Considering A4 - GTI comparison, sport suspension and B&O stereo worth it?
08-12-2011, 03:31 PM
#21
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I've driven both a P w/o sport and a P+ w ti sport long term and must say that the sport and seats are well worth it, IMO. I love my current A4 P+ Ti. I couldn't care less about the B&O stereo, but that's me.
If you really like the GTI but want an Audi badge on it, you can get that. It's called the A3. My wife has one and the little bugger is every bit as nimble as the GTI with room for a bit more junk in the trunk and customer service that doesn't suck. I've owned VW's in recent histroy and I can tell you first hand that the width of a VW service rep's desk is 2" wider than I can reach out with both hands. I assume this was deliberate.
If you really like the GTI but want an Audi badge on it, you can get that. It's called the A3. My wife has one and the little bugger is every bit as nimble as the GTI with room for a bit more junk in the trunk and customer service that doesn't suck. I've owned VW's in recent histroy and I can tell you first hand that the width of a VW service rep's desk is 2" wider than I can reach out with both hands. I assume this was deliberate.
08-12-2011, 03:32 PM
#22
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It is not so much the badge (which I couldn't care less about) but the look. I have always had a thing for the look of the GTI, all the way back to the MK I. The A3 just doesn't do it for me. Plus, the suspension isn't as sophisticated.
I just need to figure out which vehicle will satisfy me the best over the course of ownership.
I just need to figure out which vehicle will satisfy me the best over the course of ownership.
08-13-2011, 11:42 AM
#23
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Can't compare a MKV vs a MK6 and the Audi A4. The MK6 was upgraded dramatically in the quality, stereo, and reliability department since your 06 came out. The MKV had a terrible stereo where the DynAudio just blows it away in the MK6. The GTI overall has newer TECH vs the current A4 in many areas and is worth looking at as I also cross shopped both cars and got the GTI because for the money, I got more. An equally equipped A4 was almost $10k more.
I'm not bothered by the idea that you prefer your MKVI. It's an excellent car, as I noted. But it's better described as a mid-cycle refresh than a wholy new model. It's quieter with a better engine. That's about all the praise I can give it, as noted I had spent $200 on an Alpine that made for a far better aural experience with completely stock speakers in the MKV, where as the Dynaudio is good, but not any better.
I'm not sure how you think the tech in the GTI is better than the Audi, in any way shape or form. I did slightly prefer the touchscreen nav, but once you're familiar with the MMI, it's a hands down winner.
08-15-2011, 11:10 AM
#24
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I'd avoid Sport Suspension...a couple reasons. Comfort, slighter higher ride (won't bump you front spoiler on curbs/parking/dips in road), and cheaper,more durable tires/rims. I see you live in Florida, so most of your roads are straight and not hilly...some people love sport seats, others are ambivalent. I do like the sport steering wheel, however!
Definitely get the B&O system if you like music...I didn't and regret it. Of course, you need a p+ package, so it will be a little pricier as well.
I loved the GTI...it has the best steering wheel I've ever used, I love the cloth seats and is a blast to drive. Plus, as you said, it is 10K cheaper and includes maintenance. My wife hated it, and I ended up getting a Prius instead. (Don't ask
)
The A4 is a great car, but I don't think it's worth all the extra premiums/extras...you get the same engine, so it's going to be basically the same car...while the engine is terrific, it's not in the same league as say a BMW 335. Its a terrific sub 40K car...over that, and I think you're paying too much for what is basically a 4 cylinder car!
Whatever you do, DO NOT BUY AN AUDI WITHOUT QUATTRO!!!
Definitely get the B&O system if you like music...I didn't and regret it. Of course, you need a p+ package, so it will be a little pricier as well.
I loved the GTI...it has the best steering wheel I've ever used, I love the cloth seats and is a blast to drive. Plus, as you said, it is 10K cheaper and includes maintenance. My wife hated it, and I ended up getting a Prius instead. (Don't ask
)The A4 is a great car, but I don't think it's worth all the extra premiums/extras...you get the same engine, so it's going to be basically the same car...while the engine is terrific, it's not in the same league as say a BMW 335. Its a terrific sub 40K car...over that, and I think you're paying too much for what is basically a 4 cylinder car!
Whatever you do, DO NOT BUY AN AUDI WITHOUT QUATTRO!!!
08-15-2011, 05:15 PM
#25
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The A4 is a great car, but I don't think it's worth all the extra premiums/extras...you get the same engine, so it's going to be basically the same car...while the engine is terrific, it's not in the same league as say a BMW 335. Its a terrific sub 40K car...over that, and I think you're paying too much for what is basically a 4 cylinder car!
08-16-2011, 04:33 AM
#26
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The GTI and the A4 both have a 2.0T, but they do not have the same exact engine. If you disagree, look at the torque curve for each.
08-16-2011, 04:39 AM
#27
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My "seat-of-the-pants" test driving experience says that their straight-line performance is about equal and it would not be a deciding factor in my buying decision.
08-16-2011, 06:09 PM
#28
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The valve-lifted 2.0T in the B8 A4 is better in every way but ya, drivetrains will be different. For me, having Quattro is worth the extra weight. I do feel that the B8 A4 is too big sometimes tho.
08-17-2011, 07:01 AM
#29
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GTI Quattro would cannibalize Audi significantly
Just for reference, I had a 1998 Audi A4 2.8Q, had a 2006 BMW 330Cic manual, and currently drive a 2006 BMW X3 m-sport, manual. The X3 is a big car, and living in downtown Seattle, I'd love to have something smaller. The new GTI is a great size, great package, and solid value. All-wheel drive would clinch it.
-James
Seattle, WA
