markcincinnati

The W8 with sport package and 6spd should be about $41,000 as a wagon. It is equipped based on what my 2003 allroad cost with several of the option packages that I added to my allroad -- which is MSRP'd @ $50,000.

I would figure at the very least the difference would be $5,000+ --

And I understand that you could actually get a stripped down allroad for about $50 less than the Passat W8 sport station wagon.

I equipped them for purposes of making my generalization at "maximum" option levels -- the W8 "stripped" is somewhat higher content (e.g., leather is standard on the W8 it is part of a $3500 option package on the allroad, etc.).

The allroad and the W8 aren't really comparable even if you force the issue of price to be virtually equal. But the question started out with a comparison of the A4 3.0 avant vs an allroad -- also not an "equivalent" comparison. But, if size was an issue at the $40K level (between the W8 and A4 noted above) then the Passat certainly would be larger.

The $9,000 difference is real when both cars are loaded (I used the on line configurator to come up with the numbers). Perhaps a more practical difference is $5,000 -- after all several of the options that are available on the Audi aren't even available on the Passat.

The point is that the allroad -- equipped as most of us equip them -- will be significantly more money than either the A4 3.0 avant or the Passat W8 wagon.

Mea Culpa

Donegal TDI

A4 Avant = no rear legroom!

Troy H

the premium and cold weather packages, parktronic, tire pressure monitor and rear airbags. The sticker on my car is ~$46,500 while the W8 wagons at the dealer are stickered at ~$43K. Like you said though, you could option up an allroad to $50K if you wanted to. If VW does indeed offer the 6sp with the W8, I'd be hard pressed to justify an A4 Avant of any flavor. The allroad however still has a number of advantages IMHO.

ayap

I had the same delimna between an A4 3.0 avant and an allroad. The ride of the AR is much better for long rides. The added weight also gives stability. I've been gobbling up miles like it was nothing on my new AR.

I've tested an A4 3.0 and it had a more cramp space and harder ride. I would have gotten it to save a few $$$$ thousand. But my wife was not convinced with the ride of the A4 .... so we went for the AR.

If you have a big dog .. go for the AR.

The Squeaky Wheel

Yeah, I came within a wisker to buying an A4 avant. It's a nice vehicle. But it's not an allroad.

I have a 4 year old daugher, another one due anyday now, and a 100# K-9 who sits in the back. The A-4 is just a bit too cramped. My friend has an '01 and the newer models are a bit bigger in back, but still tight. The rear hatch cargo space is also quite limited on the A4. My last car was an Outback and it had significantly more trunk space than the A4.

On the other hand, if your only commitments are the dog and signiciant other and you don't have people in the back seat for long drives then the A4 might be a good fit. I think lisa's comments on the Passat Wagon are a good suggestion too.

As for the air-suspension, well, I consider it to be a bit gimmicky. If you plan on doing true off roading then it's a nice option. But if you're like 99.9% of all road owners then you'll likely rarely go further than a dirt road.
But I do like that twin turbo engine, but I'm concerned about long-term maintence. That's why I lease.

Squeak

mpm

SPACE: HAnds down the ar. Back seta, front seat, and boot - the ar wins in every catagory

PERFORMANCE: the 2.7 is a hoot. The 3.0 is a high rev engine.

REALIABILITY: toss up

PRICE: nudge to the A4, but you give up the comforts of the ar - plus the added benifits of the ar suspension - which for upstate NY could come in handy.

Best of luck, you really can't go wrong - of course the '03 B6 S4 avant will be a lot of fun...