audiowner08

Im finally ready for a real car. I'm deciding between the A4 and the 135i. Anyone in this crowd have experience with both bmws and the A4 want to tell me what you think? I've got a long, windy coastal drive to work! There's a url to the exact model year cars.<ul><li><a href="http://vlane.com/comparison/2896">http://vlane.com/comparison/2896</a</li></ul>

PDXA4

You could better compare the A3 to the 1-series...A4 is a larger and very different car...

Bada Bing

In the engine department, there is no contest. BMW has the superior engine that blows away both the 2.0T and 3.2 V6 versions of the A4. The 135i is a coupe with tight rear legroom, whereas the A4 is a 4-door sedan. So in many ways it's not an apples to apples comparison.

If you can settle for a fairly 135i, go for it but loaded onces go for well over $42K. You are in the 335i price ballpark then, and might as well go for the roomier, better looking 335 sedan or coupe.

SFV A4

I saw a 1-series on the road and it looked like it was sagging in the middle. oops

Steve K - AVDG

The 1 Series is a good bit smaller. If back seat leg room is an issue, you'll probably want a 3 Series or A4...best to view the 1 Series as a 2+2, as opposed to a traditional saloon. The 1's an interesting car, but I think it's a tough sell considering how close it is in price to its 3 Series brother. That said, in the "fun to drive" category, it will likely win.

In the engine dept, the 2.0t is going to be a good bit more efficient than either of the 1/3 Series options. That said, the BMW I6 turbo is an impressive performer...there isn't really anything in Audi's playbook that matches up.

If you want a BMW to compare to an 2.0t A4, you'd be better off looking at the 328i [or 328xi, if your A4 would have quattro].

If you're looking for a Audi to compare with the 135i, take a look at the A3 3.2 V6...though it still gives up ~50hp to the 135i.

I recently turned in my B7 2.0t A4 and picked up a 2008 328xi, so I have some experience with both platforms you're looking at. The A4 is a good car, more luxurious than the 3, but not as fun to drive. BMW's sport seats are a good bit ahead of *anything* that I've sat in from Audi, including a new A5 w/ sport package. They're both good cars/platforms, but noticeably different...best if you go drive both, then decide.

If you can, you should probably wait until the B8 A4 is available unless you can get a screaming deal on a B7...the new platform is quite interesting. If you want a taste, take an A5 for a spin...I took one for a spin a few weeks back and was quite impressed. I think a B8 A4 with a 2.0t, 6MT and the sport package would allow one quite an enjoyable drive.

B7Quattro Pete

the couple with both the 135 and the A4 thinks the 135 is rubbish and are looking into an A3.

77'911

I'd would not choose either of them. If Audi brings the TDI over in the A4, then I would put it in the running. As far as BMW goes, the base 328i is a far better buy then the 1 series in my opinion. Both of your afore mentioned choices are so different in nature.

Spoonie G

"the couple with both the 135 and the A4 thinks the 135 is rubbish"

- I guess that makes it official then.