Test Drove IS300 5-Speed & G35 Sport Today

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: andylawcc
nice quick review there GTa,

now this "shootout" would be perfect with an A4 comparison

I'll probably get to my local Audi dealer before it's all over. I'd be interested in a manual A4 1.8T Quattro.

 

[Grminalac]

I have been shopping for a new ride for the past couple months. Right now I'm driving a 98 318i. Its a decent car but I would like something with more balls. I am giving serious thought to a 5 series BMW. I took one for a test drive the other day and was extremely impressed. It didn't feel like a larger car and for the money you get a lot more over the 3 series. The 530 with a manual was truly amazing. I test drove an Acura TL S type as well and was pleased. For 30 grand the TL Type S was a lot of car.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: Grminalac
I have been shopping for a new ride for the past couple months. Right now I'm driving a 98 318i. Its a decent car but I would like something with more balls. I am giving serious thought to a 5 series BMW. I took one for a test drive the other day and was extremely impressed. It didn't feel like a larger car and for the money you get a lot more over the 3 series. The 530 with a manual was truly amazing. I test drove an Acura TL S type as well and was pleased. For 30 grand the TL Type S was a lot of car.

540i with 6-spd manual...'nuff said!

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: Grminalac
I have been shopping for a new ride for the past couple months. Right now I'm driving a 98 318i. Its a decent car but I would like something with more balls. I am giving serious thought to a 5 series BMW. I took one for a test drive the other day and was extremely impressed. It didn't feel like a larger car and for the money you get a lot more over the 3 series. The 530 with a manual was truly amazing. I test drove an Acura TL S type as well and was pleased. For 30 grand the TL Type S was a lot of car.

The 5-series is a little more than what I am looking for, although its size is similar to that of the G35. Let's say, a 530i is most definitely out of my price range. I am looking at $35K max! With that said, I will be driving a 530i 5-speed on September 24 as part of BMW's Drive for the Cure.

According to the September issue of R&T, the 540i gets a new sport package:


the 540i gets an entirely new sport package with 18-in. wheels, front air dam, rear wing, more pronounced exhaust pipes and an updated sport suspension.

 

[Grminalac]

LINK Here is a decent article from edmunds on the top ten 2002 entry level sport sedans.
Worth a look.

 

[andylawcc]

no kidding GTa, I am thinking about the 1.8T Manual too, but I leaned toward the FWD model coz the 4wd would rob too much power away. beside, now the 1.8t FWD would be around 26k with sports package if that carpoint.com price checker thing is correct.

I am also looking at the Maxima SE 3.5L 6spd, this odd ball choice may seem to be in a different league, but both the A4 and Maxima are under 27k with some options (but the Maxima would have TWO more cylinders AND 70 more horsepower???).
Other choices would be the MBZ C-Coupe 230 supercharged and the would-be Mazda 6, but I would leave those out of the equation for now.


pls correct me if I am wrong or misleaded (especially about the Quattro vs FWD thing, quite a few review site claims that 1.8t should be mated with FWD instead)

 

[Emos]

pls correct me if I am wrong or misleaded (especially about the Quattro vs FWD thing, quite a few review site claims that 1.8t should be mated with FWD instead)

Well the new generation ('02 and above) A4s have gained a few extra lbs over the previous platform so there have been complaints that the 1.8T feels a bit bogged down now (especially with Quattro). Simple solution is to find what aftermarket chips will be out for the '02 A4...the increases in HP and torque will give it a much needed boost!

 

[ElFenix]

leasing or buying?

 

[StattlichPassat]

Originally posted by: sohcrates
i can't take the rear end of the g35 though. just awful IMHO. rest of car looks tight

is300 is fast, nice ride

but i completely agree, BOTH cars lack the interior fit and finish of an audi or bimmer, which is enough to keep me away

My thoughts exactly. If for some reason Audi and BMW pulled out of the States, I'd have to go with an IS300. Very sweet cars, but I don't like the interiors.

 

[CraigRT]

I just can't wait for the G35 coupe.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
leasing or buying?

Buying...resale value is important...

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: Emos

pls correct me if I am wrong or misleaded (especially about the Quattro vs FWD thing, quite a few review site claims that 1.8t should be mated with FWD instead)

Well the new generation ('02 and above) A4s have gained a few extra lbs over the previous platform so there have been complaints that the 1.8T feels a bit bogged down now (especially with Quattro). Simple solution is to find what aftermarket chips will be out for the '02 A4...the increases in HP and torque will give it a much needed boost!

well, the new A4 looks more elegant than the previous A4, not that the last one wasn't elegant enough, Audi just kick it up a notch.
while the new passat is urrr, what's up with the rear taillights.!

 

[rootaxs]

As far as fuel economy goes on the VQ-powered G35, expect it to become better as you rack up the miles. The VQ series are known to fully break-in at the 10k mile mark.