FIAT it is!

 

BMWs and Audis are both fantastic cars; I know, I've owned numerous models of both. (90-S, A4, A8 and 325i, 740i). It is important to note that each trim level of the A4 is less powerful than the comparable trim of the 3-series. Even with a "chip," the 1.8 or 2.0T engines do not make the stock power of a late 330 or 335i. Now, that doesn't mean all power in equal... it all depends on how you get it to the pavement.

The Audi is geared more towards an all-weather adventurist while the BMW is more for the fair-weather track-star. Match a BMW 335xi and an Audi A4 3.2Q with their respective sport packages on a road-course and I'll show you who's the boss. But get the same BMW and Audi toting up a rocky mountain road looking for fresh powder and your tables will turn.

The next comes down to personal preference but I think the Audi (A4 vs 3-series) is a more comfortable highway cruiser with better seating positions, dash design and button layout. The BMW has, in stock form, a more agressive stance and is more supportive and assuring during spirited driving. The BMW has better steering feedback and weight when compared to the Audi--great for the track but not so much for snow searching or highway cruising.

Yes, there are plenty of BMWs on the road but there are also plenty of Audis on the road now too. It boils down to your personal preference. I don't buy a car based upon how many other people have one; I buy a car because I like the way it looks, the way it drives and the way it makes me feel when I sit in it. I hope others would do the same.

The reason the A4 loses its value quicker than a BMW 3-series is because of market demand. Since there are more buyers out looking for a 3-series, the demand is higher thus supporting the used market value.

 

I just have one thing to say...

QUATTRO!!!

 

yeah, but an A4 is kind of a chick car too you know. i dunno, i love my car, but the reliability issues drive me crazy. i'm thinking of trading it in and just getting a honda to get me through college just for this reason

 

FIRE IN THE HOLE!

 

Hi

Boy we have a tough group here, the Audi A4 vert or the BMW 3 vertis for my wife to drive to work. She will be driving approx 45 miles each way to work. We live in the New Jersey and her work place is approx 12 miles off of the closest major highway.

The BMW's are quite pricey but they hold their value and l'm talking about only a certified preowned for both because of the extended warranty. I will go back to 2004 the latest but will prefer an 05. The price difference is approx $5000 plus for the BMW.

The Audi is better looking hands down period, The new body of the 3 series is awesome but my wife will kill the car in4 years mileage wise so l l would like to pick one up with no more then 30,000 miles.

Performance isn't that important to me because l have a vette in my garage for the weekends and a Volvo Wagon turbo to commute to the train.

I just would love to be able to get something for it after4 years or 6 months before the extended warranty runs out.

Thanks for your input.

Alan

 

Honestly, now that you say that, i would go wtih the audi hands down. not becuase i drive em adn i like em, but becuase its considerably safer than the BMW. the quattro and all the audi saftey features.

really, does resale value even matter when it is transporting the person you love?

 

not to mention your in jersey... go with the AWD Quattro... think of it this way... you're looking to buy a new dog. one dog can do a lot of tricks and looks really pretty but can only pull himself from place to place using his front two legs. Now this other dog can do all of those tricks too and looks just as pretty if not a little more, personally i like it more and i like the driving better, but he can run all four legs. Which would you want?

 

Parents own a 330 xi, beautiful car fun to drive. I used to prefer it over my A4, then I drove it in the rain, missed my audi. I agree with what all have said except for the A4 being a "chick car",the BMW in my opinion is great for short trips where you just feel like peeling around a bit. The Audi is PERFECT for relaxing. Not many people aside from Audi owners can truly say they look forward to their drive TO work. Also if your a cop or a bigger person (in my case both) the seat fits great. I'm 5'11 220lbs and I fit in the car wearing an entire gun belt with no problems. The one ***** in my A4's armor is if I have another bigger person sittin behind me, gets a bit tight.

 

you gotta love the tight handling of an audi tho, nothing beats it! (IMHO anyway)

only thing is, like i said before...maintainence can be a real biatch and i heard bimmers are a little better in that regard (although not by much)