[equ]

Originally Posted by Vong

I see your point about the A4 being placed behind Merc and Volvo.

Not with you on the current A4 being a close contender to the F30 though. You're totally right about the numbers being close. I know it's been mentioned by others but simply can't leave out the issue of tires. Wider Pirelli summers vs. Goodyear all seasons.. although may not be so significant under day-to-day driving, will produce big differences in numbers under testing conditions.

It's not even about the numbers though, really. You could be pulling the same g but where your nose is pointing while going around the 8 is what distinguishes handling quality and feel. Audi's understeer is deceptively hidden in those good skid pad/figure-8 numbers. And its numbers are as good mainly due to AWD rather than a superb chassis design.

You say A4 is heavier and weaker but is only slower by 0.2s to 60mph. I think I know what you're implying. Well, here are some other numbers: 14.9s (328i) vs. 16.5s (A4) from 0-100mph. 24city/36hwy mpg (328i) vs. 21/29 mpg (A4). As much as the power-weight ratio, gear ratios are just as significant in what determines acceleration times. You can't just look at 0-60. And as for the gas mileage, I think it speaks for itself. So if you were implying that the engines are comparable, I don't think so.

Audi's are great cars and I personally like them a lot. In comparing these two cars in particular however, I don't think your argument that they are 'close' is completely valid.

Well, that's how the sports packages of the two cars come equipped. I have the p7 cinturato's on my a4, they're good everyday but not sticky summer tires to write home about. They are low-rolling-resistance and work - somehow - decently in the snow. Very close to an all-season tire. They are wider at 245.

Both cars punch above their weight and power numbers. The audi engine is underrated, not really 211, more like 230 or more and the bmw engine is likely 270 at the crank. The 328xi & a4 will be more apples-to-apples competitors and I expect they'll be close, with the edge going to the stronger engine and slightly better weight distribution of the bmw. The audi does have some saving graces, lower price, arguably better looks, real tires and spare. Both are very good cars (I'm a six-time bmw owner cca member, still have an e39 as well).

If I (or someone else, say Motor Trend) is comparing them, then by definition they are comparable. Whether they are close or not is a matter of opinion, the numbers are certainly close and in real world functionality the cars are in the same niche. The numbers between the xi and the a4 will be even closer (or further if you're looking at slalom/handling numbers where the a4 is a touch ahead of the rwd 328i).

[svache]

Originally Posted by yerffejleahcim

Makes me more excited to see my ordered F30 328i.

Exactly!

Originally Posted by justinnum1

owned. BMW needs to send cards to each manufacture saying "suck it"

I'd love to see that

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by equ

Well, that's how the sports packages of the two cars come equipped. I have the p7 cinturato's on my a4, they're good everyday but not sticky summer tires to write home about. They are low-rolling-resistance and work - somehow - decently in the snow. Very close to an all-season tire. They are wider at 245.

Both cars punch above their weight and power numbers. The audi engine is underrated, not really 211, more like 230 or more and the bmw engine is likely 270 at the crank. The 328xi & a4 will be more apples-to-apples competitors and I expect they'll be close, with the edge going to the stronger engine and slightly better weight distribution of the bmw. The audi does have some saving graces, lower price, arguably better looks, real tires and spare. Both are very good cars (I'm a six-time bmw owner cca member, still have an e39 as well).

If I (or someone else, say Motor Trend) is comparing them, then by definition they are comparable. Whether they are close or not is a matter of opinion, the numbers are certainly close and in real world functionality the cars are in the same niche. The numbers between the xi and the a4 will be even closer (or further if you're looking at slalom/handling numbers where the a4 is a touch ahead of the rwd 328i).

I take issue with the 328xi being the direct competitor to the A4. If Audi does not offer RWD and BMW does, why does BMW have to be penalized by adding AWD to compete with the A4?

[AlexM]

Originally Posted by equ

...The audi does have some saving graces, lower price, arguably better looks, real tires and spare. Both are very good cars...

Looks are a personal opinion, me i don't like A4 at all, looks like a box, no lines at all, A7 is nice though Price... Audis are damn more expensive in Europe than BMWs, thank god i say Last part we can agree on Still, i take bimmer's driving pleasure over Audi anytime...

[justinnum1]

The a4 looks softer than a babies ass

[Reznick]

Originally Posted by adamsclubs

Why was MT comparing the F30 328i to the Infiniti G25?

They stated in the article that they wanted to use the most "base" (cheapest?)sedan that each manufacturer had to offer.Hence ,using the G25 instead of the G37

[equ]

Funny, I dislike the a7 with a passion.

[equ]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

I take issue with the 328xi being the direct competitor to the A4. If Audi does not offer RWD and BMW does, why does BMW have to be penalized by adding AWD to compete with the A4?

Personally, I am only interested in an awd sedan. I already keep a 2-seater rwd car and need a strong winter solution. Yes, I've done multiple winters with rwd + snow tires, it just doesn't cut it for the storms I drive through to go skiing. So for me, the comparison is 328/335xi vs. a4/s4. If I wanted a 2wd sedan, I would go with a rwd bmw, no question.

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by equ

Personally, I am only interested in an awd sedan. I already keep a 2-seater rwd car and need a strong winter solution. Yes, I've done multiple winters with rwd + snow tires, it just doesn't cut it for the storms I drive through to go skiing. So for me, the comparison is 328/335xi vs. a4/s4. If I wanted a 2wd sedan, I would go with a rwd bmw, no question.

Point taken. For you the 328xi is the point of comparison vs the A4 Quattro. Although I question whether even an AWD vehicle with winter tires is good enough for your scenario due to potential ground clearance issues. Have you considered the X3?

[Vong]

Originally Posted by equ

Personally, I am only interested in an awd sedan. I already keep a 2-seater rwd car and need a strong winter solution. Yes, I've done multiple winters with rwd + snow tires, it just doesn't cut it for the storms I drive through to go skiing. So for me, the comparison is 328/335xi vs. a4/s4. If I wanted a 2wd sedan, I would go with a rwd bmw, no question.

I see where you're coming from now. Your initial statement came off as if you were trying to give an unbiased opinion unlike what you're explaining here about being particularly interested in AWD's. You're obviously giving A4 extra points for having the AWD yet still having some (a few here and there) comparable test figures. It also explains why you say things like the A4 is 'arguably' better looking than the F30.. I get it now haha

[Shaw]

Hi All,
Driver of a X3 2011.
Have the new 3 Series in radar for the second ride...
Here is the pdf file of Motor Trend's recent car comparison...
Can read it 10 times and still enjoy it...
Thumbs up to BMW for making another hit record...
Cheers

[DrivenByE30]

Another validation for the fans of the brand...
a confirmation for those who just got their cars...

this is the right choice for enthusiasts like us...

the right tool for the job...

[huskercubfan]

I'm starting to wonder if I'm going to run out of good things to read about my car before I go pick it up

[jbres79]

107ft 60-0 braking?? wow

this must have had the 4 piston brakes??

[J Tiberius]

Originally Posted by jbres79

107ft 60-0 braking?? wow

this must have had the 4 piston brakes??

In the US, 4 piston brakes are only offered on the 335i.

[pcbrew]

Originally Posted by Shaw

Here is the pdf file of Motor Trend's recent car comparison...

Thanks. I tweaked the properties so the facing pages show up properly matched. Much nicer to look at now.

[malc410326]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

The a4 looks softer than a babies ass

LOL! Justin, my friend, your statements are brilliant...Only a few words, but surely packs a punch!!

[malc410326]

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

Another validation for the fans of the brand...
a confirmation for those who just got their cars...

this is the right choice for enthusiasts like us...

the right tool for the job...

You are exactly right my friend! Truly the 3 Series is the flagship line of Bimmer!

[malc410326]

Originally Posted by huskercubfan

I'm starting to wonder if I'm going to run out of good things to read about my car before I go pick it up

There is never 'too many' good things to say about a car you have just purchased. It never gets old reading and hearing about all the praises! Advanced congrats my friend and welcome to the F30 brethren! By the way, you want see an amazing video that will make you feel even more proud of the F30 purchase? Check out the Rosenthal Review that I posted.

[huskercubfan]

Originally Posted by malc410326

There is never 'too many' good things to say about a car you have just purchased. It never gets old reading and hearing about all the praises! Advanced congrats my friend and welcome to the F30 brethren! By the way, you want see an amazing video that will make you feel even more proud of the F30 purchase? Check out the Rosenthal Review that I posted.

I saw that as well! Thanks very much for sharing it.

I don't know how I'm going to wait up to 4 weeks for delivery. It didn't sound long right after I took the test drive of the dealerships' in-stock 335i and now I just can't wait.

Thanks for the welcome ... I'm very excited to be F30

[malc410326]

Originally Posted by huskercubfan

I saw that as well! Thanks very much for sharing it.

I don't know how I'm going to wait up to 4 weeks for delivery. It didn't sound long right after I took the test drive of the dealerships' in-stock 335i and now I just can't wait.

Thanks for the welcome ... I'm very excited to be F30

Dont worry my friend. Those 4 weeks will go by fast. Make sure to post pics when you have received your brand new 335i Bimmer!