M340i Touring or S4 Avant - Needs to tow
Discussion
I'm after a new estate for general commute (70 miles a day) and will probably cover 20k a year. I live in Bristol and I don't go into the city centre very frequently but having the S4 TDI would mean that I would have to use the P&R.
Now normally, the idea of a diesel S4 would put off many a petrol head, but I tow a race car (<1000kg inc. trailer) and would benefit from the additional torque from the diesel. I'd also benefit from the increase MPG of said car. I'm not traditionally an Audi fan but it's caught my eye.
Without having test driven either car, based on reviews, I can't help feeling that the M340i is the better drivers car. That said, my days of going out for a drive are behind me, I get my kicks on the track.
The C43 AMG has been ruled out due to the lack of towbar option.
My heart says M340i, my head says S4.
What do you think?
Now normally, the idea of a diesel S4 would put off many a petrol head, but I tow a race car (<1000kg inc. trailer) and would benefit from the additional torque from the diesel. I'd also benefit from the increase MPG of said car. I'm not traditionally an Audi fan but it's caught my eye.
Without having test driven either car, based on reviews, I can't help feeling that the M340i is the better drivers car. That said, my days of going out for a drive are behind me, I get my kicks on the track.
The C43 AMG has been ruled out due to the lack of towbar option.
My heart says M340i, my head says S4.
What do you think?
DoubleSix said:
I have a 340i and live near Bristol, can’t imagine buying a diesel is a smart choice with everything that is going on politically here... why limit yourself??
There is that as well. Shame really because a Diesel engine DOES suit my use case but politically might be a bit of a noose later on.AlwynMike said:
Whilst my 440 is very economical solo, putting a tonne and a half of slab fronted caravan on the back drops my consumption to horrendous levels.
15mpg is not far off but I would imagine that would be better if I slowed down a bit!
Ouch that’s low! So without the house on wheels what does your 440i average out of interest?15mpg is not far off but I would imagine that would be better if I slowed down a bit!
Si
SiT said:
Ouch that’s low! So without the house on wheels what does your 440i average out of interest?
Si
I don't commute or do short runs so anywhere between 37 and 42mpg depending on foot heaviness! Si
It is an absolute peach of an engine coupled with some well sorted software in the gearbox.
Real Jekyll and Hyde car - can be a real pussy with a slush box to a howling tiger with slick quick changes.
Thankfully I don't pull the caravan that far or that often so I can forgive it's thirsting ssh. And it still pulls like a train with it on the back.
Caravanning; The Art of Terrorising the Innocent Motorist 😀
MagicalTrevor said:
Do you have reasons for suggesting the S4? I’m curious about opinions 
Because I actually drove one yesterday, it was very good lots of instant grunt it drives well & considering you're doing 20k a year I'd say you should at least test drive one, also after 200 miles in it I wasn't even thinking about the diesel powerplant.Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 17th November 17:57
ZX10R NIN said:
Because I actually drove one yesterday, it was very good lots of instant grunt it drives well & considering you're doing 20k a year I'd say you should at least test drive one, also after 200 miles in it I wasn't even thinking about the diesel powerplant.
Excellent, sounds promising. ThanksEdited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 17th November 17:57
Quick update:
I’ve driven both cars.
Audi - I like the look, I realise that’s subjective but I do. I’m not normally an Audi fan.
The interior is very nice compared to the others in its class.
Seats are the most comfortable (we have a Volvo XC70 for context) but they sit quite high, although that’s not a massive issue. Leather feels nice.
Engine has plenty of pull, it gets up to speed smoothly and without drama. You soon forget it’s a diesel, especially as the gear changes aren’t particularly noticeable.
The main annoying thing is the hesitance when pulling away. This is exactly as described in reviews so came as no surprise. My concern is that this would be annoying throughout my tenure with the car.
BMW - I like the look but my wife doesn’t. I really don’t like the black pack that gives you black trim and wheels. Interior is good but not as good as the Audi. Again, my wife dislikes it. It’s trying to be a bit fancy.
The standard seats are uncomfortable though. They definitely need lumbar support. It was noticeable after 30-40 mins of test drive. I sat in a car with lumbar support for 5 mins and it felt much better. I think I need to test drive a car with it. The seating position is nice though, low down in the car as I like it.
The engine is sooo much more responsive than the Audi though, there is no hesitation at all. It’s as I expect a performance engine to behave.
In summary, if I can be satisfied that the seats are more comfortable with lumbar support then that’s likely the car I’ll pick. I think I’ll be ordering ACC (Driving Assistant Pro) and HUD (technology pack) along with lumbar and towbar.
I’m forgoing the Merino leather and the individual paint options to get that though, otherwise the price starts to get out of hand.
I’ve driven both cars.
Audi - I like the look, I realise that’s subjective but I do. I’m not normally an Audi fan.
The interior is very nice compared to the others in its class.
Seats are the most comfortable (we have a Volvo XC70 for context) but they sit quite high, although that’s not a massive issue. Leather feels nice.
Engine has plenty of pull, it gets up to speed smoothly and without drama. You soon forget it’s a diesel, especially as the gear changes aren’t particularly noticeable.
The main annoying thing is the hesitance when pulling away. This is exactly as described in reviews so came as no surprise. My concern is that this would be annoying throughout my tenure with the car.
BMW - I like the look but my wife doesn’t. I really don’t like the black pack that gives you black trim and wheels. Interior is good but not as good as the Audi. Again, my wife dislikes it. It’s trying to be a bit fancy.
The standard seats are uncomfortable though. They definitely need lumbar support. It was noticeable after 30-40 mins of test drive. I sat in a car with lumbar support for 5 mins and it felt much better. I think I need to test drive a car with it. The seating position is nice though, low down in the car as I like it.
The engine is sooo much more responsive than the Audi though, there is no hesitation at all. It’s as I expect a performance engine to behave.
In summary, if I can be satisfied that the seats are more comfortable with lumbar support then that’s likely the car I’ll pick. I think I’ll be ordering ACC (Driving Assistant Pro) and HUD (technology pack) along with lumbar and towbar.
I’m forgoing the Merino leather and the individual paint options to get that though, otherwise the price starts to get out of hand.
My OH has a D3 it's superb performance by the truck load & for me very comfortable seats, they're not cheap to buy but they do hold their money well.
Oh & they're amazing wait until you see how well they ride & then you remember you're riding 20's.
They're not cheap but imo worth it:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
D5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Oh & they're amazing wait until you see how well they ride & then you remember you're riding 20's.
They're not cheap but imo worth it:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
D5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
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