Test drive Audi A4 B5 1994 - 2001 sedan

Golden mean

On the next test drive, two very pretty German sedans Opel Vectra B and Audi A-4 came to us, whose forms developed in the mid-90s are very close in style. Both cars belong to the popular class D, if you use a European scale. Both have stichene double -shit engines with a volume of only 1.6 liters. The cars have been on the conveyor for four years and most likely they will stand still. Vectra has just passed light restyling ..
So what appeared new outside? Vectra has updated bumpers. A completely different anterior optics, Americanly closed by transparent plastic caps, which, coupled with a chrome radiator grille, visually makes the eye more piercing. Behind, too, new lights. The stop-signal moved to the top of the rear window from its lower edge. The shape of the trunk lid is changed. Plastic overlays have now been launched on the thresholds.
 
The cabin also has changes. The buttons on the instrument panel have a different configuration, the armrest between the seats entered the standard equipment, and a comfortable pocket for trifles grew on the ceiling.
And the size of the wheels from the fourteenth was brought to the fifteenth. That's essentially and that’s it. Updated cars have already appeared on sale. They ask for a little more familiar models for them, but soon, when the old ones are overpassed, their price, it seems, will fall a little.
We respect this dimension. D-automobiles are larger and more saturated than the GOLF class, but more modest and cheaper business class. In some ways, the middle ground. These cars are quite spacious and safe, but economical and simple.
But let's move from the lyrics to the essence. The difference between the test-dweans is primarily felt on the go.
Already located behind the wheel, we feel a more sports mood Audi. The steering column moves in two planes. The A-4 stormy itself and the style resembles that in Audi TT, sharply included in fashion in the last year. Opening a softer and comfortable driver's seat, adjusting to any physique. But the steering wheel, unfortunately, cannot be brought closer, and when you drive away from the pedals, you have to stretch or move slightly forward and bend your knees.
The distance between the three pedals is so small that in shoes 45-46 sizes are easy to hurt neighboring pedals. Audi has this drawback also, but to a lesser extent.
By the location of passengers in the back seat, Opel is in a more advantageous position. And the width of the cabin at the level of the shoulders, and the space for the legs is enough, the ceiling is low. In A-4 ago, it is advisable to seize the people smaller, while people will clearly not be free there. Typically, in the autumnly litt in the salon, the rear racks press on the head, and the faces suffering from claustrophobia are better to travel ahead.
Both machines are equipped with airbags, electric mirrors and front glass, ABS, heated seats. Special thanks for the air conditioners.
The instrument shields are clearly visible, the buttons and levers are controlled. Switching the checkpoint especially pleased us to A-4 all the programs are crossed extremely clearly.
In move
We could not feel the difference in dynamics. This is not sacred, because the power and own mass of sedans are almost equal. However, even of us, avid riders, was surprised by a very decent acceleration. When they got behind the wheel, these motors for phlegmatic drivers or timid beginners suggested. It turned out not at all. Quite satisfactory pace for urban movement.
If you ride not only in a straight line, the difference begins to appear. Vectra reactions are slightly lubricated. The body in corners is heated. The passage of bumps is soft enough. A-4 is a little worse than the suspension, but it will steer much more clearly: the wheel moves immediately and adequately. So even an active driver will be able to stretch out on this sensitive apparatus. This is not to say that Opel is worse, but it is more suitable for calm people. The fair sex also looks good in Vectrah. It feels like a car from Rüsselheim is more likely a feminine character, but the native of Ingolstadt behaves like a man. But, we repeat, the difference is not so great.
The layout solutions, with the location of the engine along (Audi) or across (Opel), also leave their mark on the behavior of the machine. Opel, due to this type of layout, blows at a sharp increase in speed. At the same time, places for the legs are also more in front in width and depth.
With almost the same passport characteristics, the Audi A-4 seemed a little more expressive to us. This car is to a greater extent than Vectra-B, is tuned to the driver. But Opel also holds well as well as well.
So, we would have awarded the Audi A-4 confident five, and the Opel five with a minus. But we note that they ask for Vectra in salons one and a half thousand less, and the updated look will highlight your car in the stream of their own kind. By the way, there is Opel with a five -door hatchback, and, in addition, both cars can be performed by the station wagon. Together they will make a good set for, for example, the simultaneous purchase of cars for her husband and wife.
Vladimir Smirnov photo of the author
 

 

A source: Cars