av_audi

Since I am going for a manual, that is not really a problem.

av_audi

I do have two kids, and I will occasionally carry four in my car, so the back seat will have to seat three (kids, not adults).

I have no need for AWD, so if I get a 328i, it will be RWD. For the A4, I have no choice but to get quattro, since I want a manual (not negotiable ). But that is OK, since the 4-cyl turbo is now so powerful that there are too many circumstances where you can't tap the full potential of the engine. And while I don't like the fuel/power penalty you pay with quattro, I do recognize that it is much harder to screw up with quattro than with RWD, say by stabbing the throttle too hard or by cutting off power too abruptly, and this remains true on dry pavement during spirited driving.

I am still most attracted to the A4, but since there seems to be some great deals on the 328i for a limited time, I would have to act soon if I wanted one. I will check out one just to get it out of my system.

In the meantime, I have a B5.5 1.8T Passat, which is a cheapened and stretched version of the B5 A4. So the B8 A4 will have some family resemblance, but it will handle so much better and it will be significantly nicer inside. With 187Kmiles, the car is still going strong and the only obvious repair it needs at this point is to replace the slightly softened front shocks.

iflywoe

i used to think that way ;-) till something came out of the back of a pick up truck on the highway.
you can always wait for audis summer sales event or whatever they call it, i have a 14 year old and a 10 year old, they both fit fine. i know you have to add another kid, but my 14 year old is already 5'11. take the family out to the dealer and have them seat in it.

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2010/audi...op=3&tab=specs

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/#/vehicleComparison/

your right the numbers are not listed

mart242

you've got two kids? you should seriously consider the a4 but more importantly, since you don't need AWD, test drive both and buy the one that you like the best. Remember that the A4 is quite piggish even with the manual transmission but go with the APR tune and the problem is resolved!