The Feb 99 issue of R&T rated 8 sport/lux sedans. Very interesting
comparisons. First, on the 328 vs. A4 2.8 Quattro, the 328 was given
a distinct nod in the overall preference numbers. However, the
performance of the two cars on the 60s Buttonwillow course showed the
two only 0.28s apart (60.58 vs. 60.86). The MB C280 followed with
a 61.74 and the Volvo S70 was right behind with 61.75. Sounds like
a great class matchup to me. Is a shame the funnest car in the
bunch, the 328i, is not classed in GS with the rest -- instead it is
classed against tiny Miatas where it cannot compete.
On that note, where _are_ all these cars classed:
BMW 328i E46 -- BS like the poor 328i E36?
Audi A4 2.8 Q-- GS
M-Benz C280 -- GS like the 280?
Volvo S70 T5 -- GS because it is a Turbo?
Saab 9-3 SE -- GS because it is a Turbo?
Acura 3.2TL -- GS like the Vigor?
Jaguar XJR -- FS like the XJ-S?
M-Benz E55 -- FS because it is a V8?
BMW M5 -- FS like the 540i and the old M5?
The latter three are beasts! 350-400hp; 387+ torque;
0-60 in 5.1 or less; .86g or better; 55/45 weight distribution, etc.
The E55's numbers, both acceleration and slalom, are better than
an M3's. And I think the M5's are better than the E55's.
The cars are heavy, but seem to overcome it in the standard tests.
Thoughts on how these big boys are going to do in FS?
Brian
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