Is Audi becoming a big threat for 3 series? (New A4, A5, S5)

PaulBailey@ltbmw · 08-02-2008, 01:16 PM

RS5 Is going to dominate!

Glassy · 08-02-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrad01

I think you better relook at that video (the fifth gear track comparison) - the 335i actually won that - NOT THE S5!!

I drove the S5 and 335 when my RX8 lease expired. The S5 was number one on my list - until I *drove* the 335. I was Audi all the way until I experienced their terrible steering wheel feel and handling mis-adventure.

Drive an Audi and you will feel the difference (Unless you drive like a muppet)

BMW have nothing to fear from Audi - it is just an expensive VW. I'm glad Audi exist, it means that BMW keep raising the bar.

I think you will find the new Audis are equal to the e46 BMWs - which were great cars!

damn, your right.. hahahahah. i coulda sworn i saw a comparison video that wasnt from top gear that showed s5 winning. youve got me lookin all over the internet for it again now and i cant find it lol. screw it, bmw all the way!!!

MrSteak · 08-02-2008, 02:21 PM

Yeah... Audi is always 2 steps ahead of BMW with their interior styling, but BMW is 1 step ahead on performance/drive.

Audi is a gambler though... they've had their ups and downs over the years, and with recent mergers they come out with some great cars, and some bad ones. BMW is more of a classic brand who doesn't take as many risks. Thats why Audi has an R8, and BMW doesn't have some exotic/halo in their lineup. (Although BMW's engines make their ways into quite a few exotics... so why not get one with a blue & white badge? WHY!)

Dave4501 · 08-02-2008, 02:33 PM

I think the new A4/A5 wins in the looks department both inside and out. But for everything underneath the skin: engine, handling, steering, ride, and feel, I'm sure BMW still dominates.

Also, one other factor no one has mentioned much is that Audis are priced above BMWs for similarly equipped cars. A 328xi with Premium and Sport will probably be a couple thousand dollars cheaper than an A4 3.2 with similar equipment.

Most Audi fans want to compare the 2.0t to the 328 and the 3.2 to the 335. But, I think that's stretching it too far.

To me, that makes BMW the winner!

Tondtar · 08-02-2008, 02:45 PM

The only one I'd consider as a possibility is S5. The rest are just glorified V Dub's, IMO

a burrito · 08-02-2008, 03:16 PM

I don't think Audi will give bmw as much problems until further down in the future. Their cars are gorgeous and unmistakeably the best interiors for your dollar but the driving experience isnt as nimble as bmw. I think if audi shaved some pounds off their A4 platform- which would help handling and gas mileage-it would be even a greate rthreat to bmw.

Personally, I do looooove the S5/RS5 and S8. Mmmmmmmmm

TheAcAvenger · 08-02-2008, 03:19 PM

Different markets IMO.

Well, maybe not drastically different, but the deciding factor in picking each is still different. Im not going to pick a S5 over a 335 I want to have fun. Im not going to pick a 335 over the S5 when im A to B'ing or taking a trip or just cruising in general. The new A4 is awesome. As well as the A5. When they start supercharging, they'll be an even bigger hit. I won't see them as a performance threat until they start making lighter cars or make a TTish car that appeals more to guys.

Their high end cars, the R8 and the A8, IMO, shit over anything bmw has come out with in a long time.

just4kickz · 08-02-2008, 03:23 PM

why do audi's only go up to like 5krpm lol i don't like that.

Nikos335i · 08-02-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nasdakboy

Upcoming A4 sedan is smoking! My fiance's volvo's lease ends next year and that's #1 on the list right now. We'll see how much she likes it when we test drive it. Facelifted E90 would be #2. I really love what Audi has done with the looks of the new A4.

I can relate my friend!

My wifes XC70 has 18 months of warranty left and do not plan in keeping it as reliablity has been awful in the past 6 months. I will look into the A4 Avant once it becomes available. I had a 99` B5 A4 and loved it over the +6 years of ownership.

wj4 · 08-02-2008, 03:25 PM

Let's see how these cars perform in real life. I remember seeing the RS4 in real life and it wasn't as great as they made it out to be.

AdamJ · 08-02-2008, 03:42 PM

Audi resale sucks too much for me to ever consider them.

kwakr738 · 08-02-2008, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarrDlux

The new S' will have that 300-odd horsepower v-6 supercharged motor to combat the turbo so it will be interesting. you know folks will be putting pulleys on those.

ever fishtale your 335i? in rain? in snow? that just doesn't exist with quattro. i have to actually pay attention when gunning it in the rain around a corner now. with my old A4 it was pedal to the metal even in rain - go as fast as possible and no worries.

The latest rumor is Audi is keeping the V8 instead. Yes Audi is known for the 4WD and BMW does sell the xi to keep up with Audi's.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John 070

Is Audi a better looking car? Subjective, but even many of us E9x owners would admit yes. Is it a better car? I would say no, due to its FWD heritage (Audi tried to market FWD claiming it was better to pull than to push), and the fact that they heavily rely on V6 motors.

The new A5 chassis is designed so the engine is placed further back over the front the axle. They also changed the 4WD settings to give it more of a RWD character. Prior Audi's have always had the engine in front of the axle and FWD characteristics.

achien · 08-02-2008, 04:35 PM

BWM, Audi, and MB are competitors.

Naturally, competitors are "threatening" to (or competing with) each other in terms of getting the customer $$$.

mrad01 · 08-02-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

S5 for looks/interior. 335i for the drive.

Agreed!

Are you a peacock, or are you a driver?

I love it how Audi/VW have got into everyone's heads that their AWD is vastly superior to anything else etc. Even Top Gear UK spouted on in the RS4 vs Merc vs M3 test - the AWD make you feel safe and it makes sense and it is superior....then the M3 smoked it on the lap times. huh? The Audi/VW RS4 even 4 wheel drifted around one of the corners!!

After the first 2 months of owning your new Audi/VW S5, the peacockness of walking around it admiring the shape will wear off and you will be left with "the drive" - of which you then start questioning....where is my BMW..??

MrSteak · 08-02-2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiAg330i

I think the new A4/A5 wins in the looks department both inside and out. But for everything underneath the skin: engine, handling, steering, ride, and feel, I'm sure BMW still dominates.

Also, one other factor no one has mentioned much is that Audis are priced above BMWs for similarly equipped cars. A 328xi with Premium and Sport will probably be a couple thousand dollars cheaper than an A4 3.2 with similar equipment.

Most Audi fans want to compare the 2.0t to the 328 and the 3.2 to the 335. But, I think that's stretching it too far.

To me, that makes BMW the winner!

Thats why I chose my 335i coupe over a A5/S5. My 335i was about the same price as a well loaded A5 S-Line, but the A5 has like half the performance of the 335i (with almost the same mpg!), and the S5 is only on par with the 335i. (So Audi's S series is only on the level of BMW's bigger engine... ha)

Audi has a terrible ED program compared to BMW, 7% BMW vs 5% Audi which isn't bad, but nobody does it, and it takes FOREVER).

And in the end, M > S
*(But if I were looking for luxury and didn't give a shit about performance, I'd be in a loaded A5 right now.)

-=Hot|Ice=- · 08-02-2008, 05:04 PM

I was going to order an A5. Went with the 328 because they pushed back the release another 6 months.

Here is Car and Drivers Review of the new 3.2 Quattro A4.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ttro_road_test

-=Hot|Ice=- · 08-02-2008, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Highs: Styled and creased like a fine suit, interior continues a winning tradition.

Lows: Could use more power, adaptive steering makes you second-guess your own senses.

From Car and Driver.

PLAYON · 08-02-2008, 05:14 PM

Audi is closer now then they have ever been. . .I'm gonna wait and take a look at the new A4/S4 once it arrives stateside and go from there but the appeal of the E90 M3 is undeniable, its absolutely gorgeous.

mrad01 · 08-02-2008, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLAYON

Audi is closer now then they have ever been. . .I'm gonna wait and take a look at the new A4/S4 once it arrives stateside and go from there but the appeal of the E90 M3 is undeniable, its absolutely gorgeous.

Don't even wait for the Audi/VWs, the A4/S4 are not even in the same ballpark as the e90 M3...

Go the M3....

Year's_End · 08-02-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by just4kickz

why do audi's only go up to like 5krpm lol i don't like that.

Diesel.

wj4 · 08-02-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamJ

Audi resale sucks too much for me to ever consider them.

Just be like 90% of the forum members and lease!

I think Audi was a threat when their cars cost a bit below the comparable BMW's and had a similar warranty/maintenance program as BMW.

Michael Schott · 08-02-2008, 08:37 PM

According to Car And Driver's test of the new A4 it still lags behind the 3 series as a driver's car. Audi has better interior's IMO but in my experience which may not be applicable because it was in a 2002 A4 1.8T they have reliability problems. Twice I had issues with the ignition coils which were replaced on a recall and the trip computer crapped out and it took my dealer 3 weeks to properly repair.

Also, the turbo 2.0 liter is nice but cannot compare to the N52. Audi also loses on the warranty.

Thanks, Mike.

08-02-2008, 01:16 PM	#23
PaulBailey@ltbmw General 663 Rep 26,878 Posts Drives: 2-325 330 2-335 2-Z4 2-135 X5d Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (34) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i E90 [7.00] 2011 BMW 335i E92 [7.96]	RS5 Is going to dominate!
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08-02-2008, 02:21 PM	#25
MrSteak Captain 83 Rep 634 Posts Drives: 08' 335i Coupe (6-speed) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Yeah... Audi is always 2 steps ahead of BMW with their interior styling, but BMW is 1 step ahead on performance/drive. Audi is a gambler though... they've had their ups and downs over the years, and with recent mergers they come out with some great cars, and some bad ones. BMW is more of a classic brand who doesn't take as many risks. Thats why Audi has an R8, and BMW doesn't have some exotic/halo in their lineup. (Although BMW's engines make their ways into quite a few exotics... so why not get one with a blue & white badge? WHY!) __________________ ED & PCD = DONE & DONE! 08' AW/Coral 335i coupe 6-speed (Premium Pkg, Sports Pkg, Heated Seats) *European Delivery
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08-02-2008, 02:33 PM	#26
Dave4501 Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 227 Posts Drives: F10, E70, E64, and E60 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: East TN iTrader: (0)	I think the new A4/A5 wins in the looks department both inside and out. But for everything underneath the skin: engine, handling, steering, ride, and feel, I'm sure BMW still dominates. Also, one other factor no one has mentioned much is that Audis are priced above BMWs for similarly equipped cars. A 328xi with Premium and Sport will probably be a couple thousand dollars cheaper than an A4 3.2 with similar equipment. Most Audi fans want to compare the 2.0t to the 328 and the 3.2 to the 335. But, I think that's stretching it too far. To me, that makes BMW the winner! __________________ '12 535i, '12 X5, '15 Boxster RETIRED: '08 650i, '07 530i, '06 330i, '00 323ciC
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08-02-2008, 02:45 PM	#27
Tondtar 12 yr old Juvie 1076 Rep 881 Posts Drives: His Mom Crazy Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: El Lay iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 (RIP in 2011) ... [0.00]	The only one I'd consider as a possibility is S5. The rest are just glorified V Dub's, IMO
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08-02-2008, 03:16 PM	#28
a burrito Lieutenant Colonel 56 Rep 1,962 Posts Drives: Urus, 958.2 TTS, 997 S Join Date: May 2005 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (1)	I don't think Audi will give bmw as much problems until further down in the future. Their cars are gorgeous and unmistakeably the best interiors for your dollar but the driving experience isnt as nimble as bmw. I think if audi shaved some pounds off their A4 platform- which would help handling and gas mileage-it would be even a greate rthreat to bmw. Personally, I do looooove the S5/RS5 and S8. Mmmmmmmmm __________________ Peanut Butter Chunky
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08-02-2008, 03:19 PM	#29
TheAcAvenger Brigadier General 134 Rep 3,132 Posts Drives: 2018 R35 GTR / 2007 E92 335i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: 757 > Nova > Denver iTrader: (1)	Different markets IMO. Well, maybe not drastically different, but the deciding factor in picking each is still different. Im not going to pick a S5 over a 335 I want to have fun. Im not going to pick a 335 over the S5 when im A to B'ing or taking a trip or just cruising in general. The new A4 is awesome. As well as the A5. When they start supercharging, they'll be an even bigger hit. I won't see them as a performance threat until they start making lighter cars or make a TTish car that appeals more to guys. Their high end cars, the R8 and the A8, IMO, shit over anything bmw has come out with in a long time. __________________ 2018 R35 GT-R Cicio800 \| 2007 E92 335i - RB Turbos, TC Kline DA Coils, HPA M3 Suspension, Quaife LSD, Stoptech BBK, JB4, FuelIT, AR Downpipes, RDSport Quads, Stett OC, Helix IC, Volk TE-37, Vorsteiner V-35, OSS Headlights \| Retired - 2015 F82 M4
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08-02-2008, 03:23 PM	#30
just4kickz boku no namae ha... 336 Rep 11,025 Posts Drives: 2006 BS 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: S. Bay Area, CA + Newark, NJ + ChiCity + True Blue iTrader: (11) Garage List 2006 E90 330i [0.00]	why do audi's only go up to like 5krpm lol i don't like that. __________________ looking for a PreLCI Black Sapphire e90 front bumper without license plate holes "Akimbo shotguns. Broken wrists anyone? And don't give me that 'it's just a game' bull**. Where the are my akimbo interventions then?! One scope on each eye mother**er!!"
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08-02-2008, 03:25 PM	#32
wj4 Major General 335 Rep 7,719 Posts Drives: E90 manual 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Burbank, CA iTrader: (8)	Let's see how these cars perform in real life. I remember seeing the RS4 in real life and it wasn't as great as they made it out to be.
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08-02-2008, 03:42 PM	#33
AdamJ Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 277 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Audi resale sucks too much for me to ever consider them.
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08-02-2008, 04:35 PM	#35
achien AC 95 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: E90 Post Members Crazy Join Date: May 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	BWM, Audi, and MB are competitors. Naturally, competitors are "threatening" to (or competing with) each other in terms of getting the customer $$$. __________________ Your Supreme Leader
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08-02-2008, 05:14 PM	#40
PLAYON Major 245 Rep 1,414 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 550i Join Date: May 2008 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 550i [0.00] 2003 Audi A4 [0.00]	Audi is closer now then they have ever been. . .I'm gonna wait and take a look at the new A4/S4 once it arrives stateside and go from there but the appeal of the E90 M3 is undeniable, its absolutely gorgeous. __________________
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08-02-2008, 08:37 PM	#44
Michael Schott Colonel 343 Rep 2,118 Posts Drives: 2017 VW GTI Sport Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Farmington Hills, MI iTrader: (0)	According to Car And Driver's test of the new A4 it still lags behind the 3 series as a driver's car. Audi has better interior's IMO but in my experience which may not be applicable because it was in a 2002 A4 1.8T they have reliability problems. Twice I had issues with the ignition coils which were replaced on a recall and the trip computer crapped out and it took my dealer 3 weeks to properly repair. Also, the turbo 2.0 liter is nice but cannot compare to the N52. Audi also loses on the warranty. Thanks, Mike.
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