AUDI A4 or BMW 320I Edit: Bought A4 2.0 TDi

Ricky_63 · 25th January 2008, 18:41

Test drove both A4 2.0L TDi & the 320d.

Exhilirating experience. WOW. Never knew life could throw such situations where one wants one with the heart & one with the head & the Accountant, tries leading you another way

My impressions :

A4 1.8T.

Spirited performer, needless to say a more silent car, trim level - S line, great handler. Can do everything the Diesel can but for the obvious difference is petrol & Diesel behaviour

A4 2.0 TDi..

Exhilirating in sport mode, noisy engine, phenomenal perfomance, excellent handling to boot. Good ride quality, very good brakeing, silky smooth gear shifts, ran out of road at 160 kmph . Well apointed interior with motorized sunroof, S Line specs, good Bose audio (just needs a subwoofer) All electric seat adjustments for the front, rain sensing wipers & light senseing headlamps. All & all a great package with aggressive yet not brutish looks, full size spare tyre alloy mounted :-) Almost getting a 4L discount

BMW 320d

Little more leg room than the Audi A4. Firmer steering. Engine not as noisy as the A4, good braking, Decent Audio, Smooth as silk tranny. Electric seat adjustments upfront with memory on the Driver Side. Interior not as stylish as the S Line Speced A4. Rain sensing wiper & light sensing headlamps. No sunroof. Great car at a higher price. Getting no discount of 1L after today :-(

Experts pls advice. Are the run flats on the BMW a disadvantage ??

Anything I missed ...

Cheers

Ricky_63 · 25th January 2008, 18:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by iraghava

No problem, I'm already experienced in the Delhi-Mumbai sector (Evil Twin drive!) so if you need help, feel free to ask

Are you serious on taking up that offer

I'll have a speed governer installed at 120kmph LOL LOL

Cheers

Quote:

Originally Posted by abhishek_rait

i have the same car in germany with me . Will vouch for it .

Which one do you have the BMW 320d or the Audi 2.0L TDi ??

Quote:

Originally Posted by khanak

Any reason for not chosing the 325i instead? You have the Octavia for those long distance runs when you want to save money. Why not get the 325i which has more equipment than the 320d, is a bit faster and also a bit cheaper.

To add to the confusion, have you had a look at the new C class?

Hi

The 325i is more expensive @ 32.2L ex showroom vs 29.4L for the 320d

Akshay1234 · 25th January 2008, 19:06

ricky - the 320d probably didnt have idrive whereas the a4 probably had the mmi system?

IMO- the audi is a better deal since as you say the performance is almost as good but the interiors are better than the 320d.

navpreet318 · 25th January 2008, 19:16

by the way the audi you test drove was the old model or the new one?

is the A4 2.0tdi a rear wheel drive?
if yes then you should buy it.rear wheel drive has its own charm.don't know why but every time i drive one i love it.

the 320d also is a very good choice.or else buy the 325i.its been vouched as the most driver centric car in india today.

Ricky_63 · 25th January 2008, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by akshay1234

ricky - the 320d probably didnt have idrive whereas the a4 probably had the mmi system?

IMO- the audi is a better deal since as you say the performance is almost as good but the interiors are better than the 320d.

The I drive ?? The audio is not the decieding factor. I can also ask Gunbir & JB to do the upgrade

As for the Audi being a better deal ...... will take a call after I get the final numbers from both

Cheers

Quote:

Originally Posted by navpreet318

by the way the audi you test drove was the old model or the new one?

is the A4 2.0tdi a rear wheel drive?
if yes then you should buy it.rear wheel drive has its own charm.don't know why but every time i drive one i love it.

the 320d also is a very good choice.or else buy the 325i.its been vouched as the most driver centric car in india today.

The NEW A4 is not in the showrooms yet !!

The Audi is NOT a FWD. I see no problem with the FWD either..the 325 is not available with teh dealer right now only Feb or March & I do not want to hold off till then :-) The 325i is more expensive as well !!!

CaliforniaKnight · 25th January 2008, 23:15

go for the propeller badge rather than the ringed one...the car is a great drivers car, great build quality , decent leg room at the rear....and worldwide people are into BMW because it is even more eco friendly....My vote is for the BMW anyday.

Nitin · 26th January 2008, 01:48

Ricky,lets make this easier..
Since you test drove both cars,you obviously liked & disliked a few things about each car.

On a scale of 1 to 10 ( 10 being excellent,1 being terrible), rate both cars. Think about all aspects and come up with an honest number.

Ricky_63 · 26th January 2008, 10:37

Well....

I have owned an Audi Diesel way back in 1989, in "those" days it was a thing of big novelty. The only way people knew of the Audi was "the car Ravi Shastri won in the World Cup" . Needless to say the present generation is way more sophisticated in all parameters. I am slightly biased in favour of the Audi, especially as my kids also fancy the sunroof :-) which is not there in the BMW 320d

Having said that I am still looking and negotiating a discount with the BMW guys, I have not given up hope on that front either.

Should close this chapter hopefully by Tuesday / Wednesday - God willing !!

Cheers

canonball · 26th January 2008, 11:36

You had more to write about Audi (Diesel) in your comparison of the cars...so you seemed already biased...is it the 4lacs thats playing on your mind, you have owned an Audi in the past why not another brand for a change or better yet wait!! as customers are becoming bigger kings as the months go by. The money you are going to spend will also appreciate in investments if you postpone for a few months. I like Audi's, as fate would have it I have always ended up getting Audi's as rentals but found the front wheel drive limiting/nerve racking on the autobahn. I say wait for the new A4 compare it with BMW & the New C and the decide.....as these models will be all new and have 6 years of cycle before you need get distracted by anything else on the road. BTW I have owned and driven Merc & Bimers as well. My 2 bits hope this helps...patience!!

jesal · 26th January 2008, 11:38

Note from the Team-BHP Support Staff : Slang and SMS Language are STRICTLY prohibited on Team-BHP. Please type in full and proper English for the benefit of other community members.

We advise you to read the Announcements and Board Rules section before proceeding any further.

GTO - Touring · 26th January 2008, 18:35

Yup, runflats to have their disadvantages. Read through this page (Bmw India A Rip Off) for more information.

Ricky_63 · 27th January 2008, 17:50

The Irony - Ex Showroom Prices

Audi A4 2.0 TDi - 29,65,000/-
BMW 320d - 29,40,000/-
New C-220 CDI -29,54,946/-

All Auto Trannies. Only Mercs have the option of the MT.....

A4 is the only car which is being offered at almost 3 to 3.5L discount. The new A4, I am told will come in Sept.08 & the present model will also sell side by side.

Anyone has any inside stories on this??

Cheers

Akshay1234 · 27th January 2008, 17:52

thats probably what they are saying so that you buy the present A4. and if it was gonna be sold alongside would they give you a 4l discount? probably trying to clear stock.

Ricky_63 · 27th January 2008, 17:53

CORRECTION to post #35

The NEW A4 is not in the showrooms yet !!

The Audi is a FWD. I see no problem with the FWD either..the 325 is not available with teh dealer right now only Feb or March & I do not want to hold off till then :-) The 325i is more expensive as well !!![/quote]

Ricky_63 · 27th January 2008, 17:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by akshay1234

thats probably what they are saying so that you buy the present A4. and if it was gonna be sold alongside would they give you a 4l discount? probably trying to clear stock.

You are probably correct, honestly i quite like the present A4, I also prefer the older Merc C-220 CDi over the one that's been launched (looks wise only)

25th January 2008, 18:41	#31
Ricky_63 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 3,880 Thanked: 520 Times View My Garage	Test drove both A4 2.0L TDi & the 320d. Exhilirating experience. WOW. Never knew life could throw such situations where one wants one with the heart & one with the head & the Accountant, tries leading you another way My impressions : A4 1.8T. Spirited performer, needless to say a more silent car, trim level - S line, great handler. Can do everything the Diesel can but for the obvious difference is petrol & Diesel behaviour A4 2.0 TDi.. Exhilirating in sport mode, noisy engine, phenomenal perfomance, excellent handling to boot. Good ride quality, very good brakeing, silky smooth gear shifts, ran out of road at 160 kmph . Well apointed interior with motorized sunroof, S Line specs, good Bose audio (just needs a subwoofer) All electric seat adjustments for the front, rain sensing wipers & light senseing headlamps. All & all a great package with aggressive yet not brutish looks, full size spare tyre alloy mounted :-) Almost getting a 4L discount BMW 320d Little more leg room than the Audi A4. Firmer steering. Engine not as noisy as the A4, good braking, Decent Audio, Smooth as silk tranny. Electric seat adjustments upfront with memory on the Driver Side. Interior not as stylish as the S Line Speced A4. Rain sensing wiper & light sensing headlamps. No sunroof. Great car at a higher price. Getting no discount of 1L after today :-( Experts pls advice. Are the run flats on the BMW a disadvantage ?? Anything I missed ... Cheers Last edited by Ricky_63 : 25th January 2008 at 18:59.
	() Thanks

25th January 2008, 19:06	#33
Akshay1234 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 10,327 Thanked: 12,919 Times	ricky - the 320d probably didnt have idrive whereas the a4 probably had the mmi system? IMO- the audi is a better deal since as you say the performance is almost as good but the interiors are better than the 320d.
	() Thanks

25th January 2008, 19:16	#34
navpreet318 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dehradun Posts: 2,298 Thanked: 3,362 Times	by the way the audi you test drove was the old model or the new one? is the A4 2.0tdi a rear wheel drive? if yes then you should buy it.rear wheel drive has its own charm.don't know why but every time i drive one i love it. the 320d also is a very good choice.or else buy the 325i.its been vouched as the most driver centric car in india today.
	() Thanks

25th January 2008, 23:15	#36
CaliforniaKnight BHPian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: IND + DXB Posts: 981 Thanked: 294 Times View My Garage	go for the propeller badge rather than the ringed one...the car is a great drivers car, great build quality , decent leg room at the rear....and worldwide people are into BMW because it is even more eco friendly....My vote is for the BMW anyday.
	() Thanks

26th January 2008, 01:48	#37
Nitin Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 3,294 Thanked: 22 Times View My Garage	Ricky,lets make this easier.. Since you test drove both cars,you obviously liked & disliked a few things about each car. On a scale of 1 to 10 ( 10 being excellent,1 being terrible), rate both cars. Think about all aspects and come up with an honest number.
	() Thanks

26th January 2008, 10:37	#38
Ricky_63 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 3,880 Thanked: 520 Times View My Garage	Well.... I have owned an Audi Diesel way back in 1989, in "those" days it was a thing of big novelty. The only way people knew of the Audi was "the car Ravi Shastri won in the World Cup" . Needless to say the present generation is way more sophisticated in all parameters. I am slightly biased in favour of the Audi, especially as my kids also fancy the sunroof :-) which is not there in the BMW 320d Having said that I am still looking and negotiating a discount with the BMW guys, I have not given up hope on that front either. Should close this chapter hopefully by Tuesday / Wednesday - God willing !! Cheers
	() Thanks

26th January 2008, 11:36	#39
canonball Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,466 Thanked: 206 Times View My Garage	You had more to write about Audi (Diesel) in your comparison of the cars...so you seemed already biased...is it the 4lacs thats playing on your mind, you have owned an Audi in the past why not another brand for a change or better yet wait!! as customers are becoming bigger kings as the months go by. The money you are going to spend will also appreciate in investments if you postpone for a few months. I like Audi's, as fate would have it I have always ended up getting Audi's as rentals but found the front wheel drive limiting/nerve racking on the autobahn. I say wait for the new A4 compare it with BMW & the New C and the decide.....as these models will be all new and have 6 years of cycle before you need get distracted by anything else on the road. BTW I have owned and driven Merc & Bimers as well. My 2 bits hope this helps...patience!!
	() Thanks

26th January 2008, 11:38	#40
jesal BANNED Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 2,323 Thanked: 17 Times View My Garage	Note from the Team-BHP Support Staff : Slang and SMS Language are STRICTLY prohibited on Team-BHP. Please type in full and proper English for the benefit of other community members. We advise you to read the Announcements and Board Rules section before proceeding any further. Last edited by aah78 : 26th January 2008 at 22:59. Reason: You have been notified multiple times regarding the same.
	() Thanks $Received Infraction$

26th January 2008, 18:35	#41
GTO - Touring BHPian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 709 Thanked: 56 Times	Yup, runflats to have their disadvantages. Read through this page (Bmw India A Rip Off) for more information.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 17:50	#42
Ricky_63 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 3,880 Thanked: 520 Times View My Garage	The Irony - Ex Showroom Prices Audi A4 2.0 TDi - 29,65,000/- BMW 320d - 29,40,000/- New C-220 CDI -29,54,946/- All Auto Trannies. Only Mercs have the option of the MT..... A4 is the only car which is being offered at almost 3 to 3.5L discount. The new A4, I am told will come in Sept.08 & the present model will also sell side by side. Anyone has any inside stories on this?? Cheers Last edited by Ricky_63 : 27th January 2008 at 17:51.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 17:52	#43
Akshay1234 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 10,327 Thanked: 12,919 Times	thats probably what they are saying so that you buy the present A4. and if it was gonna be sold alongside would they give you a 4l discount? probably trying to clear stock.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 17:53	#44
Ricky_63 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 3,880 Thanked: 520 Times View My Garage	CORRECTION to post #35 The NEW A4 is not in the showrooms yet !! The Audi is a FWD. I see no problem with the FWD either..the 325 is not available with teh dealer right now only Feb or March & I do not want to hold off till then :-) The 325i is more expensive as well !!![/quote] Last edited by Ricky_63 : 27th January 2008 at 17:55.
	() Thanks