Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series Convertible
Discussion
I had to make this decision some years back.
The Audi won.
It has more space in the back seats, it has more space in the boot, especially with the roof down, it just feels nicer to be in.
There's also a personal issue for me that BMW's just feel like company cars to ke, whereas the Audi has a more fun feeling about it.
The Audi won.
It has more space in the back seats, it has more space in the boot, especially with the roof down, it just feels nicer to be in.
There's also a personal issue for me that BMW's just feel like company cars to ke, whereas the Audi has a more fun feeling about it.
ModernAndy said:
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.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/06-06-Audi-A4-Cabriolet-3-2-FSI-Sport-Nav-/151265157550?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item23381b21aeThe 3.2 non Quattro auto is multitronic.
The standard zf gearbox is put in the Quattro cars is to do with the four wheel drive system not working with the cvt multitronic, not the power.
PS had 3.0 Quattro sport manual cab two years ago and it was slow and heavy on fuel and when driven in anger the dmf let go, I'd spend a bit more and get an e90 cab instead, as e46 / a4 are dated now and for £2500 more you will get a car 10 years newer.
I've only driven the A4 2.0t convertible with s-tronic gearbox (dsg) and s-line suspension. It looked very nice, especially the interior was very well finished. I suppose it was a good cruiser, but definatly wasn't made to be fun. Very understeery and felt like a heavy barge (which it is I suppose). It was the FWD version, so perhaps the quattro versions are nicer. What did surprise me was the level of scuttle shake on bad roads, especially the shaky steering wheel.
Did have paddle gearshift.Not quite in the same boat but I have just sold my B8 2.0tfsi quattro A4 and swapped for a M135i. The A4 still had elements of under-steer when pushed but in the wet did feel very sure footed. The BMW in comparison is a much nicer drive. The difference in power aside, it just feels better balanced and handling is in a different league.
Definitely drive both, but from a drivers perspective I am sure the BMW will be the one to choose.
Definitely drive both, but from a drivers perspective I am sure the BMW will be the one to choose.
Without trying to be controversial, I'm wondering how many people have owned or driven either or both.
As a 4 seat cabrio the BMW is horrible.
The rear seats are tiny, the front seats don't slide well for access.
The Audi has much bigger rear seats the front seats have an extra ratchet system to slide right out of the way.
If you are getting a 4 seat cabrio then make sure it's good at being a 4 seat cabrio.
I have an A4.
My brother in law used to have the 3 series soft top.
As a 4 seat cabrio the BMW is horrible.
The rear seats are tiny, the front seats don't slide well for access.
The Audi has much bigger rear seats the front seats have an extra ratchet system to slide right out of the way.
If you are getting a 4 seat cabrio then make sure it's good at being a 4 seat cabrio.
I have an A4.
My brother in law used to have the 3 series soft top.
3.2 FSI can be costly if it borks - the timing chains can stretch and cause all sorts of woe.
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/audi-s4-a4-a4-cab-b7-...
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/a3-s3-sportback-8p-ch...
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/audi-s4-a4-a4-cab-b7-...
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/a3-s3-sportback-8p-ch...
OK both are great cars but both have downsides...
The Audi would work in all weather and be more reliable (in my opinion) but isnt a good looking and is abit boring to drive...
The BMW looks better and drives great but having had previous issues with a gearbox and electric roof it makes me step away from them to an extent...
If everything is well looked after and its a good car its down to personal preference...
Id go BMW if i knew i was cruising high streets and drifting etc 2 things which i doubt you'll be doing
Id go Audi for the practical side of it as although its a soft top when the winter does hit and every rear drive car is struggling you just take out your cab in the snow on a sunny day with your roof down and go power sliding...
The Audi would work in all weather and be more reliable (in my opinion) but isnt a good looking and is abit boring to drive...
The BMW looks better and drives great but having had previous issues with a gearbox and electric roof it makes me step away from them to an extent...
If everything is well looked after and its a good car its down to personal preference...
Id go BMW if i knew i was cruising high streets and drifting etc 2 things which i doubt you'll be doing
Id go Audi for the practical side of it as although its a soft top when the winter does hit and every rear drive car is struggling you just take out your cab in the snow on a sunny day with your roof down and go power sliding...
Snowboy said:
Without trying to be controversial, I'm wondering how many people have owned or driven either or both.
As a 4 seat cabrio the BMW is horrible.
The rear seats are tiny, the front seats don't slide well for access.
Depends on whether you are using it as an occasional 4 seater or a family car. I can fit in the back of an E46 fairly comfortably with my wife driving (I'm 6'2) and vice versa. Certainly no worse than small hatches we've owned over the years.As a 4 seat cabrio the BMW is horrible.
The rear seats are tiny, the front seats don't slide well for access.
junglie said:
The only issue I know of the 3.2 FSI engine is the coking problem that can affect some that have not been given a regular 'Italian tune up'. Is there anything else?
AFAIK, Italian tune up doesn't help - the issue is it's direct injection therefore no fuel in the inlet tracts, however like all modern petrols it does have EGR which directs exhaust gas into the inlet.
They also stretch timing chains.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff