First car: Audi A4 vs BMW 3Series

[Salamander]

Well the time has come. I have narrowed the search down to 2 cars, and I want your guys oppinions and views on them.
Both will be 95-99. I only have $5-9k, so they will probably be around 90-100k miles on the car. I want to know what's faster, what lasts longer (I heard BMW's cost a shitload to repair, and they start needing repairs around 120k miles :/), and any other things you know about these cars.
EDIT: Just so you know, what i'm looking for in my first car is not speed really, but more luxory/looks/comfort. I will be taking big trips in this car (5+ hours).

[NISSANSPDR]

BMW 3 Series is hard to beat unless we are talking about an A4 Quattro...then it might be a toss up to where you live

[Salamander]

I dont know much about cars, but I think it was the 1.8t Quattro, what does t & Quattro add to the car, as to a regular A4?

[kman10587]

1.8T = 1.8L turbocharged engine, 150 horsepower
Quattro = Audi's AWD system

I'd say go for a 92-95 BMW 325i, or if you can somehow afford it, a 96-98 BMW 328i. Yes, BMWs are expensive to repair and lots of little things start to go wrong after about 100K, but if you are a DIY person, the repairs are cheap and not all that difficult. If you're not, be prepared to spend up to $500 a month on repairs for an older 3 Series.

[Salamander]

what are the differences in the 1.8t and the 2.8, and is there a 2.8t? (any significant speed differences?)

I'm liking the audi alot, they look REAL nice, AWD, better interior, i hope i can find a pretty good one for a decent price =)

[kman10587]

The 2.8 has about 20 more horsepower and 20 more torque. There is no 2.8T for the A4. Anyways, the A4 Quattro is a perfectly fine vehicle. I'd recommend getting it with the 2.8 motor unless you like to modify your car, because the 1.8T has a large aftermarket and can be pushed well beyond 200 HP no sweat.

[Salamander]

Would you recommend Qauttro? isnt it more heavy with quattro option? (heavier=slower?)

[kman10587]

Well, it depends. It will be slower in most situations, but if you're drag racing it, you can launch the AWD much harder than you can the FWD, and still get traction. Besides, didn't you already list AWD as one of the reasons you want the A4?

[DinanM3_S2]

1) If your at all interested in modifying a car, the A4 1.8t is probably the best choice. All you need is a chip and they'll have more power then the n/a 2.8L or newer 3.0L. Modifying turbo VW/Audis is much easier then n/a Audis or BMWs.

2) Odds are you will be able to find an Audi A4 for less then a E36 3-Series. BMWs are famous for holding their value, making them great to sell, but hard to buy used. This means that BMWs are going to be more reliable then a comparable Audi. Recently there has been a few problems with BMW reliability, (IDrive in the 5,6, and 7) but the E36 holds up amazingly well.

3) I do not believe that the standard, stock 3-Series has ever lost a comparison to an A4 in any magazine. They are great to drive, handle amazingly well, and look great. On regular roads, the BMW is simply the better car.

4) If you live somewhere where it snows, get a A4 w/ Quattro, RWD BMWs are not good snow cars.

I love the 3-series, but the A4 is a very good choice as well. Test drive them both, and figure out which suits your needs better.

[crayzayjay]

^ everything he said

[Salamander]

I did say I liked the AWD feature, but I want to hear your guys oppinions, i'm not very smart with cars.

[del]

yeah, Dinan makes good points. if you like AWD, quattro is about the best of the bunch. i also like that the A4 isn't nearly as common, i see 3 series everywhere. not necessarily a bad thing for the 3 series, just means they're popular cars and for good reason. either car will be a good choice, i have a bias towards the A4 coz i own one but if i were you, i'd just pic which one feels better when you drive it or just go on looks alone.

[NISSANSPDR]

Originally Posted by DinanM3_S2

BMW reliability

Dinan...is this kinda what your car looks like?



Course the car would be black and the wheels...are they close to that finish?

[DinanM3_S2]

Originally Posted by NISSANSPDR

Dinan...is this kinda what your car looks like?



Course the car would be black and the wheels...are they close to that finish?

Its kinda close, except mine has the CSL goodies.