My brother autocrosses the A4Q and I the 328i (earlier E36 model). The A4
and 328i were probably base models without sports suspension and with
all-season tires. They are both available with optional suspensions and
with wider summer tires, and are considerably more effective for autocross
with the packages (the A4 especially). The IS300 comes only one way(for
now), with a firmer suspension and summer tires, I believe.
Dave
At 11:48 AM 8/7/00 -0700, you wrote:
>The small course was very tight with just couple of spots were you can get
>on it. Out of the 3 cars provided (IS300, A4 and 328), I though the Lexus is
>the best all around car, but I felt Bimmer was better for autocrossing. I
>was very disappointed with A4. I had expected it would be the best car for
>that surface. I've seen A4's do very well in SOLO2 competition, but the one
>I've driven was soft, understeered in the worst way, and was down on power
>in comparison to 328 and IS300. The BMW felt stronger, more predictable,
>more neutral and the easiest to drive fast. I thought I was at least 1 sec
>faster (according to my butt timer) than in other two cars. OK, maybe it's
>because I'm more familiar with BMWs. <g>
>
>By Sunday afternoon the surface was reasonably clean with well defined grove
>on the big course. The grip was pretty good. I think street tires work
>better on that surface than Hoosiers. The Kumho's should work the best.
>
>Thanks to Lexus for an afternoon of fun.
>
>Boris.
>00 Boxster AS84
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