Four seater convertibles
 

The search begins to replace the wagon with a drop top.

In the running:

BMW M240 and Msport 440. (Should I consider AWD? We do get a little nastiness in ATL, and I am very over the winter tire switch. Could run All-Seasons all year long on the AWD and likely be fine.) Seems the 2 would be more fun, but the 4 more roomy and the 4 has dynamic damper option.

Audi S5. I'm a little concerned about Audi as a company these days. And the S5 is a somewhat soulless, but a good all around option--with Quattro, a real spare tire, good interior room, real LSD, and a cloth top.

Can't wrap my head around the Mercedes.

Still might consider a lightly used M3 or M4. Do the M3s have any issues with the 8 cylinder engine?

Anything I'm missing?

Surprised to hear you say you need AWD in ATL. I thought it was just a given that if there is a chance of 1/2", the city will just shut down for a week. :)

AWD isn't just for snow. Take the constant rain and drizzle of the Seattle winters for example. "Sure footed" is nice in many conditions

Is the S3 rear seat too small?

the trunks on on the 3/4 series w/ folding hardtops are useless compared to the 1/2 series. If you'd consider lightly used, you may want to drive a nice 135 back to back w/ the 240 and see if the liveliness of the 1 series is worth going used. There is an A3 vert as well as the a5. At least according to Nick the e93 M3 is garbage. The weight doesn't mix well with a low torque high revvy engine.

Yep. Lots of rain here and surface water as a result. Also if we do have frozen precip I am the one who has to go rescue the kid from school. Or drive home from the airport in it after a business trip. Still, could probably make do with all seasons and rwd.

S3 is something to look at it, with same reservations about Audi.

Trunk room is a consideration. Also, my kid is tracking in the 90s in height percentile. He needs to fit in the back seat through his big growth spurt.

Sure, I get the Audi reservation. I have always felt that by or near the end of the warranty, you know if you want to keep it or dump it. (this rule isn't limited to Audi, but Audi's with the exception of S8/R8, don't hold their value very well)

Just with size/HP I think the S3 would be more fun, S5 more boatlike

You will laugh at me, but I would at least drive the Mustang GT. My dad just got a new one and LOVES it, though he has always been a Mustang guy.

I personally wouldn't drive or buy the Camaro, but that's just me. It might be worth a try.

Trying not to laugh ;)

I've had many audis and I would not get one in the South. I actually prefer bmw's in the rain, they have better wipers and are very sure-footed as well.