New Poster/Looking to Buy

[sidney]

I have been enjoying this site. You guys do a nice job providing info. I currently have an 1998 A4 1.8 Quattro and will be buying in the near future. I am looking at a new 1.8 or a new 325XI. My wife definitely wants AWD so that is not a question. I have driven a 325XI automatic but definitely want a manual. I am waiting for a call from the dealer that a manual is available to drive. I have also been looking at posts comparing the Audi to the BMW on this site, and the Audiworld forum. Of course both have their own opinions. From what I have read here is a summary.
AWD system - Audi
Steering and Suspension - BMW
Engine - BMW
Manual Transmission - BMW
Driveability - BMW
Interior Features - Audi
Trunk and interior space (yes a consideration) - Audi
Price - Audi
Reliability - Tie (according to most sources)
Status - I DON'T CARE
Does anyone care to comment. Thanks

 

[Big Daddy]

Welcome to the Board! I think you pretty much have it figured out. Either car is a winner in my book.

 

[Fwu]

I have a 2004 Audi 1.8T (manual) and I personally think that the 325xi is a better car in general. I only drove the 325xi auto, but it feels a lot faster than the Audi. Mainly chose the audi over the bimmer cuz of the price. Adding all the options I wanted on the 325 amounted to way too much. Hope that helps.

 

[codex57]

I pretty much agree with your ratings. The only thing is the wild rumors I read over the net seem to suggest the reliability problems of bmws tend to be on the electrical side (power windows, moonroofs, etc) while audis tend to get bit by weird engine bugs (like coils, etc.). But that could just be wild speculation.

Audi might have an edge in your particular situation. The trunk is noticeably bigger and BMWs advantage in driving feel is partially negated due to the increased height/weight of the AWD model and the fact that you can't drive all that fast in snow... least not safely. Plus, there's that price difference.