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Ultimate AWD Sports Sedans

828 messages,  Last post on Oct 03, 2009 at 9:40 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Volvo S60 R, Subaru Legacy, Audi S4, Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA6, Sedan

#306 of 828 Anyone else feel we need pics? by ateixeira May 11, 2006 (9:29 am)
#307 of 828 Does this look boring? by ateixeira May 11, 2006 (9:31 am)
#308 of 828 Re: Sport vs. AWD [ateixeira] by redsoxgirl May 11, 2006 (1:53 pm)
Replying to: ateixeira (May 11, 2006 9:28 am) Don't get me wrong, I am sure that the Mitsubishi and Subaru are fun cars to drive in an off-road rally.   But I need something for 12,000+/- miles a year of on-road driving that I can occassionally use to ferry around a client (i.e. senior corporate executives, Wall Street analysts, etc.). Being the youngest female partner in the firm already presents some challenges. Showing up to a business function in a an aerodynamically-eccentric testosterone-laced "boy racer" car would be professionally unadviseable. And frankly, I doubt it would be my cup of tea regardless of the professional image implications.   Yesterday, one of our clients offered me his 2003 M5 with only 19,000 miles, pristine condition for $50,000. It includes an extended (7/75) warranty that covers another 4 years and 56,000 miles of all maintenance. I happen to like the previous (i.e. smaller proportioned, pre-i-drive, real 6-speed manual) M5 better than the new one which feels absolutely enormous to me. I have never purchased a used car, but I'm going to check this one out.   Thanks for your suggestion. I would concede that the EVO is definitely not "boring", even if it's not for me. Replies to this message: rsholland (May 11, 2006 2:47 pm) esf (May 20, 2006 10:37 am) redsoxgirl (May 20, 2006 11:29 am)
#309 of 828 looks like fun but... by kurtamaxxxguy May 11, 2006 (2:19 pm)
ahh, the joys of what looks like desert race/drifting. That is __one__ place you can drift and slide all day in without burning up a zillion tires! I assume there are Heavy Duty dust filters for engine and driver?   Unfortunately, all the dirt in my areas's covered by rotting asphalt and concrete, thoroughly flooded in rains and sprouting potholes by the dozens (including the "free" ways).   AWD would be of help for that, but the extra weight and MPH hit are no fun.
#310 of 828 Re: Sport vs. AWD [redsoxgirl] by rsholland May 11, 2006 (2:47 pm)
Replying to: redsoxgirl (May 11, 2006 1:53 pm) But I need something for 12,000+/- miles a year of on-road driving that I can occassionally use to ferry around a client (i.e. senior corporate executives, Wall Street analysts, etc.). Being the youngest female partner in the firm already presents some challenges. Showing up to a business function in a an aerodynamically-eccentric testosterone-laced "boy racer" car would be professionally unadviseable. And frankly, I doubt it would be my cup of tea regardless of the professional image implications.   Don't have to. Check out the soon to be released '07 Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B. It's not a boy-racer by any means, but a very sporty "GT" with AWD (of course), a powerful 2.5L turbo, a standard 6-speed, navigation, etc. It's the top-of-the-line Legacy and only comes in Diamond Gray Metallic, a charcoal gray. There's nothing about this vehicle that would be considered a bad "career move" on your part. If anything, you just might impress your bosses and clients by making such an intelligent decision.   Follow the links here to the '07 spec.B for info and pics.   Bob
#311 of 828 I think by dhamilton May 11, 2006 (3:19 pm)
The S4 feels way more solid than the current M3 IMO. The M3 is probably faster around the track but I think the Audi would be right on it's butt. The Audi is supremely better on a day-to-day basis IMO. Not to mention the buzzy sound of that inline 6 cylinder in the bimmer is enough to make me hunt for a rope and a shower rod.
#312 of 828 Re: Sport vs. AWD [redsoxgirl] by themugster May 11, 2006 (3:43 pm)
Not a lot of chatter pro or con about it here, but my Volvo S60 R has met all the specs (including the clients) and overcome all the objections voiced above for me, and I live in a Boston-like climate (Albany, NY). If you're committed to using real summer tires (ultra) and switching to real winter tires (like Blizzaks), you probably won't be disappointed. It's a 6-speed 300hp, turbo, twin-intercooled, with 295 ft.-lbs. torque and AWD roughly $40K w/all packages except ground fx and stereo upgrade. Turning circle with the 18" wheels is a minor sore spot, not to mention a design flaw, but then I haven't run gymkhanas since my Big Healey days of yore...and the four-piston 13" Brembos are what you get as a trade-off.
#313 of 828 Used M5 by ateixeira May 12, 2006 (6:53 am)
Sounds great given it's under warranty. Have a mechanic check it out. It's a lot of money for a used car, but it's a special car that will always hold its value.   spec.B is a good sleeper, only the hood scoop gives it away. Heated two-tone leather, moonroof, and GPS NAV are all standard so your clients won't be disappointed.   S4 is also sweet. I drove with a buddy from DC to PA and back in a cabrio, I can't imagine any client not being impressed. The V8 really pulls.   S60 R would be fun, they're a little heavy IMO but again your clients won't notice. They might even find it feels very substantial. And you can't go wrong with the Safety First message.   There are a lot of sweet AWD cars out there. And you might end up chirping the tires less than you would with a RWD equivalent, something that might seem boy-racerish to your clients.   -juice
#314 of 828 R&T comparison test by rsholland May 12, 2006 (7:05 am)
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=31&article_id=3280   The '06 Legacy GT spec.B won when $$$ were considered. The '07 model will have a 6-speed, and not the 5-speed that was tested here.   Bob
#315 of 828 2006 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro 6M v. 2006 BMW 325xi 6M by justin12 May 15, 2006 (12:18 pm)
I am deciding between the two. In your opinion, which one is a better car?

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