Audi S4 vs Passat R36 vs 335i
Discussion
I don't have any first hand experience but I would expect the S4 to be a step up on the R36 judging by this review.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/329-Fifth-Gear-...
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/329-Fifth-Gear-...
I've had an A4 for 2 years and regardless of what the car is like, the dealer support has been absolutely dreadful - really awful. A whole catalogue of issues ranging from inconvenient (not returning calls, returning the car dirtier than when dropped off, incorrect information etc) to the downright scandalous (lying after damaging the car, misrepresenting events following claims etc...).
I know everyone has had good and bad experiences of every manufacturer, but my advice to you would be to use the test drive time to assess your dealer, their attitude and honesty as much as the car.
My 2p’s worth on the car debate…the R36, regardless of what it’s like will be a depreciation horror show. Unless you are looking at the new shape S4, you are instantly in an obsolete model, so the 335 is the obvious choice (plus I think that engine is amazing and it’s a bit more fun to drive than the S4).
I know everyone has had good and bad experiences of every manufacturer, but my advice to you would be to use the test drive time to assess your dealer, their attitude and honesty as much as the car.
My 2p’s worth on the car debate…the R36, regardless of what it’s like will be a depreciation horror show. Unless you are looking at the new shape S4, you are instantly in an obsolete model, so the 335 is the obvious choice (plus I think that engine is amazing and it’s a bit more fun to drive than the S4).
The S4 is tiny inside. And fuel economy won't be particularly clever. I'd go for the 335i without doubt.
The Passat's performance figures don't live up to the power output and it'll be worth pennies in a year or two, so not even worth considering.
[And my reply might be in the BMW section, but I did have an Audi S6 previously and loved it, so I'mnot particularly BMW biased.]
The Passat's performance figures don't live up to the power output and it'll be worth pennies in a year or two, so not even worth considering.
[And my reply might be in the BMW section, but I did have an Audi S6 previously and loved it, so I'mnot particularly BMW biased.]
I'd have to say that people are right about the R36 depreciating, but if you're buying used you'll be the one benefitting, just buy one 2 years old or more if that's pos.
Also I suspect the engine note on the VAG car's will be much better.
On the other side I doubt either could live with the performance of the 335, and being turbo'd there's all sorts of re map options
Also I suspect the engine note on the VAG car's will be much better.
On the other side I doubt either could live with the performance of the 335, and being turbo'd there's all sorts of re map options
Beemer...Audi looks too plain and R36(who drives one of them) is a glorified taxi. Have you thought about the 335d??? Its an amazing car you should take into consideration instead of the petrol one.
P.S You could always try a Merc E Class...I've been around most of Europe in one on various times throughout the year and if the right wheels are added it is a beautiful car and very good tourer for that matter...it'll happily sit at 110mph all day long and not feel strained...that was in the EU though and its a slight different story here...70mph! BMW will make driving fun and a joy...I'm sorry I've been no help as all I've suggested is the 335d and E Class...LOL
Good luck driving and enjoying your new bee M double U
P.S You could always try a Merc E Class...I've been around most of Europe in one on various times throughout the year and if the right wheels are added it is a beautiful car and very good tourer for that matter...it'll happily sit at 110mph all day long and not feel strained...that was in the EU though and its a slight different story here...70mph! BMW will make driving fun and a joy...I'm sorry I've been no help as all I've suggested is the 335d and E Class...LOL
Good luck driving and enjoying your new bee M double U
SJobson said:
The S4 is tiny inside. And fuel economy won't be particularly clever. I'd go for the 335i without doubt.
The Passat's performance figures don't live up to the power output and it'll be worth pennies in a year or two, so not even worth considering.
[And my reply might be in the BMW section, but I did have an Audi S6 previously and loved it, so I'mnot particularly BMW biased.]
The new S4 is actually not bad on fuel. Dont confuse it with the old 4.2 model.The Passat's performance figures don't live up to the power output and it'll be worth pennies in a year or two, so not even worth considering.
[And my reply might be in the BMW section, but I did have an Audi S6 previously and loved it, so I'mnot particularly BMW biased.]
335i is a great car, and if your looking at auto it is the best box I have every driven. Just make sure that you test it in DS mode as this shows the full performance.
The biggest gripe I have is traction off the line in the wet, where the S4 would walk away. Sound like a small point but it can light up an inside wheel without trying even when the road is only slightly damp.
I think you are in a fortunate situation where any of those three will be a very good buy.
John
The biggest gripe I have is traction off the line in the wet, where the S4 would walk away. Sound like a small point but it can light up an inside wheel without trying even when the road is only slightly damp.
I think you are in a fortunate situation where any of those three will be a very good buy.
John
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