E46 BMW 328i v Audi A4 2.6
Discussion
Looking for my next car with a decent size engine and a nice bit of power, these two are in my budget, which one would you choose?
The BMW is the obvious choice as it's faster, more powerful and has a much sweeter engine but just wondering if im missing anything on the Audi.
Does anyone here, have any experience with either of these cars?
Thanks
Much appreciated
The BMW is the obvious choice as it's faster, more powerful and has a much sweeter engine but just wondering if im missing anything on the Audi.
Does anyone here, have any experience with either of these cars?
Thanks
Much appreciated
Can't comment specifically about the A4, but I went from an e46 328i to an A6 of a similar age and mileage. I much preferred the 328; the A6 felt very competent but not particularly enthusaistic. Kind of like someone saying "really? OK then I suppose, if you insist". I also felt that the BMW interior was nicer. The driving position and seat was better, and the switches didn't feel like they came from a golf.
There was an A4 2.8 with quattro as well of course.
That has the power to match the 328i, plus 4WD rather than FWD.
Advantages of the A4: less likely to rust, looks pretty modern even compared to an E46 although it is an older design.
Disadvantages of the A4: much less stimulating to drive, thirstier.
Of course it is still an old car so can be utterly knackered regardless.
That has the power to match the 328i, plus 4WD rather than FWD.
Advantages of the A4: less likely to rust, looks pretty modern even compared to an E46 although it is an older design.
Disadvantages of the A4: much less stimulating to drive, thirstier.
Of course it is still an old car so can be utterly knackered regardless.
How do you drive?
If, like most drivers, you aren't remotely interested in driving, then buy which ever one seems in better condition and you like the look of more.
If, and I'm going out on a limb here, you actually enjoy driving and you don't mind cornering a little hard from time to time then I would also suggest the BMW.
If, like most drivers, you aren't remotely interested in driving, then buy which ever one seems in better condition and you like the look of more.
If, and I'm going out on a limb here, you actually enjoy driving and you don't mind cornering a little hard from time to time then I would also suggest the BMW.
I've had the A4 2.6 albeit in auto form.
A nice cruiser. Averagely quick and not a sports car. As a comfy everyday go to the shops car, it's better than the 3-series. Not as good to drive though. So it depends what you're after.
I'm not a fan of the 1.8T.
The 2.8 Quattro version of the Audi is a much better comparison. It goes better and should have the more advanced rear suspension, maybe handle a little tidier, although they were never that good in this period.
A nice cruiser. Averagely quick and not a sports car. As a comfy everyday go to the shops car, it's better than the 3-series. Not as good to drive though. So it depends what you're after.
I'm not a fan of the 1.8T.
The 2.8 Quattro version of the Audi is a much better comparison. It goes better and should have the more advanced rear suspension, maybe handle a little tidier, although they were never that good in this period.
Pentoman said:
I've had the A4 2.6 albeit in auto form.
As a comfy everyday go to the shops car, it's better than the 3-series. Not as good to drive though.
No it's not. As a comfy everyday go to the shops car, it's better than the 3-series. Not as good to drive though.
The Audi manages to wallow and be crashy at the same time, the BMW is far more comfortable than the Audi when pottering about and just feels so much nicer when pressing on too.
The only reason you would buy the Audi is because you prefer the look of it.
Common consensus is that if you are going for the 328i you might as well get the 330i, running costs are almost the same but performance differs slightly, from 328i 190bhp to 330i 236bhp if i remember correctly.
Currently have a pre-facelift 330i and its a lovely car to drive although now it feels a bit too slow
Currently have a pre-facelift 330i and its a lovely car to drive although now it feels a bit too slow
Mave said:
Can't comment specifically about the A4, but I went from an e46 328i to an A6 of a similar age and mileage. I much preferred the 328; the A6 felt very competent but not particularly enthusaistic. Kind of like someone saying "really? OK then I suppose, if you insist". I also felt that the BMW interior was nicer. The driving position and seat was better, and the switches didn't feel like they came from a golf.
I recently moved from an A6 (1.9 TDI Avant) to an E46 316Ti (strange choice, I know).The A6 was a cruiser. Not a bad ride, just not great. E46 rides better, handles better. Seat in the A6 was giving me back problems, those have now almost completely gone after a few months with the E46.
Can't say I've noticed any improvement in switchgear feel though, reckon if anything that on that count the A6 was slightly better.
No doubt that the BMW is clearly the better car by quite a margin.
Every time I drive any Audi and BMW from the same age/class I am always left at a total loss as to why anyone would ever buy the Audi if they have the slightest interest in driving. There may be some advantages to the Audi in boot space/legroom/whatever, I wouldn't know, but I guess if those things are that important to you then you wouldn't be asking this question on PH.
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