Ian321

Greetings,

I am currently driving a Subaru AWD vehicle and looking to upgrade to either the S4 or 330xi. I am trying to compare these two vehicles with reference to their AWD systems (along with traction / stability control), and manual transmission shifting and clutch. From reading this forum, it definately seems that there are alot of folks posting who are very technical and passionate about their vehicles. Any opinions on this would be most appreciated.<p>Thanks,

Ian

Dave G

I also came from a Subaru AWD vehicle. I traded it in on a 2000 S4, but I had considered waiting for the BMW 330Xi.

It appears that the Audi AWD system on the A4/S4 (different than on the A3 and TT) is more sophisticated than on the BMW. If I recall, the BMW system does not have a variable torque split. Here is what Road & Track said about BMW's AWD system: "the front/rear apportionment of power is software-fixed at 38 percent front/62 percent rear".
There appears to be no locking of any differentials, but instead uses brakes to control individual wheelspin. The 330xi uses the same system from the BMW X5.

I personally don't think BMW's 3-series four-door cars are attractive. They differ from the two-doors (3-series coupe) which I think are very attractive. The cost is high, and if you compare equipment levels, you'll see that BMWs will typically cost more if you compare everything. The stark interiors of the BMWs, and the lack of cloth seating in BMWs (I got Alcantara in my S4) were also major deciding factors. I also didn't like the automatic shifter set-up in the BMW, which is Mercedes-like. Audi seemed to have the nicest automatic shifter set-up, along with the nicest interior, and the whole car just looks a lot more attractive. I got the 2000 S4 new with everything but Nav and Phone for mid-$38K.
The downside is that the original equipment tires on the S4 are not winter friendly, so if you live in a snow belt area, you will need to get different tires, and maybe also another set of wheels (depending on how you want to deal with the other set of tires).

I've seen a lot of people talk about resale value, and that was a consideration. However, when I looked at resale values on A4(2.8) and older S4 cars (UrS4), the resale value is tremendous, and I don't see that the resale of BMW's 3-series is any better.
You might also want to consider the convenience of location and the reputation of the dealerships (Audi vs. BMW) in your area. Does the Audi dealer give you a loaner car for service? Does the BMW dealer give you a loaner car? What are their reputations?

Good Luck.<p>2000 S4 Silver w/alcantara
Tip, Conv, Cold, Bose, CD chngr
All stock, no mods

RS4.org - DaveH

It still has a torsen diff for the rear/front split but the rear side to side split is done on the ABS (EDL) as the electronic diff on Quattro III (S2/RS2) is just an open diff now.

I have on rare occasions of pushing hard had the rear abs activate (no ESP fitted) to much amusement.

So overall the subaru 4wd system is a light year ahead of the Audi which is better than the BMW sytem

lleone

Evidently you've never smoked a Subaru VC diff. before. I'm not sure how "superior" I would rank the Subaru AWD system.

Justin_E31

I was quite suprised to see the MSRP on the 330xi. There is only 1 reason to go with the 330 over the S4... the E46 chassis (in 4-door configuration) permits greater back-seat room than the A4 platform.

However... the difference is negligable in the face of everything else you are getting.

Good luck.<p>Justin
<a href="http://www.geocities.com/justin_glatz/">bmw.mitsu.suzuki</a>

RS4.org - DaveH

I use the term superior in reference to how it moves the power around from wheel to wheel, not how reliable it is.

No arguments that Quattro is bullet proof. I just miss the way the 4wd system hunts for grip spinning individual wheels one after anouter.

Give me a decent diff on the rear of my Quattro and i would be a happy bunny

S4 Avantage

And this is what is important to me.
The brakes (EDL) work only up to certain speed (~50 mph), with diminishing force, depending on the speed. Quattro is the smoothest torque split system in existance today, without any of the on/off characteristics which plague other solutions, Subaru's included.
The "hunting for grip" you mentioned in another post can be fun, I agree with that, but only at low speeds.<p>
<IMG SRC="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/registry/pictures/oa155_g16.jpg">

'01 S4 Avant on order, Silver/Alcantara, 6 sp, premium/cold package

RocketJohn

ooohhhh! you mean "The Real Deal" vs. "Overpriced Ultimate Poseur Machine" hehehe

Boogie777

When I heard of the 330xi series I was interested and began some light reading on it. I would have to say that Audi's AWD system has been around a lot longer, and the fact that Audi in a way pioneered the whole thing, made me want and trust the Audi system more.

If you recall BMW had an AWD car out years ago and it did not do well, prompting them to end the line.

One deciding factor that may help you out is going to the BMW website and building your own 330ix online. Stock it with the same things that you will get on the S4 and look at the price difference. Then add in luxury tax and state tax.

Tristan

I've had my brakes moan and groan with EDL under 15, but never ever over 15 even in hard throttle-on-off cornering or in wet... true?
Tristan