phantom;484985 said:
It's a personal preference, for me BMW, because it's a driver's car- great feel and superb handling with balanced weight distribution, RWD and the sportiness of the interior trim especially the M-sport version. Most(if not all) UK car magazines rate it highly in comparison test and the 3 series won the World Car Awards in 2006. I grinned from ear to ear everytime I took my ride for a spin!!
(wait until you drive a nine-eleven even an old one, you would want one....!)
That day I went to test drove both A4 1.8T(FWD) & 2.0T(Quattro) in a row. Before that, I test drove the facelifted 325. I myself is driving an E46 325 & my friend is driving a E90 320, so I get the chance to drive & sit in his 320 very often. It’s easy to compare with the B8s.
Well, we all know the build quality of Audi & the long list of equipment it has, so let’s put that aside. Audi is on upper hand.
Regarding torque & speed, with turbo, it’s always fast… That’s no doubt. At least you feel very fast with the turbo. I am very surprise with the 1.8T’s power, frankly speaking 320 is no match. My NA 325 can’t match with the 2.0T. E90 325 vs B8 2.0T Quattro, my money is on B8. Frankly. But, let’s read below b4 u guys jump on me ah.
The 1.8T FWD feel VERY nice, VERY minimum understeer, well balanced & tuned chassis. Best ever stock FWD I have driven. The B7 didn’t convince me on this point, but the B8, YES. I have to admit that this car has the preferred checklist fulfilled for most & normal consumer. It will surely take away some 320 customers, PROVIDED below 3 things are not in the buyers’ list.
1. Steering is super light.
2. You don’t have the fun of RWD character
3. Too quiet, our beemer engine sound is tuned to amuse us when driving.
Now, the Quattro, that’s more like it. Beemer lovers would like this version as the rear is working. I can feel the tail. Pushed hard in round about, 4 wheels slide together, fun! But who’s going to do that every day or frequently with quarter million car? Again, it’s fast with the turbo! Very quiet & stable on high speed as usual for an Audi. Other that then pretty much same with the 1.8T. Similar price with 325, similar horse power, stronger torque, it will give 325 a punch too. Hey, but then, the above 3 points are still there, just only #2 is you have a half of it.
I have to admit that these B8 A4s are really attractive even to me when I drive. Very appealing in terms of spec., style, building quality, comfort, power. I mean, VERY. But guys, I feel lack of something. I will buy if I have never experienced a beemer & above 3 points is not in my criteria. I guess the BMW’s character’s has been implanted in my brain, can’t get rid of it.
Strange enuf, after my test drive & when I drive my 1 generation older 325, yes I feel the generation gap, BUT I still love it! Yes, it’s slower, u hear the engine & muffler roars, the tail is there, but I love these characters! At least for now! It’s just fun to drive it.
After the test drive, I personally feel both are good cars. One difference, the car’s character.. I am further convinced that beemer owners buy their car coz of the car’s character. Yes, it may be less powerful(NA version), but the acceleration is smooth. Never the less, the fun factor of what BMW created matches to our criteria. That’s why we are here.
Just side info., the absorber is RM1.8k/pc… Don’t forget the B8 has a selection of drive mode + suspension hardness, which is also VERY convenient.
Test drive yourself to find out more, these are only I personal opinion.
