My response to Audi’s viral video

BMWBlog submitted on 10/11/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:46 PM
from: www.bmwblog.com

[74] user comments | category: Misc News

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My response to Audi’s viral video

It certainly looks like Audi’s viral video, Meet the Beckers, has created some internet buzz these past days and more and more blogs are writting about Audi’s marketing idea. I found this to be a great opportunity for myself to talk a little bit more about the Audi’s vehicles, of course, in compare to BMW.

Audis has always been a bit of an enigma to me. From a aesthetic stand point, they’re well thought-out and attractive cars and have well-appointed interiors. Audis also have an dedication to and abundance of technology and that’s best represented through their Quattro all-wheel-drive system - probably one of the most sophisticated systems on the market - who do you think develops the all-wheel-drive platforms for Lamborghini after all? Yet, I find their cars always disappoint me in the end.

For those reasons, I’ve always gone to test drive the current iteration of it’s base model A4. Why the A4? Because that’s the market segment I find myself in. I’ve driven a A4 (both the 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder variants) from the B6 and B7 ranges and inevitably always ended up back at BMW due to the lack of driver involvement and driving dynamic. When I test drove a B7 A4 3.2 Quattro I nearly understeered right off the side of an off-ramp when the dealer is telling me to push it. It took backing off the throttle completely then a handful of steering to get me back on a good line then jamming the throttle on when I noticed the nose suddenly running very wide- yeah, that’s a fun way to drive a “sporty” handling car. BMW, 1 happy customer; Audi 0 new customers this round. That and every time I sit in a Passat I feel like I’m sitting in what’s basically an Audi interior and vice versa - but that’s my opinion.

So I figured I’d take a crack at the new B8 A4 to see if anything had really improved as the marketing materials implied. It’s the most beautiful Audi of the line up(sans the R8), it has very clean, distinguished lines and is very understated in it’s sporting pretensions. Understated is something I like - why do you think you always see so many Mustangs and Scubby STI’s pulled over? Large wing and spoilers attract both positive and negative attention and I’m a big proponent of the idea that less is more.

After arriving at the dealership, I was granted a test drive in the A4 2.0T Quattro. I liked the styling despite the car lacking the S-Line package( think M Sport package) and the seats were nice and comfy and the dash was wrapped towards the driver( BMW - remember when you did this?!). The things I didn’t like were how incredibly long and almost A6-sized the car was along with just a tremendous feeling of weight in the huge seats and power everything. However, the standard i-Drive-style screen is a nice touch and provides a lot of useful information - the menu screens look like a PC videogames menus though instead of looking hip and interesting so that might be a turn off to some.

Once starting up the push button start, you realize the cabin is very quiet until the engine gets into the higher revs, I’d almost say the 2.0T - which sounds clattery and clunky at idle - is louder and more brutal when going flat out than a BMW 328 - so that’s a plus for the Audi. The dealer encouraged me on a secluded road to start really pushing hard through the corners to see how well Quattro puts the power down in corners and pulls/pushes(thank you torque-splitting system!) you through. If I’m honest, the car really does handle in a terrific way, it can maintain high entry speeds in corners - much more so than my E46 or possibly E90 could dream of Audi and has done a terrific job removing the gobs of understeer present in the last few A4s. Sounds like a good car so far, right? Well it isn’t. At least not from a driving perspective.

But…

Like all Audis, the new A4 is over-engineered. The steer feels very boosted as you aren’t given a option to leave off the speed-variable steering rack - much like BMW’s OPTIONAL Active Steering. As a result, the steering feels very …computerized… and dispassionate towards what the front wheels are doing. Most of my hustling the new A4 through corners was done by aiming and then flinging the wheel around to sort of “see what happens next” with the car to make it go where I wanted. Was the car well-planted and has a punchy torque band? Absolutely! Was it fun to drive? Absolutely not - there’s no drama. period. This was the same experience I had with the latest Audi TT as well - it handles like it’s on rails and gives you about as much feed back as steering a CSX train car.

So this is why I’ve never understood Audi. They can build exquisitely handsome and beautiful cars that look like the exterior of the Gugenheim in Bilbao and I can stand and gawk at them for hours. But as soon as I sit behind the wheel, the 18 inch wheels, lower slung suspension, flared air intakes and sport seats all seem to be for nought. They’re trick cars but still provide a very vanilla driving experience, especially stepping from a BMW to an Audi. While I’m not a big fan of the E90 I can still feel more communication with the wheels compared to the Audi. In the Audi’s defense, I didn’t have a car equipped with the sports package or it’s new, very intriguing adaptive suspension that the driver can change on the fly - that comes on it’s $40,000+ A4 2.0T Prestige model and frankly - that’s too much to be paying in this segment for a 4 cylinder engine - but that’s a whole ‘nother story!

I want to like the Audi A4 so much for so many reasons over a BMW but when I look at it in terms of the satisfaction I want out of my car, BMW ranks so much higher in all the right categories and just checks all of the right boxes while Audi - well, it just doesn’t. And for me, it’s that simple on making a $40,000 decision.

Before I get labeled as an Audi hater - I would take a B5 RS4 wagon in a heartbeat! Read Article

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GermanNut - 10/11/2008 1:15:59 PM

-7 Boost

It's perfectly acceptable for you to not enjoy Audi's vehicles. You are entitled to your opinion.

Fortunately though, there are many many people who don't care to have a car that can rip around a curvy road in the mountains while being able to do their daily chores for them too.

Audi's strengths are found in their rock-solid build quality, their Quattro AWD, their excellent interiors, and their design. If you want racecar like driving precision why don't you go and try out an Audi R8??? The car is sublime.

There are going to be over 1 million Audis sold in 2008 and Audi is experiencing continued growth in an extremely tough economy.

I don't think they could care about what your opinion is and neither do I.

reply to this comment

aarononymous - 10/11/2008 3:40:20 PM

-5 Boost

Q7 has been the second best selling Audi since it came out I'm pretty sure...

IamEvilHomer - 10/11/2008 4:53:38 PM

-4 Boost

utah - the Q7 is selling well
when you see the Q7 our to 8 yeas then you will see more out there. 2 years of sales and you are not going to see them everywere

crackityjones - 10/13/2008 4:08:51 PM

+2 Boost

"I don't think they could care about what your opinion is and neither do I."

The article writer made a reasoned argument. I have experienced the same things driving Audi's. Too bad you feel the need to slam the guy with the 1st post.

Lexus sells lots of cars too (or used to). Your argument that Audi will sell cars doesn't change the fact that it has little dynamic presence for the money.

Seems like Audi and Lexus have a few things in common, including an irrational fanbase on Autospies.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/11/2008 2:58:50 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

I think you would've been more impressed if the car you tested had the Audi Drive Select suspension. While I agree that the 3 is definitely a more satisfying car to drive, from what I've read ADS is a very worthwhile option. I think the S4 will be the pick of the range this time around, because it won't be too heavy like the B6/B7.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/13/2008 1:12:46 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Wow, interesting. I was de-boosted for what reason?

1dott8 - 10/11/2008 3:05:08 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

people (bmw owners) on this site are always talking about audi being underpowered and bmw being a better car. that is a matter of opinion. i drive both a bmw and an Audi and love them both equally for what they are.

in my opinion, if you're not on a track with your car at least 3 times a month, who the hell cares about understeer and oversteer? most people who buy these brands never even see the track one time in the cars entire life cycle.

i like Audi for being an Audi. i like bmw for being a bmw. the same goes for mercedes, lexus, honda and nissan.

fanboy's are the ones who kill this site.

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VISO - 10/11/2008 9:02:05 PM

-7 Boost

BMWblog - get serious. Stop trying to pretend you are subjective. The latest reviews of the new A4 put it on top.

610looper - 10/11/2008 3:12:10 PM

-1 Boost

Well after reading this article...I hope the author does not think Audi is trying to out BMW, BMW....If Audi wanted a RWD car, they would have invested in it, when they decided on the new MLB platform

Apparently the RS4 on the B7 platform, technically the B6 since that was just a refresh, killing the e46 M3-6 and matching the e90-8 depending on the magazine counts for nothing???

The things I didn’t like were how incredibly long and almost A6-sized the car was along with just a tremendous feeling of weight in the huge seats and power everything.

B8 A4 185in vs e90 178in vs A6 194 vs e60 191...wow, so in your mind the A4 is size of an A6, get a grip.

How about you go test drive an AWD e90 then compare to B8 A4, then give us a review??

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bmwdrvr - 10/11/2008 4:52:33 PM

+4 Boost

first off the S4 had slightly more power than e46 M3, 345 vs 333, the 330i of the time only had 225hp, so how would the RS4 had been competition for the M3.....the car mags were comparing the e46 M3 to the S4. Not to mention the E46 M3 would win all those tests, and the e46 also could run with the RS4 despite the huge power deficit, though it lost in sheer performance numbers.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/12/2008 1:14:05 AMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

When the B7 RS4 came out it was compared to the E46 M3. It was already known that an S4 couldn't hang with an M3, not even in the straights. The RS4 sedan was $72K topped out which isn't significantly more than what a loaded E46 M3 coupe was, and you got a helluva lot more car for your money.

AudiNewEngland - 10/11/2008 4:24:35 PM

-1 Boost

Its sad that everything else written about the "Meet the Beckers" video was positive from all drivers alike, aside from this Autospies article.

I guess this hit a nerve with you, which it shouldn't have since everything in here is 100% valid, especially the BMW driver.

Like it or not, the B8 A4 is much superior to it's competitors. Though I wouldn't buy an A4, I did test drive it as well as its competitors.

Some of the news on this site is good, though mostly a couple days old, but what really is old is this BMW fanboy stuff.

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528i - 10/11/2008 4:31:26 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

look at audiboys crying..who cares, its just opinions.

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VISO - 10/12/2008 1:14:28 PM

-5 Boost

No one cares then about your opinion....

IamEvilHomer - 10/11/2008 4:51:41 PM

-3 Boost

BMWblog - I was just laughing with the BMW guy in that video. This is what I see when I think of the typical BMW driver. Another steriotype is the Princess that has to have a 328 because her dady always gets her what she wants.

Put down the bluetooth headset

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AudiNewEngland - 10/11/2008 6:03:55 PM

-3 Boost

I love how you keep saying this, but you are aware that:

Audi models are more expensive then their BMW competition.
Audi drivers have a higher annual income.
Audi drivers have a higher level of education.

Also most Audi drivers don't lease our vehicles, like BMW drivers, we OWN them.

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steve27t - 10/11/2008 8:09:06 PM

-2 Boost

It really must suck to be so stupid that you repeat this over and over again. Where did you get the full frontal lobotomy? they did an excellent job.

reply to this comment

steve27t - 10/11/2008 8:10:16 PM

-1 Boost

My response was to Amazinglystupid.

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MeanVulcan - 10/13/2008 12:25:04 PM

+1 Boost

ooooooooh, that must have hurt!!!

Nice one AudiNewEngland ... some people just love to ignore the facts.

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AudiNewEngland - 10/11/2008 7:14:03 PM

-2 Boost

Are you "too dumb" to use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation in your posts?

When comparing a fully loaded Audi to the fully loaded BMW competitor, the Audi is more expensive.

True for most all models.
For specific example,
A4 2.0T>328i
S4>335i
R8>... Wait, they have no competitor...

Also,
Audi leases are higher priced as AudiAG understands their buyers are wealthier, thus encouraging buying rather than leasing.

"average 3 sereies buyer more successful and makes more money than a a4 buyer"

Aside from the spelling and grammar issues, the average 3-series buyer, though more than 1/2 lease, makes shit. They are likely lower/middle class...exactly why they are buying a BMW and not an Audi.

"probelem is that audi sells so few a4s compared to 3 series, that averaging it give you the result due to a higher percentage (not absolute) mix of A8 buyers."

True, Audi does sell less vehicles in the states. They do not focus their sales in this country.

The problem is that BMW leases most all of it's vehicles, which likely consists of 99% of all those $30K 3-series. This is sad, as this means most all BMW drivers cannot afford to buy the 30-thousand dollar car they lease. Pitiful.

"or are you too dumb to understand that?"

Or,
are you "too dumb" to get a decent education and career, thus enabling you to purchase a luxury automobile such as an Audi or Mercedes?

We have factual, evidenciary support to base our claim on, unlike your fanboy opinions.

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VISO - 10/11/2008 9:00:55 PM

-4 Boost

Actually the A4 sells more globally than the 3-Series especially in Europe. Check the facts clown.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/12/2008 1:19:25 AMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

"i owna 750Li.. the audi was 7-10K cheaper.. idiot. and the lease is 200 bucks higher (when i got it in late 06)."

I could now get a 750 for $15K off if I wanted to. But I don't. It's a horrible car compared to the A8. The new one will change things, but for now the A8 is still the second best in class. And then when the new A8 comes out it will probably trump again.

"my wifes 530xi was 5K more than a comprable (puke ) a6.. and who would drive tht POS."

The A6 isn't a POS but I wouldn't buy one either. The 5 is a more satisfying car, period.

"average 3 sereies buyer more successful and makes more money than a a4 buyer

same is true for the 7 (or S).."

Link please. Otherwise it didn't happen.

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audirevolution - 10/12/2008 7:37:29 PM

-5 Boost

"average 3 sereies buyer more successful and makes more money than a a4 buyer"

Define success. You call high-school girls successful?

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MeanVulcan - 10/13/2008 12:30:07 PM

+1 Boost

ammazinglooser, don't they teach spelling in 6th grade?

do you really believe that people here believe your false claims - after you criticize a brand based on biased opinions and misinformation (or ignorance)???? LOL

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GermanNut - 10/11/2008 6:25:59 PM

-2 Boost

No, you asswipe amazinMoron, Audi's owners mostly BUY their vehicles they do not LEASE them like BMW owners do. The reason why 3-series owners must lease is because they are too poor to pile up $40K when they do to the dealer.

The average Audi owner is more successful than the BMW owner. Plain fact.

Are you too dumb to understand that BMW owners don't have the money on hand to buy the car, but instead must pay off the price of the car in increments?

I thought so. Now go drive your little 328i which is probably leased.

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AudiNewEngland - 10/11/2008 6:52:41 PM

-3 Boost

Deboost all you want, but facts are facts.

The fact is BMW is for the less-affluent buyer.

Next time I see a homesless person, I will pass on throwing him some change and spare it for the next BMW driver I see.

AudiNewEngland - 10/11/2008 9:43:08 PM

-4 Boost

^In defense of you towards Amazinbimmer

GermanNut - 10/11/2008 6:28:28 PM

-4 Boost

The three brands with the highest House Hold Income were:

Porsche: $187,705
Mercedes-Benz: $162,824
Audi: $153,746

Jaguar: $150,587
BMW: $148,992
Lexus: $141,355

Need I say more.....you BMW buyers are POOR.

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topneuro - 10/11/2008 6:46:07 PM

-5 Boost

Most BMW and Audi are leased.
More BMW than Audi's are leased.

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/08/0826_most_leased_cars/index.htm

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/aug2008/bw20080825_862083.htm?chan=autos_autos+--+lifestyle+subindex+page_top+stories

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/12/2008 1:17:16 AMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Prove it. Get an AgentSpace, post pictures of your cars, and post a picture of your bonus on top of your car. That's the only way to really prove something. Otherwise, I could safely assume that everything you say is a lie. You could do the same for me but I have my cars in my AgentSpace, next to each other.

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Rupert - 10/12/2008 3:19:59 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

You are on millions of dollars per year yet have a 530i and a 10 year old M5???

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AudiNewEngland - 10/12/2008 4:47:30 PM

-3 Boost

Amazinvirgin clearly hasn't broken 6 figures yet...ouch

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KZ258 - 10/12/2008 7:48:21 PM

-1 Boost

yo S4, i got my maxima in my gallary on this site btw

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AudiNewEngland - 10/11/2008 7:18:18 PM

0 Boost

Keep making false claims over the internet amazinbimmer. Making lies and hiding behind your computer is a good way to prove your income.

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GermanNut - 10/11/2008 7:20:28 PM

-2 Boost

Sorry amazinMoron that most BMW buyers lease their cars. It's not my fault you couldn't afford to spend the $55K right then and there for your BMW 5-series when you went to the dealer.

Gee maybe that explains why so many BMW owners are dumb blonde secretaries who are probably middle class at best.

Fact: Audi owners are wealthier than their BMW counterparts

Fact: More Audi owners can come up with the cash to buy their cars on the spot whereas BMW buyers must pay "lease" payments because they do not have the money on hand.

Have fun leasing your car just like the other dumb blonde BMW drivers!

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IamEvilHomer - 10/11/2008 8:45:37 PM

-3 Boost

you couldn't get an A8 for that cheap a month
to bad you had to settle for the BMW

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VISO - 10/11/2008 8:54:31 PM

-5 Boost

Man is that a cheap lease! No wonder you can afford it. There is no way you'll see an A8 Lease at 1200 to 1300 per month. As the say BMW is giving them away. That was not even half the payment when I purchased my A8L W12 4 years ago.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/12/2008 1:20:21 AMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

LOL VISO.

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VISO - 10/11/2008 8:58:34 PM

-6 Boost

Successful bankers? Are you serious?! Now, we know you must be making this stuff up. Have you seen the news lately. I am not sure I would be saying you are banker. That makes you an even bigger piriah then you already are.

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AudiNewEngland - 10/11/2008 9:45:19 PM

-5 Boost

haha I don't sell cars, but I agree, at this time if I did I'd definitely still be making more then you.

Tool.

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GermanNut - 10/11/2008 9:02:21 PM

-3 Boost

successful bankers HAHAHAHAHAHA. Your lack of intelligence.

Have you been watching the news lately amazinMoron????

Lehman Brothers is bankrupt and history. Merrill Lynch is now with BoA and the bitching match for Wachovia finally ended with Wells-Fargo winning.

The gravy train may have come to an end. Asswipe.... the gravy train stopped moving the day Lehman went under.

Morgan Stanley is not going to last past this upcoming week.

So tell me what industry do you cover as an ibanker? The Clowns.....

What happened do you lack the quant. knowledge to break into a top hedge fund or did you work shitty deals and that is why you couldn't work for Blackstone's PE practice?

I know... keep feeling important with your $1304 lease for the 750Li. We all know you won't ever find an Audi A8 being leased for that much.

Gee I wonder why? Maybe because Audi owners have that $75K lying around so they can buy the A8 on the spot without having to pay $1304 every month because they can't afford to spend $75K right then and there for the 750Li.

Your gravy train just stopped in its tracks and your bonus will shrivel up to the points where its smaller than your one inch penis!

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doctorproctor - 10/12/2008 12:13:53 AM

+2 Boost

Loved it!!!....judging by all of the insane, "tit-for-tat" and socially immature comments on this board I'd say the video proves true!!...

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528i - 10/12/2008 5:29:54 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

audiboys keep on crying, just let go. every bi@#h has a day.

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VISO - 10/12/2008 1:10:33 PM

-7 Boost

I guess than you are having your day then!

VISO - 10/12/2008 1:11:47 PM

-4 Boost

Wow! You must be morally and ethically bankrupt if this what you actually believe. You think it is ok then to destroy other people's wealth for your own gain. I assume other BMW owners are not like this, at least I hope so.

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VISO - 10/12/2008 1:13:30 PM

-6 Boost

Honestly, 75K isn't that much. You really are not that wealthy dude compared to many Audi owners and many others on this blog.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/12/2008 11:42:03 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

"my bonus this year will be down 50% but still 10 times what you make. how is that for irony."

That's hilarious, because I'm going to have my best year ever.

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GermanNut - 10/12/2008 12:31:36 PM

-6 Boost

As if it's only me that is paying for the bailout. Idiot you are paying too. In fact, you are paying more than I am. Not only is your bonus going to get crushed, but the little money you will get will go towards the bailout.

Too bad the Audi A8 optioned up is just as much your 750Li. Again you try to lie, but as always you fail.

Prove you have the $85K lying around. Why didn't you buy the car outright then? I forgot you probaly have to make your monthly "lease" payments to finance your car.

I know it sucks to be poor.

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Audiphile - 10/12/2008 3:05:06 PM

-7 Boost

BMWBlog,

This is the most thoughtful pro-BMW post that I have ever read on this website.

I wish you had been given an opportunity to drive an A4 with the Prestige package, sport suspension and Drive Select (that can change the steering ratio, shift points, throttle response, suspension damping, etc.) That is probably the kind of car I will be getting in December. Or, I could decide to wait and get the S4 (a competitor to the 335i) when it debuts in America in September 2009.

In spite of my handle, I have owned a Mercedes and two BMWs in the past. If I decide to not get the Audi, I will probably be getting the 2009 BMW 335i.

reply to this comment

Audiphile - 10/12/2008 3:19:11 PM

-6 Boost

One more thing,

The optional 3.2-liter V6 is disappointing. It might be a little smoother than the turbo 4, but it's not nearly as much fun to drive. The Y6 has more horsepower, but the I-4 has more torque and spread over a much wider rev range. It is also lighter, more fuel-efficient, and cheaper.

If you want more power in the A4, you will have to wait until the new supercharged V6 becomes available. The 330-hp version will be available on the new S4 in September 2009, but a slightly detuned version might become available on regular A4s.

In case you haven't already guessed, I am looking for a car that can rip around a curvy road in the mountains while being able to do daily chores as well. That is why I have narrowed my choices to the Audi A4/S4 Avant or BMW 335i.

AudiNewEngland - 10/12/2008 4:45:30 PM

-4 Boost

The V6 is a good alternative for the average a4 driver looking for a smooth ride. Let's be serious, the majority of people who buy A4s aren't into racing, we'll leave that for the pathetic, poor, 328i leasers.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/12/2008 11:45:50 PMView My AgentSpace

-7 Boost

So I assume you can fit into the new A4? If you get the S4 tell me about it. It's pretty high on my list--should be an amazing car, like the reincarnation of the B5.

"The optional 3.2-liter V6 is disappointing. It might be a little smoother than the turbo 4, but it's not nearly as much fun to drive. The Y6 has more horsepower, but the I-4 has more torque and spread over a much wider rev range. It is also lighter, more fuel-efficient, and cheaper."

I completely agree. I could never justify a 3.2 in any Audi aside from the A6, but even that one is being replaced, which is fantastic. The A3 and TT 3.2, since they have VR6s with Haldex (not the same as Audi's V6 with quattro), sound amazing but are gas guzzlers compared to the 2.0Ts.

"That is why I have narrowed my choices to the Audi A4/S4 Avant or BMW 335i."

Interesting that you're not going for the 335i xDrive. I think I'm also still considering that one.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/12/2008 11:47:21 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Accidentally pressed submit. The S4 Avant will not be available in the US unfortunately. Audi has decided that there's very little market for it here, which I disagree with for two reasons:

1. "S" buyers are Audi enthusiasts to the core...
2. Audi enthusiasts love wagons.

No casual buyer would buy an S4 Avant but not may casual buyers would go for an S4 in the first place. I think the Avant should at least be available by special order.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/12/2008 11:49:27 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I also have one more thing.

Even though you won't be able to get the S4 Avant, an A4 2.0T Q Avant (the only A4 Avant available in the US) with remapping wouldn't be a bad substitute. It would probably end up less fuel efficient than the S4 but if you need a wagon it still wouldn't disappoint.

Audiphile - 10/13/2008 2:57:03 PM

+1 Boost

Dear S4cabriofoxone,

Yes, I fit in the new A4. Plenty of legroom and hiproom. My head clears the ceiling by a fraction of an inch, but I do fit! Yeeha!

If I can afford it, I will sell my A8L in December, and buy a chear "beater car" to tide me over until the S4 debuts in September 2009.

Yeah, I read about the decision to not make the S4 Avant available in the States - shucks. However, a number of enthusiasts (myself included) have written Audi asking them to reconsider. Perhaps the suits in Northern Virginia and Ingolstadt will change their minds. If not, I will be happy with the S4 sedan.

If I cannot afford the S4, I plan on doing what you recommended - buy a regular A4 Avant and remap it (provided I don't void the warranty.)

Audiphile - 10/13/2008 3:05:07 PM

0 Boost

S4cabrio - one more thing, please.

I did not consider the BMW 335i xDrive because it would add to the cost of the already expensive 335i, diminish fuel economy, and (most important of all) possibly downgrade the handling.

I have yet to read any reviews of the AWD 3-series that mentioned how its handling compared to the RWD 3-series. I am also afraid that BMW treats AWD as an afterthought, concentrating on its RWD models. Sort of like how Audi treats FWD as an afterthought, choosing to concentrate on its AWD models.

Have you been able to compare the BMW 335i xDrive to the 335i? Have you read any revies that compare them? A reply would be appreciated.

Thanks.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/13/2008 8:59:47 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I haven't read any reviews comparing the AWD 335 to the RWD. I think that BMW has begun to focus on its AWD system, as shown by the X6. It has a SH-AWD-esque torque-vectoring system, similar to what Audi is putting out in the S4 next year. Hopefully this will make it to all of the Audi and BMW sedans.

1uberaudi - 10/12/2008 7:10:45 PM

-6 Boost

The Audi A4 is about 6 years ahead of the BMW 3 series with the all-new 2009. They did not build it to compete with this BMW 3 series now, but all-new 3 series coming in the following years. For someone to write in a blog that the 09' A4 lacks anything, obviously does not have any concept of what a luxury/sports car is suppose to accomplish. ANDREW from BMW Blog, please stick to blogs for Lexus and Infiniti and please don't buy a B5 RS4 Avant, I mean wagon; you wouldn't know how to drive it.

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MaindrianPace - 10/13/2008 3:58:55 AM

+1 Boost

This is just about one of the stupidist threads ever! Started off as one persons opinions and before you know it people are arguing about who's got a bigger wallet. I have 2 BMW's, I earn way less than the figure stated somewhere above, although I have now made a little over £10,000 on the FOREX in the past couple of months, so I went to my dealer this weekend to have a look at a third BMW... a K1300R Bike! (Unfortunaltey the trip wasn't entirely succesful -- they didn't have one!)

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nybimmer - 10/13/2008 11:05:34 AM

+3 Boost

You all take yourselves way too seriously. Did anybody watch the 'meet the beckers' viral video? Its actually quite funny.

They totally nailed the stereotypical M3 driver (down to the surgically attached blue tooth) and the old codger driving the S500 is classic. The trophy wife is sad but funny too..'everybody has one, Chinese or Thai...?' Yikes - where are the PC police? But seriously, its pretty funny.

Enjoy it for what it is! I guess Audi got it's money's worth since you all are blathering on about it.

:-)

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sector - 10/13/2008 11:50:50 AM

+1 Boost

Man, you audi owners are rich :) $75k lying around and 2-3k monthly payments? wow.

Saw a A5 the other day, probably as much of a head turner as an R8. Too bad there's like 6month to 1yr waiting list :(

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IamEvilHomer - 10/14/2008 11:08:28 PM

+1 Boost

auto001 you can come buy one from me today

MeanVulcan - 10/13/2008 12:18:36 PM

-2 Boost

do you really think because you start praising Audi on its good points -as far as you are concerned- and then criticize - based on YOUR OPINION - that you are going to turn peoples' minds around because they would supposedly think you are honest?

you make me laugh.

I've driven both the A4 and latest BMW 3 and in MY OPINION your opinion is idiotic and false. I found the 3 oversteering, it lacked stability around the cones,
the brakes faded and the plastic interior made me feel as if I were driving a Pontiac Aztek - not to mention the old model styling. I was far more impressed with the C-Class engine smoothness, braking, stability and awesome new styling. The Audi was the best overall with no oversteer, smooth steering, powerful engine, linear braking, impeccable interior and modern styling.

So as you can see, my opinion is what matters to me, not your lame biased one.

Hint:

long article does not make equate to objective or truthful.

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VISO - 10/13/2008 10:05:02 PM

-1 Boost

Whose the dumbass deboosting all the postive Audi comments. You are winner!

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/14/2008 7:05:09 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Some of the comments I made didn't bash Audi or BMW and I was still de-boosted. WTF?

Whattt - 10/15/2008 4:17:58 PM

+2 Boost

You people do understand that when you lease a car you are paying for the depreciation of the vehicle. So if a car cost more and the lease price is higher than it's competition and you choose to buy that car. It's not because the manufacture thought, "peolpe who purchase cars from us have more money". It's because at the end of the lease that car will be worth LESS then a comparable leased competition counter part. That also means that you fell for the BS marketing of higher cost means better product. Check Rolex Vs. Timex.

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mikeydred20 - 10/15/2008 7:46:59 PM

+2 Boost

S4 that is what happens when you represent your brand, it's like fighting an uphill battle. My props to you though for the chicks in one of your links on your agentspace

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