equ

I know, I know, apples & oranges... I've generally been a happy camper with my '10 a4. Trouble-free & well-spec'ed (white, 6spd, sport, prem plus, b&o). Yet the golf R is pulling at my heart strings and I will probably go check one out.

a4 pros:
- more luxo, better highway/long trips
- longer, fits skis better.
- ea888 based, newer technology, more efficient
- better weight distribution 55%/45%.
- longitudinal torsen quattro has always felt better to me than transverse haldex. Why would it change this time around?

golf R pros:
- likely better steering
- fast
- likely to sound much better
- overall more fun to drive?

Thoughts?

gunsmoker

Get an ECU tune for the A4 and it will be equally fast.

Sundowner

having played in both VW's and Audi's yards, don't forget the nose-picking back-alley service department that VW puts in front of you. There is a lot to be said for customer service.

I acutally like the Golf R, but I'd wait to see what comes of the new A3 soon.

equ

Good point. I got excellent service for the a4 so far. The vw warranty is shorter as well.

uberwgn

Gosh, I could not have said it any better. Who in their right mind would want to subject themselves to a VW "repair" facility? They can't maintain the cars they sell, let alone repair them when things go wrong. It's pitiful.

kidrock

The R is a nice ride, but the estimated 5.6 -5.9 to 60 (manual, no dsg in US) is just not fast enough from top of the line Golf. The most basic 2012 328i will be just as slow or faster. Don’t get me wrong I like the car, but as far as it being sporty - it’s just much ado about nothing.

equ

Feel is much more important to me than numbers. The quoted 0-60 is not impressive. Then again, at C&D's lightning lap '12, the golf R came with 0.2 secs (in a 3 min long course) of the 335is, so I highly doubt that the new 328i will come close to the R. Unless, somehow, the new 4-cyl 328i is that close to the old 335i.

alexjs1

Having just come from a VW, I agree. I owned an Acura prior to the VW, and the drop in service when I went to VW was significant. Makes me wonder how Phaeton owners felt after spending so much on their cars.

kidrock

"According to BMW's own figures, the 328i is good for zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, or 155 mph with the optional Sport Line pack."

source:
http://www.insideline.com/bmw/3-seri...irst-look.html