I have 1998 A4 Quattro. I replaced a '89 190E 2.6 with it. I miss three things on the Mercedes one was the smooth six, second was the straight line stability,( the A4 is very but not great like an MB) and last the Audi doesn't have the emotional pull with me that the MB did. Having said the above the number one reason I don't have a Mercedes right now is that the Audi has been an exceptional car for me in many ways better than the Mercedes. The suspension is superior to any Mercedes I have driven short of an S class in terms of the combination of handling and ride comfort. Audi absolutely nailed it with that vintage / model of Audi. I have been lucky with my car in particular in that the reliability issues were addressed under warranty. The other thing that has helped tremendously is the Audiworld is filled with guys who not only turn their own wrenches but are excellent about creating pictorial instructions on repairs. I still want another Mercedes and my next car will be one but not not for rational reasons.