Who is going to win this battle. I have not seen the Audi because it is still winter, but i do have fotos and specs for the 3.0


http://www.carenthusiast.com/audi/audi_a4convertible2002_5.jpg

http://www.carenthusiast.com/audi/audi_a4convertible2002_6.jpg

http://www.carenthusiast.com/audi/audi_a4convertible2002_17.jpg

http://www.carenthusiast.com/audi/audi_a4convertible2002_11.jpg

http://www.carenthusiast.com/audi/audi_a4convertible2002_18.jpg

A4 3.0
Model Configurations


220 hp with Audi multitronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and FrontTrak® front-wheel drive



Engine


Aluminum 3.0 liter V6 with variable intake manifold, DOHC with 5 valves per cylinder, continuous camshaft adjustment and hydraulic lifters
Displacement: 3.0 liters (182 cu. in.)
Bore: 3.25 in.
Stroke: 3.65 in.
Compression ratio: 10.1:1
Horsepower (SAE net): 220 @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 221 lb/ft @ 3200 rpm



Performance


0-60 mph in seconds: 7.5

Top track speed: 130 mph¹

EPA fuel economy estimate (mpg) (city/highway): 20/27²



SAAB- no specs, we, I , need a coupe with more power http://www.saabscene.com/forum/images/smilies/fawlty.gif
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2004/Saab/100198108/021815-E.jpg


i have to admit i like Audi's styling it can surely lure you away from BMW and Saab

FrontTrak® front-wheel drive[/b]ROFL! Do they also have a specially designed and patented ForBanger® four cylinder engine, the unique RoundandRound® steering wheel and WindBag® airbags?

FrontTrak[/b]Methinks they've been taking marketing advice from the Americans..
Looks a bit like a bath tub with the roof down - ie featureless like the old convertible. Plus the interior is a bit of a let down. But, if someone offered me one I wouldn't turn it down!
MR

I have to admit to liking the Audi convertible , specifically because it is nice and simple - not too flashy. See one up close. Way better than the pics .

The Audi is lightyears ahead of the old 80-based model it replaces. Well screwed together, and looks a million dollars.

However, on test drive a couple of weeks ago (yes I do spend my life test driving cars - gotta be better than working ) I have to say the UK reviews were right - it's underpowered and has all the typical characteristics of modern Audis, in other words, it's hewn out of solid granite, nothing will rattle in a million years, and it is dull as ditchwater.

On that experience alone, I cannot understand who buys Audis (apart from well-heeled peeps with more money than sense). Something that requires an Auto box to be drivable, and then can be overtaken by passing wildlife, and with the fuel consumption of a small antidiluvian dictatorship!

If previous years are anything to go by, the 9-3 Sports Convertible (?) will be virtually identical in performance and economy to the saloon that's already on sale. Just bump up the price a bit. Thus you can probably be looking at £25,500 for a 9-3SC Aero with a 0-60 time of 7.0secs ish, and combined economy of around 32mpg. Faster and cleaner than the Audi!

(BTW, sorry that turned into a bit of a rant! )

Call me old fashioned, but I like a certain amount of curves and/or stance in the external appearance. The BMW Z4 is just one example of what I mean.
The A4 and 9-3 convertible appear a bit too straight shaped. No exciting curves or stance to get other road users to drop their bottom jaw in awe or do a http://www.saabscene.com/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif . SAAB will have to at least come up with a body kit to add a bit of or .

Originally posted by StanleyB:
*The BMW Z4 is just one example of what I mean.[/b]Z4 is a 2 seater saab & audi are full 4 seaters might aswell bring in a few supercar convertibles aswell. http://www.saabscene.com/forum/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

Z4... http://www.saabscene.com/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif http://www.saabscene.com/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif You weren't serious about that one, right?

Originally posted by H's Alter Ego:
*

On that experience alone, I cannot understand who buys Audis (apart from well-heeled peeps with more money than sense). *[/b]And some people buy them to make you believe they are well-heeled peeps with more money than sense!

Z4 is a 2 seater saab & audi are full 4 seaters might aswell bring in a few supercar convertibles aswell. *[/b]I am not talking seats, just looks. And when was the last time anyone saw 4 people in a SAAB convertible? In most cases it's some female young lady on her own, whilst hugging a mobile phone to her ear.

Z4... * You weren't serious about that one, right? *[/b]I actually like the looks. Niet kwaad. But I wouldn't buy any German car for myself out of principle. Before anyone asks what those principles are: I do believe that it is possible to buy a well built, fast, reliable car without having to buy Japanese or German.

Sorry, but to me the Z4 looks like the head of design could not decide between three or four different exterior designs, and decided to put all the features of those into one car. It's a visual mess of lines and creases going into every conceivable direction, and it looks nose-heavy which detracts from the lithe-ness of the overall shape.

But then again - over the past few years I got the distinct impression theat Stevie Wonder Automotive Design, Inc. is getting more and more work committed from major manufacturers...

While styling-wise, Saab and Audi seem to have nothing to fear from the strangely popular 3-series cabrio, I think a marque that prides itself on it's weirdness has got to do better than the anodyne 9-3. It's not half as distinctive as ANYTHING else in it's class and that's a real shame considering it's lineage. Even it's cabin is all dour plastics now.. whatever happened since the 9-5?

As much as I love Saabs, I can't see myself buying a 9-3 Vector/Vectra.. Mr Mauer had better do something about the new models. Subaru's WRX proved that however good a car, it can't sell if it looks dull.