceleration and gas mileage.

In doing a side by side comparison, it appeared that the body is actually bigger, with more room inside, and a larger gas tank (petrol) on the 4.2, and that there were a few other items standard on the 4.2 that didn't come on the 2.7 T. No other reason, really. I like the 2.7T as well. Although I've tended to own V-8s over the years so I'm more familiar with driving a vehicle without turbo lag lifting out of the gas into corners, and dropping the hammer coming out. I would imagine that this has changed since the last time I owned a turbo charged vehicle. Any strong reasons for one over the other?

I think the 2.7 T was less expensive to purchase.

The 4.2 is wider, but it's only because the wheel arches are more flared. The passenger compartment is exactly the same size - no more room.

Taking the difference in consumption into account, there is not that much difference in range between the two version.

The 2.7T has a little less weight hanging out over the front axle and, therefore, has a better turn in. This is compensated for, to some extent, by the wider tyre on the 4.2. The S6 and RS6 are better in this respect.

acceleration

Not really, just drive both and see which one you like. After reading some owners reviews on

it seems like people were disappointed with the 4.2 performance, whereas the 2.7 owners ranted and raved. But as you said, it all comes down to the buyer and what they prefer.

If you want *dead bang reliability* in an AWD car and it's not too small or 'beneath' you, I'd take a long look at the Subaru Legacy sedans (or wagons, if you don't mind a bit of boxy luggage room.). Strikes me as the Audi 4000 Quattro for the New Millennium. Another poster suggested that the smaller Impreza might be roomy enough for 6-footers. The Legacy is even bigger.

-- C.R. Krieger (and I'm a Bavarian car guy ...)

Heard plenty of good things about the Subaru. Haven't heard much good about Audis from people who actually have to work on them...

We've got a E46 325i and a Subaru WRX wagon. The BMW is better quality materials, but mechanically the Subaru is very well done. And the AWD is wonderful on the few times we get snow - the BMW can't even get up the driveway, the Subaru just goes. I'm thinking of trading the WRX wagon in on the new 2005 Legacy GT wagon which will have the 2.5l turbo engine with a bit more torque and power as well as another 12 inches of car which will mostly matter in the back seat. The 2005 Legay just won the Japanese car of the year award by a large margin, it's going to be much closer to the BMW in terms of quality interior, and still priced at around $28,000 which is a great deal.

The owner of an independent garage was so impressed with my Audi 90 quattro after working on it (145,000 miles - original clutch, exhaust etc), he went out and a brand new Audi A4.

-- Doug Ramage

Nice troll. d;o) Dave

Hmm....what's missing: "crashed into"? or "bought"?

;-)

"Was hit by"

lmao ;-)

All Road. No brainer.