JJohnes

Hello,

I have a passion for cars and just want to add my opinion as many of you may be still be wondering which one to choose.

As we spend some time in the car each day you have to consider also the fun factor (that urge to drive the car instead of that "oh, I have to drive again"; that smile on your face each time you push it listening to the engine music, that nice feeling staying at the wheel, etc.). At the end of the day it all comes down to this:
(b) if you want an elegant German car not caring to much about the performance, steering feel, engine sound, etc and you like the A4 than it is for you; but
a) if you want a machine that will make you smiling each time you drive, accelerating your heart rate each time you push it, hearing to the sweet sound of the in-line 6, feeling alive and implied into the driving, then it is the Bimmer.
Warning: There is one drawback to having a BMW. You'll have big problems driving something else after it and you'll probably by another.

Here is an exercise I recommend: Test drive both on the same day but drive the BMW first. Push both a little ideally on some curvy roads. pay attention to the first moments of driving the Audi having that BMW feeling still fresh.

Personally I find the Audis elegant and nice cars liking the exterior of some of them and I try hard to love them but, but I couldn't pass the sterile, interior and drive.

As long as "feeling like one has to apologies for owning a BMW", go for it man, live the moment, live your dreams, drive a real machine and 'f***k the world (make everyone else green of envy). Just joking...

Here are some additional reasons for your decision taking:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=267909

This one is between A6 and 5 Series but it is pretty much applicable here too:
http://forums.5series.net/topic/6014-530i-vs-a6/

This one is for the previous generation but still applicable:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests

I don't want to be mean but if you ask a German about the A4/A6 he'll say "buy a Jetta/Passat and save your money, it's just the appearance that's changed.

Well I test drove a few A4, A6 and 3 series and I got the 3er. But you know what's funny, I felt the urge to take the Bimmer even more after I test drove also a Mercedes C class

Enjoy your car whatever it is. I can't wait the excitement to drive my machine back home

JJohnes

neptunesfinest

I think if handling is the most important thing to you then you should go with the BMW. They are very cheap inside though. One of my friends has a 328 with a gray interior and a lot of the interior panel pieces are actually black plastic painted gray. When the paint starts to chip off it looks TERRIBLE.

JJohnes

In my opinion the interior is subjective. For me the BMW says "elegance":
http://bmw328i.net/gallery/BMW-328i-Interior.jpg.html
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...erior_photo_15
http://cars.about.com/od/bmw/ig/2009...e-interior.htm

The A4 is elegant to but it is a "love it or hate it" affair :
http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/.../photo_06.html
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...terior_photo_9

audi8k

For me, it is the quattro system (with 60% rear bias) that makes the difference. If handling is important one can not "save money and by a Jetta".

smurfs

And the A4 interior isn't cheap? The gray plastic on the dash is the definition of cheap.

a4-bob

It's a tough call but I'd say the inside door handles and window buttons are the definition of cheap.

I love my a4 but I'd say my next car may be a used bmw. Both are great car lines and i like them both much better than anything from japan or usa. it comes down to subjective preferences and money. After recently test driving a 3-series I've gotten over the reverse-snobbery mentality that owning a bmw makes you an ultimate douche. The handling is great and honestly I liked the interior enough to not disqualify the car. I'm thankful to have either.

jpinwdc

Absolutely agree. I sat in a friend's new 328i with black leather. MUCH warmer feeling than the A4, especially with the wood on the dash, console, door armrests. I think the A4 exterior is fresher than the 3-series (although the 2011 3 series looks good with the new wheels and creases on the hood). But I don't agree that the current A4's interior is better.

JD15

I don't think there is anything wrong with the materials inside the 3 series, but the design makes me feel like I stepped in a time machine and exited in 1999. In terms of exterior, I think the coupe is nice, but not as good as the A5, and the sedan is mediocre.

JJohnes

About the fun factor of a car...

This is a comparison involving the 3er and the A4 (besides a volvo S60.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr0wRNhhsrc

Enjoy,

JJohnes

JD15

Really?