(Crossposted with minor differences to a BMW forum to get opinions from both sides of the debate)
What criteria would you use to decide between the the cars?

My needs:
Stick shift
AWD
Navigation/Bluetooth
Hardtop (Sedan or coupe I don't care, but I don't want a convertible)

My wants:
Dark-ish color, but not black. Moonlight Blue Metallic from Audi and Imperial Blue Metallic from BMW are both excellent, as is BMW's Mineral Gray, with Audi's Monsoon Grey would be a fairly close fourth choice.
(Why doesn't Audi mix a Forest Green paint?)

Caranddrive says both cars accelerate to 60 in the same time as well. Many sources say that the Audi's steering feel is less exciting than the BMW's, but having not yet test-driven either I'm sure to reach my own conclusion on that front. And BMWCCA likely has the advantage over Audi Club America as far as benefits are concerned. The last BMW that I drove was an '08 335xi which was quick, but I would have preferred a bit more throttle earlier in the pedal, plus it was an automatic. Apparently the throttle can be remapped through an easy ECU flash?

Anyone owned both? Any quality of life comments? When I go to my test-drive, what are the key differences that I should be looking for that will annoy or thrill me in 6 months but that will likely not spring out at me immediately? The BMW's silly cup holders are an immediate potential source of annoyance, but I don't know whether that will continue to be the case after years of ownership.

Likely most of the people here chose the Audi, why? Have you regretted the decision? Would you make the same decision again?

Any thoughts?

 

If you're looking for sedan or coupe, add the A5 to your list to look at. There was a refresh in 2013, and they both look great (A4 and A5) but the A5 is just plain sexy as hell. If AWD is that important, quattro is impossible to beat as well. But, with the 2.0T engine, it will take a little work to get her to move as quickly as you're looking for (but it can be done). For a little more money (ok, actually about $10-15K more), you can look at the S4 or S5. With a supercharged V6, and 333 HP stock (and about the same torque), it'll get you moving rather quickly... guaranteed to make you smile.

Ultimately, you will just have to take both the Audi and the BMW on a test drive and decide for yourself.

 

Unfortunately, used late-model S4/5's are outside my price range. I'd certainly look at an A5 if I found the right one, but they're very rare.

Luckily, I'm not a speed demon. I just prefer to drive a fairly quick car when compared against a less-quick one.

Comfort and convenience is the name of the game, and I'm really curious about factors affecting either that wouldn't come out during the 30 minute summer test-drive, due to length, time of day or seasonal weather variation and things that I might not notice at the test-drive but will annoy me years later.

Believe me, I know that the test-drive is all-important.

 

I'm not sure what your budget is, but if you're willing to look a year or two older, you can find an S4 in about the same price range as a newer A5 or 328i xDrive. With the S4, you'll get the same supercharged V6, which is still good on MPG and definitely more smiles per mile. Plus, it has a lot of bells and whistle standard that would be extras on the base model. Plus, the 2010 (A4/5 and S4/5) look just like the 2012's. 2013 is when the updated headlights started, which is what most people notice.

 

I looked at a '14 A4 with the S-Line kit today. The front bumper is ridiculous.

Why would someone buy an AWD car with ~6" of ground clearance?

I'm not going to take the car offroading or on rocks or anything, but any mention-worthy snowstorm would have the bottom of the car shoveling the snow.

The funny bit, of course, is that the car had Blizzaks installed. Maybe that's why he wound up selling it?

 

That's an interesting dillema... you want a sporty luxury sedan/ coupe, but you also want decent ground clearance.

 

Is there something wrong with wanting a comfortable and quick daily driver that I can, you know, drive daily?

 

Nothing wrong with that... but it is a dilemma.

 

Its hilarious to even suggest an Audi can't handle snow...

There is not a better car on the road in the snow.... Than an Audi.

I'll solve your problem for you.

BMW interiors suck.... And that where you'll spend most of the time.

 

You may also want to look at a Lexus IS250 or IS350 AWD .