bmwrules

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1st Place
BMW 328i - 217 Points
0-60 - 6.6
0-100 - 17.5
1/4 Mile 15.2 @ 94 mph
5-60 - 7.4
70-0 - 155
300 ft skidpad - .86

Highs
Expected BMW virtues; precise steering, crisp shifting, feline agility, sport-car seats.

Lows
Unexpected mass, gloomy interior, stiff pricing.

Verdict
In the 40-something class, it's in a class by itself.

2nd Place
Audi A4 2.0T - 208 Points
0-60 - 7.1
0-100 - 20.2
1/4 Mile 15.6 @ 90 mph
5-60 - 7.6
70-0 - 163
300 ft skidpad - .87

Highs
Quick on its feet, best CVT going, strong brakes, elegant interior decor.

Lows
Tepid acceleration, occasional quivers, high wind noise, stern ride quality.

Verdict
A surprising first among the front-drivers.

3rd Place
Saab 9-3 2.0T - 185 Points
0-60 - 7.1
0-100 - 19.3
1/4 Mile 15.6 @ 92 mph
5-60 - 7.4
70-0 - 182
300 ft skidpad - .79

Highs
Unerring predictability supple suspension, supportive seats, willing to play.

Lows
Quivery structure, wind noise, so-so braking, high cowl, space-challenged rear seat.

Verdict
Youthful spirit in an aging design.

4th Place
Volkswagen Eos 3.2 - 180 Points
0-60 - 6.5
0-100 - 17.0
1/4 Mile 15.1 @ 94 mph
5-60 - 6.9
70-0 - 176
300 ft skidpad - .82

Highs
Lots o'punch, great exhaust music, DSG, solid chassis, handsome interior.

Lows
Squishy suspension, squishy brakes, high-speed wind roar, odd proportions.

Verdict
One man's goddess is another man's Phyllis Diller.

5th Place
Volvo C70 T5 - 174 Points
0-60 - 7.3
0-100 - 18.9
1/4 Mile 15.7 @ 92 mph
5-60 - 7.5
70-0 - 172
300 ft skidpad - .86

Highs
Impressive grip, smooth ride, real room for four, best-looking Volvo ever.

Lows
Spooky steering, rubbery chassis, do-you-really-wanna-do-this handling.

Verdict
Pretty to look at, not that much fun at a dance.

Just_me

jeyahhh saab on third place

Merc1

Gee I like convertibles. I'm shocked at the VW though. I've said it before, the BMW is the best in this class hands down, no matter the engine it seems. It is up to the A5 and next CLK Cabrio because right now nothing else matters in this price class.

M

Just_me

Im surprised to see saab ahead of Volvo, afterall C70 is a much newer car. Personally I would pick new C70 over the Saab, it is the better and fresher car despite C&D opinion.
I hope its not Saab US DNA that plays a part why they rank saab over volvo

Merc1

Never, Car and Driver dumps on American cars regularly for the most part and what they think of Saabs is nothing so that isnt' it at all.

M

Merc1

Article is now online.



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