Drive-by-wire

[jason_a_warner]

I have some questions for people who own/drive late (within 3 years) model 3-series. I have a '97 328iS 5spd that loves to accelerate. I recently test drove an '04 330xi 6spd which seemed downright wimpy compared to my car. I have been told by the dealers and my mechanic that the new electronic throttle systems are "adaptive" and learn how the driver likes to drive - an adjust accordingly. So....I drove an '03 330xi (they only had an auto) with 7K miles, and it seemed to have more pep than the '04 (with no miles on it). So my questions are:

1. How do you like the drive-by-wire throttle ?
2. Does it seem that the electronic throttle is "learning" how you drive ? If so, how many miles did it take to learn ?
3. Does anyone know if my '97 has this electronic throttle (with a cable, however) that "learned" how I drive ? (A dealer told me it did.. :O)
4. Can I expect the '04 330xi to "learn" how I drive and someday become better than my '97 ?

Thanks for any help.

[Audi Ryder]

The drive by wire feature on new models in my opinion limit the skills of the advanced driver. The purpose of the throttle-by-wire is to "save the brakes" by shutting down power of the engine once brake pressure is detected, irregardless of what the gas pedal's position is. Left foot braking is rendered useless, which agitates the serious, performance oriented driver. However, driving around town and under normal circumstances, I feel little to no difference over the control.