Consumer Reports reviews upscale sedans

[mazda6er]

CR's top-rated cars are usually mainstream models with a performance edge. G35 instead of 3-Series or ES350, Accord and Passat instead of Camry or Mazda6, Focus and Civic instead of Corolla, etc.

You'll have to explain that one a little better, to me at least, if you don't mind. 

[ifcar]

You'll have to explain that one a little better, to me at least, if you don't mind. 

What I mean is that while CR rarely puts the sportiest car in a class at the top, they don't ignore sportiness either. That's why Accord outscores Camry, G35 outscores ES350, and so on.

[mazda6er]

What I mean is that while CR rarely puts the sportiest car in a class at the top, they don't ignore sportiness either. That's why Accord outscores Camry, G35 outscores ES350, and so on.

Ok, that's what I thought you meant, but you confused me when you put the 3-Series and the 6 in the "unsporting" category for your examples.

[ifcar]

Ok, that's what I thought you meant, but you confused me when you put the 3-Series and the 6 in the "unsporting" category for your examples.

I was naming the sportiest and the least sporty car in those classes to demonstrate that neither was the CR top pick.

[mazda6er]

I was naming the sportiest and the least sporty car in those classes to demonstrate that neither was the CR top pick.

OH, oh I see now. Thank you, that makes a lot more sense. 

[cawimmer430]

..maybe the 3 series, but the A4 hasn't even beaten the TSX in any head to head...

Acura FWD is better than Audi FWD.

[TheIntrepid]

Acura FWD is better than Audi FWD.

Both of those > Benz FWD :P

[cawimmer430]

Both of those > Benz FWD :P

Unfair comparison. The A and B-Classes are not performance cars.

[TheIntrepid]

Unfair comparison. The A and B-Classes are not performance cars.

Audi > MB

A3 2.0T > B200 Turbo
A4 2.0T > C280K
A6 3.2Q > E350 4Matic
Q7 4.2 > GL450

Everything... except...

W221 > A8

But I'm biased.

[cawimmer430]

Audi > MB

A3 2.0T > B200 Turbo (Don't compete)
A4 2.0T > C280K (Totally different target markets)
A6 3.2Q > E350 4Matic (Depends on what you're looking for...)
Q7 4.2 > GL450 (Q7 = sportier, GL = BETTER OFFROAD)

Everything... except...

W221 > A8

But I'm biased.

[TheIntrepid]

How do the A3 and B200 not compete?
How do the A4 and C280 not compete?

Explain yourself!

[cawimmer430]

How do the A3 and B200 not compete?
How do the A4 and C280 not compete?

Explain yourself!

The A3 doesn't compete with the A and B-Classes. It's not MPV-type car. No review here in Europe compares the 1-Series and A3 against the A or B-Classes. Mercedes doesn't have a competitor to those two cars except perhaps for the C-Class Sportcoupe.

The A4 and C-Class compete, but the engines you posted don't compete. A4 2.0T is purchased by someone who is a sportier sort of person while the C280 is more a luxury oriented cruising machine.

[ro51092]

Audi > MB

A3 2.0T > B200 Turbo
A4 2.0T > C280K
A6 3.2Q > E350 4Matic
Q7 4.2 > GL450

Everything... except...

W221 > A8

But I'm biased.

Ain't no C280K, slick, it's just a C280. It doesn't have a supercharger. I agree with you that the A4 2.0T is better than the C280.

Oh, and you seriously think that the A6 3.2 is better than the E350?

[Catman]

Yeah, Jake Miller is working for CR now. :P

[850CSi]

Audi > MB

A3 2.0T > B200 Turbo
A4 2.0T > C280K
A6 3.2Q > E350 4Matic
Q7 4.2 > GL450

Hmm...

A3 doesn't compete with the B-Klasse.

I agree about the A4, but there is no C280K and the C-Klasse is a much older car than the A4.

Most people say E350 > A6 3.2

Toss up between the Q7 and GL. Honestly, I know nothing about SUVs.




... And that's coming from a former Audi owner.