SiLvaC32

you can go pick up a copy if you want to read about it. the S4 got first, M3 got 2nd... and then our C32.

reason: " uncommunicative at the handling limits, clattering engine at idle, lengthy boot-up time on starting, dinky dashboard "PRND," meager array of instruments.

well... time to get your coilovers on everything!

Jerry

Pierre32///AMG

Well this folks is one more example that magazines are bias….. I do respect the M3 for look handling and character…but I have no even a little for the new S4, give me a break for me the old one is fare better car to get, period.

AMG Fan

I agree with you. I'm not too crazy about the new body of the S4. I'd rather buy an old body 2001 or 2002 used, put some better looking wheels on it, do chip/exhaust and put on some coilovers for handling.

c230 sport

Guess what? Auto motor und sport recently did a comparision on the same three cars also. The result:

Winner: The New Audi S4
Second: Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG
Last: BMW M3

Maybe they all like the S4 because of the V8 ("no replacement for displacement!!!???"). The M3 comes with a self-destruct engine (warranty to 100,000 miles). The C32 AMG still looks a whole lot better than the S4, now if only they will let loose a C55 again, the result could turn out differently.

Fikse

what were the 0-60, 1/4 mile and 1/4 MPH results of the 3?

AlpharettaC32

You mean they did a test *besides* Camaro vs Mustang???

Hooray for the overgrown Jetta!

dfc

Car & Driver is an US based magazine company right? Well, lately have you seen anything good coming out of US (other than the fine products for C32 made by EVOsport)? This is especially evident on the bases of making correct judgements and decisions!

rrf

I don't know where my C&D is, maybe my mailman has developed a yen for cars too.

To be compared in the same group of three with these other cars is probably compliment enough.

I feel it is safe to say the C32 will not win any comparo in C&D, ever. I honestly can't remember ever seeing a an MB ad in C&D.

The C&D tests are ok but there is never a catagory for high-speed cruise comfort/stability, or acceleration from 80 to 150. Or which car would your g/f rather go to dinner in. Or which car would you rather be stuck in a 1 hour commute in. Or which one doesn't need a manual transmission to get good numbers

We all know what the C32 is and what it isn't. C&D is fine but they selectively focus on one end end of the horse or the other as it suits them. I wonder was the E46 engine problem even mentioned? If not, that says it all doesn't it. I would no more buy a car blindly upon what they say than I would based on Consumer Reports. C&D testing is just one data point out of many.

BTW: C&D is french owned: ? dunno if true...
I recd an email yesterday....

> Car & Driver is published by Hachette Filipacchi
> which is owned by Lagardere SCA a French Corporation.
> Saddam Hussein owns around two percent
> of Lagardere SCA. $90 million dollars worth.

So shouldn't you be reading Playboy instead? The figures are better anyway.

rrf

(Sorry, I wrote my rant before I even read the article).

Here is a link to an online copy.
http://audi.805net.com/CD_S4/
They really like that S4...

AMGDood

I dont understand how the M3 in magazines is always faster than the C32. thats some BOO****. New s4 looks like a beast. One thing i dont get is they gave botht the C32 and M3 8 out of 10's for their engines. Both have amazing 6 cylinder engines...for one thing i would give them a 10 for being able to put out as much or even more horsepower than the s4's v8.

mhh

Saw the s4 at the Melbourne Motor Show last month. Very plain Jane - makes the C32 look flamboyant by comparison. The RS6 on the stand looked dynamite on the other hand...

Paul Le Corre

for me the C32 amg is the winner. It has the best perfomances and it's the more confortable. What do you want more?

bverotti

The C32 I am driving now is in fact my second C32 ... that says it all !

mhh

This thread just got a bit international, which is good to see!

Bux

damn guess we all need to trade in for an s4 ....car and drivers blows ***

beemaze

Actually, there was one MBZ ad in that same issue.

Regardless, C&D has always been biased towards the beemers and the audis. The test was based mainly on the subjective "fun to drive" quotient.

You hit the nail on the head in terms of comfort/luxury which the C32 has alot more than the other two. The C32 is a perfect daily driver, especially when stuck on the freeway with your kids in the back seat. Plus, I don't personally like being jarred all day long like in the M3 and S4 which C&D complained about but it didn't show in their final rating.

Long live the C32!

pcviewer

Hardly does Car and Driver have any praises toward Mercedes. It seems they dislike the company for some reason. They have the smallest complaints for the cars yet these smallest complaints do not arise in their "favorite" cars. In an earlier issue, Mercedes did not deliver them a 2003 ML320 for a SUV comparison for some unknown reason. Doesn't Car and Driver have a 2002? It seems Car and Driver has high demands in vehicle requests.

bimmerlover

you guys sound really bitter

there are distinct advantages that v8's provide. and although car and driver is indeed a biased magazine, i guarantee you will find that future comparos will result in similar findings.

although i think the m3 is the most attractive out of the bunch i do find the benz interior to be lackluster. and the m3 handles like its on rails.

btw, the engine thingy is blown out of proportion and tired. there was a specific production months that were effected by an outside manufacturing flaw, its been remedied. there are now far fewer "KABOOMS" than people would think. furthermore, in order to provide security for consumers who were uneasy about the engine issues the warranty was extended, dont see anything wrong with that.

i mean i love bimmers and some benzes but i do think the audi has a fine product that has a LOT of torque and is wrapped in a fine package

DL_AMG

If Audi can get a 10 on the engine, why can't C32 get a 10 on Ride Comfort?? New S4 is a great car for sure but C&D just plan bias that didn't even give C32 a 10 in any categories.
In the artical, S4's top speed is limited to 130mph...where did they get the 0-150mph time?? So I guess they estimate the time which is not accurate.
Some people said Audi's warranty is not as good as MB...well, I'm used to own an Audi and there warranty is the best warranty I ever have. They are the first car company provide 3yr/36000miles free service and maintance in in early '90s which include all breakes, tires (free rotation), and even windshield wiper!! Only thing I provide to the car is GAS. Now is 4yr/50,000miles just like MB (they started in 2000).

steve s

tell me something new.


they had the same thing about the c36... grumpity idle inline-6...dead on-center steering...auto... at least they didn't rank them...only said "wow" to both c36 and e36 m3. they also did agree that one was meant to do one thing and the other another thing. oh well.

KiddJoey

I agree with alot of what's being said here. I'm a '00 Audi S4 owner who rides weekly in the C32 (coworker lunch outings) and I'm VERY impressed with the smooth like butter ride. His car is also very quick (chip/pulley upgrade). I for one love my wolf in sheep's clothing ride and the tunability of the bi-turbo engine... and like many other current B5 S4 owners, I will not be trading up (?) to the new B6 S4 platform. I'm a little surprised by C&D latest review but I haven't had the opportunity to drive the latest S4 incarnation. I think all three cars offer a unique experience and it's almost impossible to be objective and say one is better than the other.

Enjoy your cars and keep it save !!

Rowdy Audi

I've spent a good deal of time in all three of the tested cars. I know I'm going to get shot for this because I'm a huge Audi fan, posting on a Mercedes board, admitting that I like the M3 best out of that line-up....

bverotti

Nobody here will shoot you for your choise. Members here are more civilized than I have seen on other boards.
It is a good thing Audi, Mercedes, BMW and some other brands are fiercely competing in the sport cars section ... the customers are all winners !

Since I was 18 I had always wanted an M3. Now, almost 17 years later I have the financial background to buy the car and I bought the C32 instead. I did test drive the M3 and I am sure if I was still in my 20ties I would have got the M3.
But now I tend a bit more towards comfort and like having a very fast 4 door car for long distance.

SungSmith

I just look at it for the pictures...You guys actually read the stuff?

Almost like PB IMO

FrankW

haha...i mainly look at the pictures too, but the article is there for you to read tho.

can't really say C&D is biased toward certain brand, but they are definitely biased toward a car having manual transmission and cars that are more tuned towards track use. They even liked the manual transmission in the M3 more than the SMG II on the track cuz they said the manual give them more control. (tell that to the F1 drivers) That should tell you something. oh yeah, and they like 4wd too. the A4 has been in their 10 Best for quite some time now.

if i really want to read the article, i'd buy Top Gear or Automobile mag. Automobile's comparison between the RS6, M5, E55, and S typeR was much better than the C&D's in the current issue. At least Automobile would give fair reasoning instead of saying something stupid like C&D "PRND is too small" for their decision to not rate the car higher.