Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series Convertible

[junglie]

I would like to get a 4 seat convertible as a 'weekend' car for the family (2 small children). I think I have narrowed it down to an Audi A4 3.2 FSI of an E46 330ci. Both will be convertible, manual, 2006 / 07 (aware of tax implications) and standard spec including heated seats and sat nav.

Performance is broadly similar as is space etc and price is £6500.

The car will be used for trips out for the day with 4 so does need some boot space but thrashing around corners is not the top priority (unfortunately!).

Does anybody have any advice on either?

[ModernAndy]

Tough choice. I think the BMW is better engine-wise. The Audi will have 4wd if I'm not mistaken which is useful for the days where the roof will stay firmly up.

[Cupramax]

Unless the A4 is a quattro i'd steer clear and most definitely avoid if its multitronic which it will be of fwd auto. I ran an A4 3.2 quattro cab for 5 years and its an excellent car if well looked after servicing wise.

[billzeebub]

The availability of Quattro drivetrain is the only bonus the Audi has for me. I would have the BMW, but from what you say it sounds like the Audi may be more suitable. BMW the better drivers car though and the engine is lovely

Edited by billzeebub on Sunday 13th April 13:30

[junglie]

Audi is Quattro and manual so less issues than the other options.

Love the sound of the BMW engine, same as my E39 but sounds totally different.

[Cupramax]

The manual quattro 3.2 is a really nice drive, the whole drivetrain just seemed to suit the cab, same spec as mine was and wish i'd never sold it, and thats 4 years later, i keep looking at them thinking about getting another.

[junglie]

This isn't helping!

I was hoping for a landslide victory one way or another.

[BE57 TOY]

I'm a massive Audi fanboy but would probably suggest the BMW.

I had an A4 black edition 2.0tdi tiptronic last week and it was probably the most boring car I have ever driven.

[Cupramax]

BE57 TOY said:

I had an A4 black edition 2.0tdi tiptronic last week and it was probably the most boring car I have ever driven.

What relevance is that to a v6 manual quattro previous model cabriolet?

[ModernAndy]

The 3.2 was too beefy for the multitronic so not an option but if you do change your mind on the engine, avoid the multitronic like the plague (it's the auto with 7 'gears'), it's absolutely terrible and is the ruin of many an Audi.

[junglie]

Will definitely be a manual as I am not a massive fan of auto boxes even though they have come on massively over the years.

[Cupramax]

ModernAndy said:

The 3.2 was too beefy for the multitronic

If you read the thread the OP said its a manual quattro

[ModernAndy]

Cupramax said:

If you read the thread the OP said its a manual quattro

I did notice, mein fuhrer. It vos just zat somebody mentioned zee multitronic!

[JonnyO]

More room in the back of the Audi and out of the two it would be my choice.
However,have you considered the VW Eos? I've had the Audi and now have the Eos and I think it's the better car.

[JonnyO]

Let's not post twice...

[lamboman100]

junglie said:

This isn't helping!

I was hoping for a landslide victory one way or another.

Driving an Audi convertible will make you look like Princess Di.

Hope that settles it for you

[B17NNS]

I'd take the 330i in auto guise.

[junglie]

Lamboman - now that's funny! Had not thought in those terms.

[anonymous-user]

BMW all day long. It will be a much better drive!

[junglie]

I just don't know which way to go.