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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

#345 of 828 Re: Ultimate AWD Sports Sedan [circlew] by shipo Nov 22, 2006 (11:20 am)
Replying to: circlew (Nov 22, 2006 11:04 am) "We quickly found out that the water truck couldn't drop enough wet stuff to achieve standing water, compounded by the extremely abrasive surface of our former Marine Corps landing strip — picture gritty sandpaper. The grippy surface, combined with learning the track more and more as the day went on, resulted in faster times in the wet than in the dry. Maybe we're just unusually gifted rain drivers...."   Interesting choice of test tracks. Nearly thirty years ago I spent a fair amount of time around the airfields that are (or were) owned by Uncle Sam's Misguided Children. Given how coarse their pavement usually was, I'm not at all surprised that once learned, drivers had no problem generating very fast wet track lap times. That said, I don't really think the track used for this test is a good representation of how those cars will perform against each other in the real world.   "I'd like to add that the 330 xi with the added power might surprise even more...you just need to experience it to know."   I suppose, however, that same car in RWD trim with the SP will impress a whole lot more.   Best Regards, Shipo Replies to this message: circlew (Nov 22, 2006 2:56 pm)
#346 of 828 Re: Ultimate AWD Sports Sedan [shipo] by circlew Nov 22, 2006 (2:56 pm)
Replying to: shipo (Nov 22, 2006 11:20 am) "I suppose, however, that same car in RWD trim with the SP will impress a whole lot more."   Agreed until the time comes when the results show to the contrary.   Best Regards, OW
#347 of 828 Re: Ultimate AWD Sports Sedan [circlew] by dhanley Nov 22, 2006 (2:57 pm)
Replying to: circlew (Nov 22, 2006 11:04 am) Thanks for the write-up, circlew. It makes me wonder if i shouldn't wait for the 335xi.   The volvo dealer near me is selling a two-year old CPO s60R for 27.9K (34K miles). Assuming that they will go down on the price, it seems like a good deal for a 300hp AWD car. But based solely on tests i've seen, it's not in the same handling category as the other cars in this topic. Replies to this message: esf (Nov 22, 2006 4:09 pm) dhanley (Nov 23, 2006 12:31 pm) circlew (Nov 23, 2006 5:54 pm) circlew (Nov 22, 2006 6:54 pm)
#348 of 828 Re: Ultimate AWD Sports Sedan [dhanley] by esf Nov 22, 2006 (4:09 pm)
Replying to: dhanley (Nov 22, 2006 2:57 pm) Rumors have been swirling around that there will be a 335xi coupe. That would be perfect for me, as I think the 3er coupe is beautiful, but I wish I could get a twin-turbo version for my next winter car.   Is it true?   Thanks.   '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330 Replies to this message: dhanley (Nov 23, 2006 12:31 pm) circlew (Nov 23, 2006 5:54 pm)
#349 of 828 Re: Ultimate AWD Sports Sedan [dhanley] by circlew Nov 22, 2006 (6:54 pm)
Replying to: dhanley (Nov 22, 2006 2:57 pm) dhanley,   THat is a great price for 2 years old...trade in on my 330xi is $28K after 3 years. But I agree, handling on my car impressed me.   Shipo is right, because so far AWD BMW 3 does NOT have the sport suspension and I checked the 335 xi "07 and still no SP will be offered for the ultimate handling.   But for $40-45K vs $27...drive the 330xi and then the Volvo.   Handling on the 335 should be similar and with the extra 45 ponies, should be very tempting.   Regards, OW
#350 of 828 Re: Ultimate AWD Sports Sedan [esf] by dhanley Nov 23, 2006 (12:31 pm)
Replying to: esf (Nov 22, 2006 4:09 pm) esf: probably--word is that BMW is in love with the 3.0TT and wants to put in in everything they can...   Circle: i'm less impressed by the extra 45 ponies of the 3.0T than i am by the extra 80 lb-ft of torque that peaks at 1300 RPM. I was not enamored by the current generation of BMW sixes with much less torque than HP. The turbo fixes that...   I'll probably test drive the s60R just so i don't always wonder if i could have saved a lot of money. Replies to this message: circlew (Nov 23, 2006 5:54 pm)
#351 of 828 Re: Ultimate AWD Sports Sedan [dhanley] by circlew Nov 23, 2006 (5:54 pm)
Replying to: dhanley (Nov 23, 2006 12:31 pm) dhanley,   I agree, my 255HP230ft/lb is really good enough but the turbo should be a real good upgrade to make the complete package much more impressive and satisfying.   Let us know what you think after your drive in the s60r.   Happy Thanksgiving! OW
#353 of 828 Re: Ultimate AWD Sports Sedan [circlew] by musicblue Nov 26, 2006 (10:15 pm)
Replying to: circlew (Nov 22, 2006 10:09 am) I have found that you need to take these car mag tests with a couple of grains of salt. They never report any serious conditions the car has that might be important to you. i think they are paid to write the stories by the car mfrs. I have seen them make comparisons between cars that really can't be compared because they vastly different in power and handling. this just makes the car they want to look good, look good. In other cases, the cars they use are specfically "tuned" for them so they will come out on top.   regards, musicblue

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