wanderer1980

I will be moving from the States to Calgary this winter. I have been looking for a new car anyway, so now I need to consider the road condition of Calgary too. The two cars that I have narrowed down to are the B8 Avant S-line or the Q5. Since I really am not familiar with the road condition and the weather of Calgary, I really would appreciate your input on this!

Both cars have their pros and cons. For the winter driving condition in Calgary (due to the weather, snow removal efficiency etc.), would you prefer the A4 Avant S-line or the Q5? I like the A4 Avant S-line for its maneuvrability, but then I suspect that its lower suspension and the spoiler may easily get into trouble with deeper snow? I like the Q5 as a highway cruiser (it's so much quieter than the A4 Avant S-line on the freeway!) but then it is less sporty and the handling is less fun (don't get me wrong though, it's still excellent!). However, I imagine that its higher body clearance will be an advantage in a snowy situation.

Anyway, I am having a tough time deciding between the two cars. So I really would appreciate your opinion, esp. if you're a Calgarian!!! Thanks so much.

warcity

iTrader: (1)

I'd recommend the Q5, the A4 is being redesigned in 2 years, so in about a year or so you'll be driving a car that's a generation older. The Q5 is much better ground clearance on snow which is ideal for Calgary weather but Q5 Sline comes with performance tires so you must invest in good winter rims/tires. 2011 Q5 will have the 3.2 and 2.0t engines so for you it really comes down to which car you like better and which fits your needs the best. From a handling in snow perspective same quattro technology so you're good to go.

Cheers.

wanderer1980

Thanks for the quick reply! I have never driven in winter in Calgary, so I am not sure if the ground clearance is that much of a deal, but I guess it must be! I think there is more body roll with the Q5 (than the A4 Avant) but then it's also a much smoother ride too. For the Q5, I am not really looking at the S-line so the performance tires will not be an issue, but I guess winter tires will be a must in Calgary anyway? Or not really?

BTW, the A4 will be re-designed in 2 years? I thought it just came out in 2009? That will be an unusually short cycle for Audi, won't it?

Anyway, thanks again!

warcity

iTrader: (1)

The Electronic Stability Program in SUVs now a days is very strong. I wouldn't worry at all about the Q5 rolling over unless you do a 90 degree sharp turn while going 90K .

A4 design came out in 2007. It's a 5 year cycle so mid 2011 you'll see the new design 2012s on the road. I am not from Calgary but have many relatives and been there a lot. They're very good and cleaning up major roads ground clearance the more you have the better it is specially if you're planning to drive to the mountains to do something skiing. I have noticed many people have winter tires so it's definitely a good idea.

For the Q5 including tires and rim for 18" you're looking at between 1600 and 2K (not from a the dealer) from other shops.

razor913

hey,

when are you moving to calgary? Calgary doesn't necessary have a large accumulation of snow that is a problem just large dumps followed by whats called a "chinook" (2-3+) days of warmer than normal weather. Sounds great but this actually causes all the snow to turn to ice as soon as it gets colder again. yike

In my opinion you would be fine with either if you have quattro and a set of winters on. You should be completely fine.

Are you living the burbs?? The NW/NE area tends to be very hilly and if that is the case maybe a Q5 is the answer.

Calgary is a driving city, the public transportation isn't good at all and you'll find even if you live downtown it's common to drive everywhere than to walk. I've heard that the actually geographical size of Calgary is comparable to that of New York... with 1/10 of the population. So, maybe factor gas mileage if that is a concern to you as well.

Hope this helps!

1move

iTrader: (1)

Just an FYI, one thread is enough in the appropriate section, not 3! I know you are eager to get an answer. I live in Calgary and in all honesty, it doesn't matter, either one will be fine, as long as its quattro.

wanderer1980

Thank you! I probably will be moving in November... but I am not sure yet. I am looking at living in the NW or somewhere in the SW close to the NW where my job will be. So these are hilly areas and probably the Q5 will be better then?

Now, the icy situation scares me a little bit though! Does the city do a good job at de-icing the streets in the burbs?

BTW, does your Audi come with a block heater? Is it something that I can easily have it installed at places like Canadian Tire?

Thanks again!

wanderer1980

Oops! Apologies! I am newer to the forum and I was not quite sure how many responses I would get so I got a little carried away.... sorry about this! Thank you so much for consolidating this into one thread! Thank you!

A4A4A4

My vote is for the B8 S-line Avant. First off, I have no idea what warcity was talking about when he said a new A4 model will coming out in 2 years. It should be more like 4 years seeing as the B8 body style was released in 2009. Secondly, Calgary really doesn't get very much snow accumulation on the roads (I drive a lowered A4 and get around just fine), what's more concerning in the winter in Calgary is the icy roads. The lighter, lower, and more agile A4 will get around quite a bit easier during these icy conditions, not to mention it'll be a lot more fun to drive when there isn't snow on the ground. Finally, a good set of winter tires should just about be a must for you in Calgary, they'll make more of a difference than whether or not your driving an SUV or an avant.

Good luck with your decision, you can't go wrong either way.

1move

iTrader: (1)

It seems that you need to pay more attention to what you want vs what you need is my opinion. Calgary isn't that bad, so just pick the one you have your heart set on and you will be fine. Block heaters are not required here as I have started my A4 no problem in -40 degree weather. Some people get them installed anyways but its a piece of mind for them, I tend not even worry about it.

The cleaning of the streets can be improved on, but it is alright. NW isn't that bad and the hills aren't any sort of nightmare, I have passed snow plows with quattro no problem with winter tires on, as others held back.

You will enjoy the Avant a lot more as it is very versatile and out-handles the Q5, for the few warm weather days we do get here.