First & Second Test Drives
 

I've driven the 8 twice now, and am extremely impressed with the car! Things I like best:

1. Mechanical noises. Winding the car up through the gears produces the most wonderful 'woosh' sound from the engine, kinda like a jet engine winding up. (I wonder if they can add some noise to the transmission? A little gear whine would make it an even greater experience)

2. NAV. I can get lost in a straight line (and have!). The NAV screen is big, bright, and well integrated into the dash.

3. Brakes. Make sure your seatbelt is fastened before you decide to stand on the brake pedal. Deceleration is remarkable.

4. Interior room. It feels sports car snug, but in a good way. I have adequate head room, leg room, hip room. All controls seem to be within easy reach. Oh yeah, room for four when needed.

5. Handling. Corners flat as a pancake, feels very tossable (almost, but not quite, Miata tossable).

6. Looks. Both how good the car looks and how good I look in it!

Well, I'm convinced, though, if I trade in my 03 A4 I will have paid 90 cents per mile for the Audi. Decisions decisions.....

Welcome to the club. I too have test driven the RX-8 twice and am convinced it is what I want to replace my Mustang GT. Just gotta wait 2 more months.

Which model A4 did you get? I've had A4 loaners when my TT's been in for service and I've had varied experiences with them.

1) 1.8T w/Autobox was horrible. Damn thing couldn't figure out which gear it wanted to be in. Engine was nice although it was far from a powerhouse.
2) 3.0 w/6 speed was a much better experience. I liked the engine a lot, and the tranny allowed you to make good use of the engine's powerband, but even 220hp had trouble overcoming the car's weight.

Actually had a porcine A6 2.7T as a loaner once too. Pitiful car actually. Combined with a suspension that felt like it came off of a Buick and lackluster engine, I found that the transmission was plagued with the same inconsistencies as the auto in the A4....not to mention the fact that the car couldn't overcome its own weight problem.

As much as I love Audis...when I need a 'full size' sedan, it will likely be a 530i - or its equivalent (although the new Volvo S60R is kind of appealing to me).

-Eric

I traded in an 03 330i for my RX8 and as much as I loved the bimmer, the RX is heaven !!

It's just an awesome car that is in touch with the road in a major way !!!

Yes the RX8 is haven on earth! I traded in my wifes VW Passat wagon for it. Nice family car but no comparison to RX8!

what did she say when she got home and found her car traded in? why didnt you trade in yours? so now you have 2 cars and she has none? nice!

Eric, I have an A4 with 1.8T and 5 speed. I test drove the 1.8t with slushbox and it was as bad as you described. Not enough torque in the engine to push through an auto, IMHO. With the 5 speed, it is a very versatile machine. Not a rocket, but a good balance between speed, highway passing power, handling and comfort. I think for 2003 the A6 2.7Ts all came with a sport suspension. Pretty silly move to put such a superb engine in a Buick wanna-be with a lousy transmission.