Comparison Test: 2005 BMW 545i vs. 2005 Audi A6 4.2

(photo: John Leblanc, straight-six.com)

And the BMW beats the Audi in the steering department as well. For sure, the A6 4.2 has some weight at the wheel; much improved from earlier Servotronic systems. Turn-in is quick, with adequate feel. However, compared to the 545i's moves, the Audi's steering is too light, and the extra weight at the front end dulls any accuracy that the rear-drive BMW enjoys.

Obviously BMW has reacted to complaints about the inconsistent behaviour of its earlier active-steering systems. Our 545i's moves felt more like the "ultimate driving machines" of old with lots of meaty feel and none of the abrupt moves the previous system would force upon a driver as you would move through a serious of turns of different radiuses. My only complaint is that active-steering still overcompensates for any crosswinds that transmits to a little wiggle at the steering wheel as if the tires were unbalanced on their rims.

(photo: John Leblanc, straight-six.com)

The 545i is also more generous with information when it comes to braking as well. Like the throttle, the brakes are nicely calibrated, almost Porsche-like. Just push until the ABS kicks in, back off, and then push again. The A6 4.2's brakes however are touchier at lower speeds, but are progressive, and easy-to-modulate; they just don't provide the Kreskin-like feel of the BMW's stoppers.We could have continued taking the straightforward four-lane route for our round trip to the Motor City, but that wouldn't allow us to play with the sport portion of these two very competent handlers. So a detour to some well known backroads may have added time to our trip, but it also added smiles to our mugs as both of these cars drive smaller when pushed.

Switching back and forth between the BMW and the Audi and the different handling philosophies that were not as obvious on the highway drone come to light. With a four-link setup up-front and a rear lower control arm and lateral link design in the rear, the new A6 is a much more sporting drive than the last model. However, Audi's all-wheel-drive provides needed grip in poor conditions, but also bestows the car with terminal understeer. Turn in quickly: understeer. Hit the accelerator too early or too hard: understeer. The only way to avoid this was to lift off the throttle and the new big nose would swing back into your intended direction.

155 kilograms lighter, 50/50 weight distribution, and the inherent balance of the front and rear wheels left to do their own thing, equips the 545i with the tools to extract the type of handling that rewards enthusiastic drivers. Responsive at turn-in, the 545i corners flat, balanced and stable, with virtually no body roll. Too hot into a corner? Just back-off on the throttle and the nose tucks obediently in. Once again, the usability of all the driving tools--throttle, shifter, steering--really shines when you need all to work together as one.

(photo: John Leblanc, straight-six.com)

No doubt, Audi has made the new A6 4.2 more of a driver's car with a more athletic suspension than its predecessor's. The vee-eight/Tiptronic combo can be either relaxed or responsive--your call. And then there's the well-detailed interior, and the standard quattro all-wheel-drive; both of which give this car a real sense of 365-days-of-the-year confidence.

Nonetheless, from a purely driving perspective, the Audi A6 4.2's overly sensitive throttle and brake inputs and constant understeer have to take a back seat to the BMW 545i's natural talents. The BMW may not have the laser-like interior build quality, or ultimate all-weather capabilities, but it's warmer, and more sensitive to the driver's needs when called upon and it's our choice if you love to drive.

- John LeBlanc is an Ottawa-based automotive critic and publisher of straight-six.com