Mark

Thinking about A4 1.8T or BMW 323...Please advise. And anyone with body mods, please show pics.

Irritable

I mean really, if you aren't even going to share your own thoughts about these two vehicles, how much effort do you really expect anyone else to put into it?

Relax a bit, u r amongst friends

You must own a BMW with a response like that!!!

Doug

Both are very good cars. They are slightly different in what they try to provide.

"Out of the box", the 323 is a better performer when equiped with the nice 6-cyl and the optional sport package, IMHO. However, chip the A4, and it's very close. The 323 is > $4k more when equiped the same as an A4 1.8T.

Also, BMW = no quattro.

Bottom line: Decide what you want first, then go spend a few hours with each car. Vote with your $$

MikeP

I love my Audi and I think BMWs are overpriced pieces of **** - However - in my heart I know they are good cars. Audi has four wheel drive and I think it is just a plain better car - so does consumer reports - BUT - I have had some problems with customer service at Audi (See Rant on next page or so) -- When I walked into the BMW dealership they made me feel really good - but - i still went with audi -
Drive 'em both, sleep on it

Philip Maland

The 323 I'd buy at CarOrder costs $34,530. The 1.8T I'd buy is only $27,561, almost $7000 less. That's $140 more per month for 5 years. I bought a 2.8 from CarOrder for $31,390, still $3000 less than the 323.

Andy

Both are great cars, however they have completely different personalities. The Audi has more "bells and whistles" however the BMW feels more contemporary. Our Avant has the sport package and I would highly reccomend it as option number 1. The end result is you can't go wrong with either one. Good luck...Andy

MitchC

I also agonized over whether to get a 323i w/ sport pakcage or A4 1.8t quattro w/ sport. I live in the Northeast and spoke to several friends w/ Bimmers. They all started telling me BMW snow horror stories. I just felt that if I'm driving down the highway and it starts to rain or snow - which car would I rather be in? DUH! In the end the Quattro AWD option was the final factor and of course the $4,000 lower price on my A4 1.8tqms factored in as well.

Even though the 323i is faster stock - that is easily and cheaply reversed w/ a chip.

I can tell you that I bought my A4 six months ago and I have no regrets. I feel my A4 looks better then the 323 (subjective) and I love my Quattro handling. Even if your not in a snow area the Quattro helps in rain and in dry.

You should also check to see if there are local user groups for both cars. I have made new friends through membership in A4 user groups and this has also added to my A4 ownership experience.

MitchC 99.5 1.8tqms<ul><li><a href=".">.</a</li></ul>

Jimmy

I was set on getting the 323i until I drove my sister's. It was a little disappointing IMHO, especially the handling, although she didn't have the sports package.

I liked the acceleration and smooth engine, but after discovering you could chip the A4 1.8T at this excellent board and a quick test drive, I decided on the A4. Not only was it less expensive, it was more unique.

The quattro was just icing on the cake... it'll be nice to have a secure feeling driving up to Tahoe this winter

And I hate to beat a dead horse, but drive both cars... your decision will come alot easier.

Jimmy
99.5 1.8TQMS