2013 Audi A4 or BMW 328?
08-03-2012, 08:05 PM
#1
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Sainte-Adele
Posts: 16
2013 Audi A4 or BMW 328?
We live up in a mountainous area where there is lots of snow 5 months a year. Myself and the lady went looking for a small sedan with all wheel drive and a sporty side to it. We both prefer manual transmissions and made this one of our top selection criteria. We test drove the 2012 MB C300, 2012 BMW 328i (tried both the AT and the MT) and of course the A4 quattro with the MT. The MB was quickly eliminated as both myself and the lady thought it wasn't as sporty as the 2 other ones and did not have the option of a MT. 2 strong contenders were left.
The BMW dealers hadn't received the x-drive versions of the 328i yet so we had to contend with testing the base 328i to compared to the A4. Overall, both cars are very similar in performance.
General Comfort
We gave the edge to the BMW in the refinement and comfort departments. The car just feels more “plush” and silent, which in my opinion, brings it closer to the feeling of driving a Lexus.
Engine
Both engines are great and very similar, but even if the A4 gives up 30 HP to the 328i, you can't really feel it. I think this is probably due to the torque figures which are the same on both engines...and maybe the A4 develops a little more HP than the advertised 211? I would really like to know if anyone has ever measured this. Car & Driver tested the A4 Quattro& 328i and results were identical for 0-60mps and 2/10ths of a second slower for the Audi on the 1/4 mile run... even if the Audi is heavier. Therefore, I would guess the 328ix will be somewhat slower than the A4 when it has it's added weight from the all wheel drive system.
Transmission
The BMW 8 speed automatic is a thing of wonder. I would dare to say it is on par, or even superior the the VW DSG & Audi Tiptronic. Shifts are fast and seamless and the sport mode really takes advantage of the engine's torque and RPM. The semi-manual shifting mode is also very good and BMW has the + and – in the right order: pull to upshift and push to downshift, just like racing cars. However, on our priority list is the requirement for a MT and here, I must say the 328i's long clutch travel got beat by the A4's clutch/transmission combo. We also both preferred the A4's big round stick shift grip and it's throws felt lighter & better.
Interior
Seats were a tie as I preferred the BMW's whilst the lady preferred the Audi's. I feel the Audi's seat cushion doesn't extend far enough under my thighs toward the knees. Back & lumbar support is even on both cars. Interior finish is nice on both cars and it really depends on your personal preference. Fit & finish is also very similar. One HUGE unforgivable fault on the BMW: no folding seat backs on the rear seats unless you choose a specific option package. Kias have this a a standard feature. What were you thinking BMW? We are expecting this kind of thing in any basic car on the market today. Unpardonable! I don't know who took this decision, but I would seriously consider offering his/her services to the competition if I were BMW! I still can't believe this!
Suspension/handling
This is where the debate heats up. Do you prefer something very composed, with a solid poise and a tendency for over steer Or do you prefer something with a little more “harshness” that can be a little “pushy” in the corners (i.e. under steer). It's all a mater of preference but we both preferred the A4 since it made us both feel “safer” and more in control. In other words, when comes wintertime, this is the safer alternative. This is where I which I could have compared with the 328ix to see if the handling changes from the 328i. In the tire dept, the A4 is ahead again as the 328i's tires feel “hard” and “slippery”.
Brakes
No contest here. The A4 was ahead of the 328i as it's breaking felt much more efficient. It just “feels” better. Went to check on Car& Driver test results and measured stopping distance confirms this.
Styling
It's all a matter of preference. But we both prefered the Audi's generous, flowing lines. I like the 328i's front facia and the lady absolutely detested it's rear end: looks like a Toyota Tercel from the '90s she said. Depending on how you look at it, this might be a compliment.
Pricing
On a 3 year lease, we paid almost 17% less for the base A4 Quattro with a MT over the 328ix that sadly comes only with an automatic. Yes it's true: the “ultimate driving machine” only comes with an automatic transmission if you want 4wd. Ouch!
I guess by now you know which car we chose. The A4 Quattro in our opinion, was a much better deal. We just picked up our 2013 today.
The BMW dealers hadn't received the x-drive versions of the 328i yet so we had to contend with testing the base 328i to compared to the A4. Overall, both cars are very similar in performance.
General Comfort
We gave the edge to the BMW in the refinement and comfort departments. The car just feels more “plush” and silent, which in my opinion, brings it closer to the feeling of driving a Lexus.
Engine
Both engines are great and very similar, but even if the A4 gives up 30 HP to the 328i, you can't really feel it. I think this is probably due to the torque figures which are the same on both engines...and maybe the A4 develops a little more HP than the advertised 211? I would really like to know if anyone has ever measured this. Car & Driver tested the A4 Quattro& 328i and results were identical for 0-60mps and 2/10ths of a second slower for the Audi on the 1/4 mile run... even if the Audi is heavier. Therefore, I would guess the 328ix will be somewhat slower than the A4 when it has it's added weight from the all wheel drive system.
Transmission
The BMW 8 speed automatic is a thing of wonder. I would dare to say it is on par, or even superior the the VW DSG & Audi Tiptronic. Shifts are fast and seamless and the sport mode really takes advantage of the engine's torque and RPM. The semi-manual shifting mode is also very good and BMW has the + and – in the right order: pull to upshift and push to downshift, just like racing cars. However, on our priority list is the requirement for a MT and here, I must say the 328i's long clutch travel got beat by the A4's clutch/transmission combo. We also both preferred the A4's big round stick shift grip and it's throws felt lighter & better.
Interior
Seats were a tie as I preferred the BMW's whilst the lady preferred the Audi's. I feel the Audi's seat cushion doesn't extend far enough under my thighs toward the knees. Back & lumbar support is even on both cars. Interior finish is nice on both cars and it really depends on your personal preference. Fit & finish is also very similar. One HUGE unforgivable fault on the BMW: no folding seat backs on the rear seats unless you choose a specific option package. Kias have this a a standard feature. What were you thinking BMW? We are expecting this kind of thing in any basic car on the market today. Unpardonable! I don't know who took this decision, but I would seriously consider offering his/her services to the competition if I were BMW! I still can't believe this!
Suspension/handling
This is where the debate heats up. Do you prefer something very composed, with a solid poise and a tendency for over steer Or do you prefer something with a little more “harshness” that can be a little “pushy” in the corners (i.e. under steer). It's all a mater of preference but we both preferred the A4 since it made us both feel “safer” and more in control. In other words, when comes wintertime, this is the safer alternative. This is where I which I could have compared with the 328ix to see if the handling changes from the 328i. In the tire dept, the A4 is ahead again as the 328i's tires feel “hard” and “slippery”.
Brakes
No contest here. The A4 was ahead of the 328i as it's breaking felt much more efficient. It just “feels” better. Went to check on Car& Driver test results and measured stopping distance confirms this.
Styling
It's all a matter of preference. But we both prefered the Audi's generous, flowing lines. I like the 328i's front facia and the lady absolutely detested it's rear end: looks like a Toyota Tercel from the '90s she said. Depending on how you look at it, this might be a compliment.
Pricing
On a 3 year lease, we paid almost 17% less for the base A4 Quattro with a MT over the 328ix that sadly comes only with an automatic. Yes it's true: the “ultimate driving machine” only comes with an automatic transmission if you want 4wd. Ouch!
I guess by now you know which car we chose. The A4 Quattro in our opinion, was a much better deal. We just picked up our 2013 today.
Last edited by Basil65; 08-03-2012 at 08:06 PM. Reason: typos
08-04-2012, 08:35 AM
#2
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Join Date: May 2009
Location: K-Dub
Posts: 47
Re: 2013 Audi A4 or BMW 328?
Great writeup and good choice!
I think your comment about the 328, "brings it closer to the feeling of driving a Lexus", really hits the nail on the head.
Any idea if the BMW was running runflat tyres? I have read on forums more "enthusiastic" owners have opted to run non runflats with a puncture kit.
The general consensus of the F30 is that it has been watered down too much to allow it to appeal to the masses. It is no longer the Ulitimate Driving Machine.
Again, great choice and enjoy!
I think your comment about the 328, "brings it closer to the feeling of driving a Lexus", really hits the nail on the head.
Any idea if the BMW was running runflat tyres? I have read on forums more "enthusiastic" owners have opted to run non runflats with a puncture kit.
The general consensus of the F30 is that it has been watered down too much to allow it to appeal to the masses. It is no longer the Ulitimate Driving Machine.
Again, great choice and enjoy!
08-04-2012, 11:55 AM
#3
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Sainte-Adele
Posts: 16
Re: 2013 Audi A4 or BMW 328?
The 328i did have runflat tires which are also low resistance rolling in order to increase fuel economy. A good part of the handling issues came from those tires I am sure. Wonder if there are any options to order different tires for the 328i.
08-04-2012, 12:55 PM
#4
Re: 2013 Audi A4 or BMW 328?
I like the tip tronic when I have to pull on the shift **** to gear down, and push the shift **** to gear up.
When passing another car, you down shift and it just seems so much more natural for me to pull the ****.
Also I read that the 2013 A4 models comes with Google Map for navi.
When passing another car, you down shift and it just seems so much more natural for me to pull the ****.
Also I read that the 2013 A4 models comes with Google Map for navi.
08-06-2012, 10:15 AM
#7
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Sainte-Adele
Posts: 16
Re: 2013 Audi A4 or BMW 328?
Totally forgot to mention steering. I think the A4's steering is way too light at slow speeds. The lady thinks it's perfect. However, I just love it at high speeds. I also like the fact that it is more communicative than the 328's. For me. the 328's steering felt better at slow speeds, but was not communicative enough at higher speeds.
