I know this isn't a Volkswagen forum, but since the two are related, I thought I should post this here. I'm in the market for a first car, and I'd like it to be European and with a manual transmission. So my question is, what are the pros and cons of a 1996 B4 Passat GLX with a 5-speed manual and the 2.8 liter DOHC VR6 with 79,000 miles on it for $3,595 vs. a 1996 B4 Audi A4 2.8 with the 2.8 liter SOHC 12 valve V6 with 140,000 miles on it going for $3,699? Which one do you think will be more fun to drive? And more fuel efficient? And cooler? Thanks for any replies. Here are pics of the two actual cars I'm looking at:

 

Uhh go with the a4.

 

get the GLX

 

Buy both and do an engine swap? That Passat is ugly.

 

If I go with the A4, it might not be as reliable since it has almost twice the mileage as the GLX, and besides the badges on the grilles, the cars are almost identical. But then again, there's nothing like an Audi badge in your driveway...

 

I'd love to buy both, but my parents wouldn't.

 

No, I'm pretty sure that's NOT how it breaks down. The cars are not at all identical and if you chose the Passat, it wouldn't be the badges that make it look less cool than the Audi...it would be everything. Having said that, I'm pretty sure you'll have better luck with the Passat. At the same time, I would never drive it.

 

Saying "identical" might be a stretch, but they are pretty similar, right? And I know the Passat isn't quite as good looking as the Audi, but I'd rather have an ok looking car in my driveway than an awesome looking one on the back of a tow truck. I've been looking up the B4 Passat, and they are almost spotless in terms of reliability. And besides, with the money I save by buying the VW, maybe I could buy a set of rims or something to make it look better.

 

lol seems like you have already came up with your descision......

 

I just don't want to get my hopes up for the Audi and then have my parents tell me it's too expensive. The VW is just a back up.