bmwrules
Precision Pilot
Car&Driver Convertibles: Audi A4 2.0T,BMW 328i,Saab 9-3 2.0T,VW Eos 3.2,Volvo C70 T5
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.
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.