I am considering a BMW 330xi or an Audi A4 both manual transmissions. Which do you think is better and why? Any information and opinions are helpful. Thanks in advance.

 

I had a 330XI before I bought my evo. I loved the bimmer, but it just didn't have the performance I crave. The heated seats I miss so much. It drove so nice on trips to portland and seattle. I was able to get up to 31mpg on the highway also. If I wasn't a performance freak, I would have a bmw again.

I know nothing about the Audi.

 

no brainer...i'd get the bimmer. it's MUCH more of a driver's car than the A4. but drive them both and see which you like better.

 

The Bimmer is Nice, but a little $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ For what you get. Look into a slightly used S4 you will be more pleased and save some $$$$$$$$$$$

 

Audi has no money down A4 leases right now starting at $349 a month for 24 months and 12k miles per year.......can't beat that. I just bought an A4 2.0T Quattro with the S-Line package......very sweet car. The Bimmer will certainly handle better out of the box but nothing a $1200 set of coilovers won't fix. The Audi powerplant has much more performance potential however and is significantly cheaper. I own one and have test driven the other.....I prefer the Audi.....and I also don't find myself parking next to another one everywhere I go like I would if I had the 3 series

 

Are you sure the lease deal is still on?
Last time I went to the dealer and they ended the deal on 11/30/2005

 

Yup, it's still on until January 4th. Here's the link to the "special offers" section of their website with all of the details:

http://www.audiusa.com/specialoffers

 

You need to drive the 6 speed manual 2.0 Quattro. It's a very sweet set-up with the new 200hp FSI engine. The new engine has 207 lb ft of torque @ 1850 RPM, and it's hands down better than the old 1.8 Turbo, which was a bit short or torque.

A manual Quattro 6 speed with a premium package is around 34 grand, and a better value than the bimmer, IMO. And I really like the new body style with the big grill.

 

Yup...the new looks are quite nice....here's some pics of mine

 

another thing.....I don't think you can get the sport package on the 330xi.....only on the 330i.....that would be a deal breaker for me. I test drove a 330i today with the sport package......what a sweet ride.....it handles incredibly......very similar to my Z actually.

 

bmw

 

The Bimmers are really nice but it seems like everyone and their cousin drives one. I don't know much about BMW AWD, but Audi has been in the quattro business for a long time. So my vote goes to the Audi.

 

You can get the 330xi with the sport package, but it doesn't come with the sport package suspension. You just get the seats, aero, wheels with upgraded run-flats and tire pressure monitoring system.

All of the xi's have the same jacked up suspension, especially in the rear.

 

Bimmer, no contest! Cant beat the handling, but dont expect it to actually help you in the snow.