A4 Avant Quattro VS Dodge Magnum RT AWD?

[hxgaser]

I am in a market for a new car, and believe it or not, I am considering one of the two. I think they are well matched contenders. I like the torquey V8, but I also like the high revving 2.0 with 6 speed. Also I would like to hear anyones input on their AWD systems. Any comments?

[redstang423]

You've probably made your decision by now, but here is my input:

My mother has a 2005 A4 2.0T quattro with the automatic, and my father has a Chrysler 300C AWD. More or less its the same comparison you are trying to make. As far as get up and go, the Audi is not even in the same league as the Mopar. In terms of luxury, there are some places where the Chrysler excels (controls set up and intuitive placement) and some where the Audi excels (passenger comforts and appears more luxurious). Some of those may be lost with the Magnum, however, compared to the Audi. The Chrysler is MUCH quieter on the highway, and has a better ride. The Audi has a couple things that seem like they were overlooked - the cruise control controls are in a location that is next to impossible for any driver to see from a normal driving position. Additionally, the heated seat controls are just dials, so if you forget to turn it off after you shut off the car, next time you get in, you get surprised after a few minutes with a hot behind even if you don't want it.

As far as the AWD, my parents try to avoid the snow and the AWD is more a security blanket or getting caught in the snow. My dad, however, always chooses the Audi when there is wintry weather. I don't know the reasoning, but Audi is the originator of AWD.