B7 S4 v. 335xi 6MT
06-18-2007, 10:35 AM
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B7 S4 v. 335xi 6MT
Drove them both today, as I'm really trying to decide which to buy. In an earlier post, I noted that my wife has a 328xi with steptronic - nice but not for me. I really expected to love the 335xi with a manual. Right after driving it, I drove a new S4. Here are some observations:
BMW 335xi: I expected to love this car, but didn't. It is quick, but doesn't have the low end torque. Steering, brakes are wonderful. The lows - suspension is wallowy, the gearshift is rubbery and vague with a long throw (this really surprised me - I've had many BMWs in the past with manuals and loved the feel of the shifters. Not so this car), and the clutch is so soft, it has little feel to it. Overall, the car's nice, but over teched (IMO) with poor shifter, clutch, and suspension.
Audi S4: Felt very familiar, having had a B6. Shifter and clutch felt great, as did the brakes. The interior is much nicer and better instrumented than the BMW, and the overall feel of the car is comparable in terms of solidity, and luxury. The car is obviously much more powerful - there's just no substitute for a V8. The exhaust note is great, too!
I fully expected to love the BMW - but walked away disappointed. Not so with the Audi. I think you know where my $$ are likely going. Keep you posted.
BMW 335xi: I expected to love this car, but didn't. It is quick, but doesn't have the low end torque. Steering, brakes are wonderful. The lows - suspension is wallowy, the gearshift is rubbery and vague with a long throw (this really surprised me - I've had many BMWs in the past with manuals and loved the feel of the shifters. Not so this car), and the clutch is so soft, it has little feel to it. Overall, the car's nice, but over teched (IMO) with poor shifter, clutch, and suspension.
Audi S4: Felt very familiar, having had a B6. Shifter and clutch felt great, as did the brakes. The interior is much nicer and better instrumented than the BMW, and the overall feel of the car is comparable in terms of solidity, and luxury. The car is obviously much more powerful - there's just no substitute for a V8. The exhaust note is great, too!
I fully expected to love the BMW - but walked away disappointed. Not so with the Audi. I think you know where my $$ are likely going. Keep you posted.
06-18-2007, 11:52 AM
#3
I think you pretty much nailed it - although 335i is probably more sporty than 335xi...
BMW doesn't offer full sports package on the xi. Of course the reality of cheaper price and lower operating cost for the 335i has to be considered as well...
06-18-2007, 02:06 PM
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Agree - the suspension feels similar or softer than the one on wife's 328xi..
although it might be identical. The sedan I drove didn't have Sport Package, but even with that, suspension is unchanged.
06-18-2007, 02:09 PM
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Yes, but includes only..
thicker steering wheel, sports seats, and 17"s with all season run flats and fancier wheels. The thicker wheel and sports seats are great - but the suspension is the same as on the "base" car and run flats are awful (noisy and expensive to replace).
