Need to make a choice help needed !

[jonathon555]

I am about to order a new car, the 2 cars on my list are the BMW 320D SE & the Audi A4 TDI 170 S line.

I have managed to get a drive of the bmw no problem , but i am struggling to find an a4 170 to drive to see if it is comparable for performance.

I have also just been confused by this months Audi Brochure (october 2008 version) as it says that you get 18" 5 spoke wheels on the s line, but on the specs page it says you get 10 spoke exclusive alloys now as standard on the S line. Which one is it ?

If anyone can help me that would be most appreciated

jonathon

[blackcurrent]

With regards to the wheels, the 5 spoke star wheels are the standard wheels that come with the S-line and in my opinion the nicest design, but it does say you can change these for an "exclusive 10 spoke s-line" design. I personally would be concerned that these will look like the cheaper 10 spoke option that is available on the size 17 wheels. Everyone has different taste though.

[zollaf]

do you really need to test drive the audi to know its the better car .

[jonathon555]

do you really need to test drive the audi to know its the better car .

Guess so, i have never had an audi before, but i have already got a 3 series e90

can anyone point me in the direction of a new 170 review

[mhurer]

My wife has just replaced her 320D SE with an A4 143PS S line, and in my view:
- The BMW engine is a little more refined, smoother and quieter
- The economy on the BMW is a little better, but not much in it
- A4 feels better built, internally and externally
- A4 has some good optionally extras
- A4 looks better, particularly the S line (although looks are personal preference)
- A4 vs BMW performance is comparable - not much in it, so I would imagine the 170 would be alot better
- I prefer the drive of the A4

Overall I would say the A4 is the better car, and performance wise the 170 should outmatch the 320.

[awtaylor]

If you enjoy driving then the rear wheel drive BMW is the better car with a far better engine. Whilst I enjoy driving there is not enough of a difference (nor an opportunity to drive enthusiastically where I am) to tempt me away from the better build quality and looks of the Audi.

There is also the perception held by some people of the characteristics of BMW drivers versus Audi drivers which I do not subscribe to but can influence some buyers.

You need to have a test drive - although it is a new model there are enough dealers around so you should be able to get into a 170 S-line.

[jonathon555]

If you enjoy driving then the rear wheel drive BMW is the better car with a far better engine. Whilst I enjoy driving there is not enough of a difference (nor an opportunity to drive enthusiastically where I am) to tempt me away from the better build quality and looks of the Audi.

There is also the perception held by some people of the characteristics of BMW drivers versus Audi drivers which I do not subscribe to but can influence some buyers.

You need to have a test drive - although it is a new model there are enough dealers around so you should be able to get into a 170 S-line.

Thanks for your reply

Please can explain the red text, as i am unaware of this.

Just on a quick note, I have just managed to get a drive of a 143 s line this morning & here are my findings :

Good stuff

1. The standard stereo is very good, far better than the BMW

2. The engine seemed responsive at low speeds

3. The ride quality was very comfy as were the seats

4. The driver information display looks very modern & bright

5. Good quality feel to the car

6. Center arm rest is a real bonus with height adjustment

Bad stuff

1. Engine felt under powered on the motorway & sluggish in top gear

2. The steering seems connected to the wheels via a wooly jumper

3. The heater controls seemed very complicated, but maybe they just take a bit of getting used to.

4. The offset speedo is un-nerving i kept finding myself going too fast in 30 mph zones.

But overall i think it is a nice good quality car.

You feel far more connected to the BMW & as I have not yet driven a 170 A4 i will have to reserve comparison on performance.


But I have deffo narrowed my choice down to these 2 cars now & will have to pick one.

[kodkod.84]

I think he means the sterotypical image of a BMW driver is a complete ****, whereas Audi drivers are a bit more restrained, although I think this line is beginning to blur as Audi is becoming increasingly popular as a brand.

So...

Audi/BMW/Mercedes Benz drivers- all ***** in the general motorists eyes

[drmartin]

I went through the same choices 320D, A4, Merc or 159? my choice was based on slightly different things.

Merc - ruled out basically as it was no better then the Passat I have now, not worth the premium

Alfa 159 - nice, very nice! but 150bhp down on power to the others, seats not that supportive, other than that great drivers car.

After doing 1k in each (thanks to my lease company for that) I down selected the 320d against the A4

1- A4 is a bigger car with more room. I am 6'3" and finding a driving position in the BMW was easy, but there was no room in the back for anybody, so for me useless as I could not carry 4 adults in comfort

2- build, the A4 is simply much better put together with more thoughout features
3- BMW Idrive is pants to use, MMI much better
4- Passat 170 shows a clean pair of heals to a 320D. I used a Passat 170cr to 'feel' how good the engine is, ordered my A4 170 based on this trial
5- 320D now common and want something a little more exclusive

The A4 170 has not been available long, and to order only. This is perhaps why they are like Rocking horse dodo to find in dealers

One thing, dont test drive a B7 170 A4, its not the same engine as fitted in the B8 A4

Good luck with your choice.

M

[jonathon555]

thanks for all the replies, i think i am going to go for the A4

I just really hope the 170 is a match for the 177 bmw

I am also going to take the plunge for the new 10 spoke quattro wheels.

Would you go for piano black trim or aluminium, & one more thing std sports suspension or the -30 mm s line ?

thanks