Audi vs BMW
09-10-2010, 09:06 AM
#21
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I guess I should have anticipated the degradation in conversation I was about to inspire 
My point - these cars are both so good on paper, you can't go wrong from an intellectual standpoint. Use your brain to the point that you narrow it down to the combo of budget/practicality/type of car that works best for you. Once you are there and are deciding between a couple of options that meet your needs, you gotta stop worrying about specs and go with your gut (or *****). Don't let a slightly better or worse all wheel drive system or a couple mpg of fuel economy overrule lust. In the end, you'll regret the decision (DO let things like tens of thousands of dollars you can't afford or buying a car that doesn't meet any of your practical criteria get in the way, though...)
By the way, let us know what your ***** (or brain cells, if you must) choose in the end.
My point - these cars are both so good on paper, you can't go wrong from an intellectual standpoint. Use your brain to the point that you narrow it down to the combo of budget/practicality/type of car that works best for you. Once you are there and are deciding between a couple of options that meet your needs, you gotta stop worrying about specs and go with your gut (or *****). Don't let a slightly better or worse all wheel drive system or a couple mpg of fuel economy overrule lust. In the end, you'll regret the decision (DO let things like tens of thousands of dollars you can't afford or buying a car that doesn't meet any of your practical criteria get in the way, though...)
By the way, let us know what your ***** (or brain cells, if you must) choose in the end.
09-11-2010, 05:14 AM
#23
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I eliminated the x-drive 3-series from my list due to the lack of a sport suspension; the standard x-drive suspension is far too soft and causes the car to sit at an almost SUV-like height. With the poor suspension, the x-drive 3-series feels less sporty than the A4 or A5. That said, the 335 x-drive is still very fast in a straight line.
09-12-2010, 07:39 AM
#24
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Yesterday I drove the 3-Series and the A5 back to back. Bottom line is the A5 is the "looker" of the two and is more comfortable. The 3 has the great sound of the inline-6 and feels more connected to the road. So now I have to decide which is more important. I must say Audi could have done a better with the exhaust note/sound of the 2.0T engine. Car & Driver described it as "farty" which is kinda true. Decisions, decisions....
09-12-2010, 03:23 PM
#26
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Did you test drive the 328i or 335i? 328i is not very fast when compared with A5 2.0T, and if you get x-drive, you lose that sport suspension, but you get sport suspension with the A5 s-line. I agree the 3 series is a very good driver's car, but the A5 is just so unique and stands out on the road when compared with an average 3. Performance wise, there's little difference and most of the performance cannot be utilized on public roads.
Yesterday I drove the 3-Series and the A5 back to back. Bottom line is the A5 is the "looker" of the two and is more comfortable. The 3 has the great sound of the inline-6 and feels more connected to the road. So now I have to decide which is more important. I must say Audi could have done a better with the exhaust note/sound of the 2.0T engine. Car & Driver described it as "farty" which is kinda true. Decisions, decisions....
Last edited by bbmaster; 09-12-2010 at 03:26 PM.
09-13-2010, 07:06 AM
#27
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I drove both the 328xi and 335xi. 335 is obviously more powerful but more $. I think the bottom line is the A5 has the looks and fuel economy. The BMW is more connected to the road and has the purr of the inline 6 engine. Resale tilts to the A5 also.
09-20-2010, 11:02 AM
#28
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I eliminated the x-drive 3-series from my list due to the lack of a sport suspension; the standard x-drive suspension is far too soft and causes the car to sit at an almost SUV-like height. With the poor suspension, the x-drive 3-series feels less sporty than the A4 or A5. That said, the 335 x-drive is still very fast in a straight line.
09-20-2010, 11:22 AM
#29
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Sounds like what you really needed was an S5.
Tried the 335i myself and hated the ride. The cabin is also a bit outdated as well. However, there is plenty of power there, and with a small update to the ECU it actually becomes the same as an M3.
Tried the 335i myself and hated the ride. The cabin is also a bit outdated as well. However, there is plenty of power there, and with a small update to the ECU it actually becomes the same as an M3.
09-20-2010, 01:29 PM
#30
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my sister is in the market for a Z4 and she brought it by during her test drive. I drove it and the power is just amazing on that car. My 2.0T feels like a Camry in comparison. I didn't like the super stiff ride. I'd love a car that moved like a BMW without the booming sounds from the 3.0 supercharged and had the comfortable ride of the A5. Umm how about a 3.2 Cab? I have to move out of the USA.