Straight choice...... A4 Vs Legacy
Discussion
I've had both. A few thoughts:
- Audi 1.8T (didn't have the Quattro): Had it form new and nothing but trouble. Got through 3 gearboxes and 2 aircon systems and the undertray fell off for no good reason. Dealer (west London Audi) nothing short of abismal. Car looked great, handling so-so, I actually quite liked the 1.8T engine (think I had the higher power version IIRC).
- Subaru Legacy Tourer (had the 3.0): Poor fuel consumption (even the 2.0 is poor compared to its competitors) but nothing else to criticize - interior was not quite as nice as Audi's but still nice, handled better than the Audi and the ride was less harsh. No faults at all except time some gravel got caught in the disk bracks and made a horrendous noise, which to my surprise was cleared for free by the Subaru dealer despite it taking them almost an hour to sort.
If I was the OP I'd choose theAudi Legacy - particularly as I went to a countryside hotel recently, parked near the back of the car park (to stop idiots denting my car), looked up, and could see nothing but a see of grey and silver Audis. It was ridiculous, of about 20 cars facing me in the car park, which was on a hill so I could see further up, 17 or 18 of them were Audis.
- Audi 1.8T (didn't have the Quattro): Had it form new and nothing but trouble. Got through 3 gearboxes and 2 aircon systems and the undertray fell off for no good reason. Dealer (west London Audi) nothing short of abismal. Car looked great, handling so-so, I actually quite liked the 1.8T engine (think I had the higher power version IIRC).
- Subaru Legacy Tourer (had the 3.0): Poor fuel consumption (even the 2.0 is poor compared to its competitors) but nothing else to criticize - interior was not quite as nice as Audi's but still nice, handled better than the Audi and the ride was less harsh. No faults at all except time some gravel got caught in the disk bracks and made a horrendous noise, which to my surprise was cleared for free by the Subaru dealer despite it taking them almost an hour to sort.
If I was the OP I'd choose the
Edited by mikefacel on Sunday 15th November 23:33
Edited by mikefacel on Sunday 15th November 23:34
I have a Legacy but I've driven a few Audis, both FWD and AWD, and I find Audis generally slightly better trimmed but with lower spec interiors (£ for £) and terribly uninvolving to drive.
Yhe Legacy will never win efficiency competitions (I've had a 2 litre and now a 3 litre one) - the Audi is far more efficient for every bhp output - however the centre of gravity in the Legacy is lower, so it doesn't roll as much (in fact they feel quite flat when cornering).
I've never actually owned an Audi but I can attest to the fact that Subarus in general don't go wrong. They just work.
Having said all that, I have a hankering for an S8 one day.
Yhe Legacy will never win efficiency competitions (I've had a 2 litre and now a 3 litre one) - the Audi is far more efficient for every bhp output - however the centre of gravity in the Legacy is lower, so it doesn't roll as much (in fact they feel quite flat when cornering).
I've never actually owned an Audi but I can attest to the fact that Subarus in general don't go wrong. They just work.
Having said all that, I have a hankering for an S8 one day.
Thanks for the input so far.
As ever, the usual alternative suggestions - I'm not a fan of the BMWs, and it'd be a lot older for my money.
A6 Quattro? cant get one for my budget(7k ish) with reasonable mileage.
Milefacel - Thanks for the comparison, although you confused me by seeming to favour the Legacy, and then suggesting I buy the A4...........
Mars - did you find the 2 litre powerful enough?
As ever, the usual alternative suggestions - I'm not a fan of the BMWs, and it'd be a lot older for my money.
A6 Quattro? cant get one for my budget(7k ish) with reasonable mileage.
Milefacel - Thanks for the comparison, although you confused me by seeming to favour the Legacy, and then suggesting I buy the A4...........
Mars - did you find the 2 litre powerful enough?
Gaz. said:
Jumpy Guy said:
Final choice for the family daily bus-
Audi A4 1.8T Sport Quattro Avant Vs Subaru Legacy 2.0
Anyone had both and can offer comparison? If not, then any input that might sway me either way?
I've got that engine in my wife's Golf- avoid it like nothing else you've avoided before.Audi A4 1.8T Sport Quattro Avant Vs Subaru Legacy 2.0
Anyone had both and can offer comparison? If not, then any input that might sway me either way?
mikefacel said:
I've had both. A few thoughts:
If I was the OP I'd choose the Audi - particularly as I went to a countryside hotel recently, parked near the back of the car park (to stop idiots denting my car), looked up, and could see nothing but a see of grey and silver Audis. It was ridiculous, of about 20 cars facing me in the car park, which was on a hill so I could see further up, 17 or 18 of them were Audis.
Nothing against Audi's but that would put me off!If I was the OP I'd choose the Audi - particularly as I went to a countryside hotel recently, parked near the back of the car park (to stop idiots denting my car), looked up, and could see nothing but a see of grey and silver Audis. It was ridiculous, of about 20 cars facing me in the car park, which was on a hill so I could see further up, 17 or 18 of them were Audis.
Assuming the old shape Legacy I would go for that. A real shame the new one looks like a Vectra....
Jumpy Guy said:
Mars - did you find the 2 litre powerful enough?
No, it was dreadful but I was funds-limited at the time and nothing at that price came close to the overall competency that a Legacy is. However, that was 3 generations ago (4 now, if you include the new horror Subaru has released called a Legacy). The version I have now (the outgoing one) is the 3-litre one which is fabulous if thirsty (I don't smoke or drink so petrol seems quite reasonably priced to me), however the 2.5-litre one seems a good compromise. Mine have both been autos too. The manuals might be a tad more livelier for their engine capacity.All turbo Legacys are imports. I assume they will be supported by Subaru dealers but they normally command slightly higher insurance premiums.
The one in my 2-litre was a 4-speeder and changed from 1st to 2nd with a clunk, but as I said, that was several generations ago. The latest one is a 5-speeder and is quite decent.
I think the manuals might come with a low ratio lever, or some sort of lock-up. On my earlier one the same generation manuals definitely had a 2nd lever for something like that. None of the autos did/do though.
In my latest one I have a traction control button which I think is absent in the manuals. Not sure. There's a few threads about Legacys recently. Try to read through them. I'm sure someone mentioned this.
My 3-litre one has a better torque split front to rear than the manuals too. I believe, from some threads on the uklegacy forum, that mine actually sends 85% torque to the rear, moving to 50/50 when necessary. This gives the car a very predictable feel on the road. It doesn't tend towards understeer (doesn't tend to lose grip at all to be honest) as many AWD cars can and has nice and light steering.
The auto has a "tip" feature which is quite nice. On my MY05 it's controlled by the gearlever, but on later ones they have steering wheel paddles. The ratios seem well chose and with the 3-litre engine you can really encourage lunacy. Isn't that the point?
I think the manuals might come with a low ratio lever, or some sort of lock-up. On my earlier one the same generation manuals definitely had a 2nd lever for something like that. None of the autos did/do though.
In my latest one I have a traction control button which I think is absent in the manuals. Not sure. There's a few threads about Legacys recently. Try to read through them. I'm sure someone mentioned this.
My 3-litre one has a better torque split front to rear than the manuals too. I believe, from some threads on the uklegacy forum, that mine actually sends 85% torque to the rear, moving to 50/50 when necessary. This gives the car a very predictable feel on the road. It doesn't tend towards understeer (doesn't tend to lose grip at all to be honest) as many AWD cars can and has nice and light steering.
The auto has a "tip" feature which is quite nice. On my MY05 it's controlled by the gearlever, but on later ones they have steering wheel paddles. The ratios seem well chose and with the 3-litre engine you can really encourage lunacy. Isn't that the point?
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