Notices
Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Innova

Audi A4 first impressions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 25, 2007 | 08:20 PM
  #1  
oslo's Avatar
oslo
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: MA
Default Audi A4 first impressions

Today my roommate and I swapped cars for the day. He got to drive my '98 LS and I got to drive his '99 Audi A4 2.8. My skills with a manual transmission need some work, but that car handles VERY well, especially after driving a huge lexus around for so long. Going around the on/off ramps, it felt like the car didn't have any body roll at all. I just kept giving it gas and it just held and could've taken more easily. Anyone have any thoughts/impressions on the A4? Am I just in shock after driving such a poor handling car for so long?
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2007 | 08:49 PM
  #2  
foofighter's Avatar
foofighter
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 2
From: CA
Default

is it quattro? there is such a huge difference when you corner w/ a quattro equipped Audi. A lot of people get into trouble because they get too confident w/ the AWD system. You appreciate the traction; but quickly realize after a bit that it's anemic and needs power to propel that beast down the street.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2007 | 06:56 AM
  #3  
kit cat's Avatar
kit cat
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,571
Likes: 3
From: US
Default

Originally Posted by foofighter
is it quattro? there is such a huge difference when you corner w/ a quattro equipped Audi. A lot of people get into trouble because they get too confident w/ the AWD system. You appreciate the traction; but quickly realize after a bit that it's anemic and needs power to propel that beast down the street.
thats what the S4 is for...if you can afford 15mpg city. I'd love to own a B5 S4 one day.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2007 | 07:59 AM
  #4  
Threxx's Avatar
Threxx
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,474
Likes: 2
From: Tennessee
Default

If you were that impressed with his car, you should check out the current gen B7 A4, or the 3-series.

Your room mate's A4 was from back when they shared quite a bit of their suspension and design with the Passat.

Since then they've split off into two independent platforms and handling and chassis response has improved dramatically for the A4. It's considerably more sprightly and smaller car than the Passat, too.

Originally Posted by foofighter
is it quattro? there is such a huge difference when you corner w/ a quattro equipped Audi. A lot of people get into trouble because they get too confident w/ the AWD system. You appreciate the traction; but quickly realize after a bit that it's anemic and needs power to propel that beast down the street.
Quattro is, if anything, going to slightly HURT the handling of the car until you reach the limits of traction (due to the extra weight).

I'm doubting he was pushing his room mate's car that hard that only quattro was keeping him from losing it.

Quattro also makes these cars slower after about the 30mph mark. Its primary purpose, really, is for a dramatic improvement in poor weather condition traction - snow and ice especially.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2007 | 08:16 AM
  #5  
kit cat's Avatar
kit cat
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,571
Likes: 3
From: US
Default

Originally Posted by Threxx
If you were that impressed with his car, you should check out the current gen B7 A4, or the 3-series.
I remember when this girl I was dating in high school had a sky blue B5 Passat...I was thinking what a cute car, until I got to ride in it and i was like "holy crap, now this is body rigidity". That really was a watershed moment for me.

i got to drive a B7 A4 a while ago, and gave me that same holy **** impression. you should definitely try driving the B7.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
WRXvLEX
IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present)
8
Aug 18, 2015 02:50 PM
WRXvLEX
Car Chat
5
Aug 17, 2015 09:28 PM
mmarshall
Car Chat
12
Sep 24, 2008 04:00 PM
1995LS400
Car Chat
34
Nov 9, 2007 02:12 PM
RON430
Car Chat
8
Jan 30, 2007 09:23 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:40 AM.

story-0
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

Slideshow: the 2026 IS 350 isn't all that new, and that's why we love it!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-04 14:35:23


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

Slideshow: 10 most confusing things Lexus has ever done.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-04 09:40:55


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-8
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE