[michi55]

I went to test drive a '10 audi a4 2.0t... while I saw some improvements in the looks and the new navigation, I didnt love the drive. I'm sure its better in the snow than a 3 series, and its smoother but i didnt enjoy driving it..
i went to test drive it because i found it for about 50$ less a month than a similar equipped 328xi sedan...
what are your thoughts?
ps i love how the driving in the 3 series is mcuh more firm

[maswastage]

I've said this before: I test drove an '09 A4 3.2 earlier this summer and it was absolute rubbish compared to my 328xi. It always comes down to just driving a car and feeling it for yourself.

[thatsosm]

Enter Biased Opinion here: Clearly the car to go with is the BMW 328xi, the audis look good due to their Unique Led Lights, and.... thats about it

[jopa489]

The A4 has never impressed me. There's really no evidence to say the Audi would be any better in the snow either. All the AWD systems are the same these days, call it what you want - xDrive, Quattro, 4Matic, etc.

[mmm def]

Although the Audi is a nice car..go with the 3. You just answered your own question..

Originally Posted by michi55

ps i love how the driving in the 3 series is much more firm

[cgpublic]

A former A6 Avant owner, I bought an 08 328xi in February of last year. 18 months in, it's the perfect car for the NY metro area. First, while there is very little actual snow for most major roads, AWD is a big plus for the back roads, hills and driveways when it does snow, and it's just as good for rain, winter mix and loose gravel. It drives different than RWD at speed in that while it misses the same feel as RWD on entry, there is a big benefit on the exit - it's beautifully composed. The extra ride height and steel components are another big plus due to all of the road construction in and around NYC.

I don't miss the turbos, simply because the 328 can get up to speed very quickly in real-world driving situations – place the car in DS mode and you will accelerate to 75+ faster than most traffic will allow, and I rarely drive more than 30 MPH over the speed limit in the metro area – too many cops. Outside the city, the car cruises great between 95 & 110 MPH. IMHO the extra cost (7K) & HPFP issues is not worth the trouble to accelerate from 30 MPH to 60 MPH. If I lived elsewhere, say in and around Denver, I would opt for the 335 due to the much better road and traffic conditions.

Don't fall for the Audi hype – they just don't do sport as does BMW, and the xDrive is just as good as Quattro in real world driving. Yes, an Audi offers a little bit more luxury at a lower price, but for me all of that stuff becomes irrelevant once you are behind the wheel. Great build quality, zero issues, very happy with the packages/options I selected, Montego & leather looks as good as the day I took delivery – good luck!

[aspiring335]

Get the BMW, and a proper set of snow tires for winter. Audis just can't shake off that front-heavy feeling. I know people love their interiors, too, but personally I hate MMI and find that there is more cheap plastic in the new A4 than the E9x, or at least Audi has done a poorer job than BMW of disguising it.

[CHCCubs]

I test drove both cars earlier this year (2009 models) and came to the same conclusion and chose the 328i xDrive. While the A4 was a nice car overall, it just couldn't hold a candle to the 328i in terms of overall driving dynamics.

[pokerface]

I have a 325 rwd and just picked up the 2.0 quattro A4. They're both great cars but for different people. The 325 is a fun car.. the A4 is more of a cruiser. Just get what you feel is right.

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

BMW is alone in the driving dynamics segment.

BMW= People who want to drive their cars.

MB/Audi - People who want to be driven in their cars.

You have to love driving to get a BMW. It's not for everyone.

[michi55]

Thank you guys, the comments are exactly what i wanted to hear...
I wish the 3 series lease prices were a bit lower..but i guess ill wait...

[Joeb427]

Originally Posted by michi55

Thank you guys, the comments are exactly what i wanted to hear...
I wish the 3 series lease prices were a bit lower..but i guess ill wait...

What else did you expect?

[Alan l.]

Go with the 328 for sure.

Every time i look at an audi interior is reminds me of a VW because they share certain parts. Bmw's just have a more solid/quality feel imo.

[meruyailir]

Originally Posted by aspiring335

Get the BMW, and a proper set of snow tires for winter. Audis just can't shake off that front-heavy feeling. I know people love their interiors, too, but personally I hate MMI and find that there is more cheap plastic in the new A4 than the E9x, or at least Audi has done a poorer job than BMW of disguising it.

Totally agree with you. The MMI on the A4 looks so cheap. It almost looks like the screen on a cheap colorful double-din audio head unit. And yes, the interior feels more plastic. Not to mention I hate the feel of the button press.

However the exterior of the A4 is excellent. The front looks very mean.

BUT, I'd still pick for the 3er anytime.

[DestreJC]

enuf said.........same boat as you were. 3 weeks ago, But went ahead with the 328i xdrive. more firmer and faster on acceleration. have not tried it on the snow as of yet but looking forward to.... - 1 week 1/2 old owner

[michi55]

I hated the acceleration on the A4...that was one of my main concerns with the car..

Originally Posted by DestreJC

enuf said.........same boat as you were. 3 weeks ago, But went ahead with the 328i xdrive. more firmer and faster on acceleration. have not tried it on the snow as of yet but looking forward to.... - 1 week 1/2 old owner

[Dereleek]

Originally Posted by cgpublic

A former A6 Avant owner, I bought an 08 328xi in February of last year. 18 months in, it's the perfect car for the NY metro area. First, while there is very little actual snow for most major roads, AWD is a big plus for the back roads, hills and driveways when it does snow, and it's just as good for rain, winter mix and loose gravel. It drives different than RWD at speed in that while it misses the same feel as RWD on entry, there is a big benefit on the exit - it's beautifully composed. The extra ride height and steel components are another big plus due to all of the road construction in and around NYC.

I don't miss the turbos, simply because the 328 can get up to speed very quickly in real-world driving situations – place the car in DS mode and you will accelerate to 75+ faster than most traffic will allow, and I rarely drive more than 30 MPH over the speed limit in the metro area – too many cops. Outside the city, the car cruises great between 95 & 110 MPH. IMHO the extra cost (7K) & HPFP issues is not worth the trouble to accelerate from 30 MPH to 60 MPH. If I lived elsewhere, say in and around Denver, I would opt for the 335 due to the much better road and traffic conditions.

Don't fall for the Audi hype – they just don't do sport as does BMW, and the xDrive is just as good as Quattro in real world driving. Yes, an Audi offers a little bit more luxury at a lower price, but for me all of that stuff becomes irrelevant once you are behind the wheel. Great build quality, zero issues, very happy with the packages/options I selected, Montego & leather looks as good as the day I took delivery – good luck!

+1

Looked at the A5, but couldn't justify getting it just for the looks---as the performance was seriously piss poor compared to the 328i xdrive. It felt so slow. I can't vouch for the A4 though.

Also agree with the extra cost and HPFP issues with the 335---that is a major reason I went with the 328.

[Saintor]

The A4 can be fixed for about everything($$$) for suspension, exhaust, chip but the steering, which is not/can't be 3-series level.