A4 and Passat?

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Nov 12, 1999 | 01:32 PM

Trevor

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A4 and Passat?

I am a "newbee" to this group but have a question. I keep hearing that the Passat and A4 are on the same "platform" and that I should save my money and just get a passat. What gives? Is this true? I have heard about this All Wheel Drive Jetta coming out, is this a good car and cheaper than the A4? I really like the looks of the A4 but have a tough time justifying the cost. What about the 1.8T v.s 2.8 issue. I have heard the 1.8T has issues and is generally a weak engine unless modifications that compromise both the longevity and warranty are done. A fully loaded "2.8" is about $35K I think to the $23K or so a passat goes for? Anyone give me the lowdown? What gives? I like the A4 but from what I have heard all this seems to make sense. Is the A4 just a glorified Passat? This is not flame bait, just a naive consumer. Thanks!

Nov 12, 1999 | 01:41 PM

TomF

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Re: A4 and Passat?

If you want quattro, then there is no choice right now. And when you compare prices, make sure your not comparing a quattro A4 (extra $1750) with a FWD Passat.

In my opinion:

A4 advantages:
-better handling (specially with sport package)
-better looking
-quattro availability
-more expensive looking inside
-3 years free maintenance (VW doesn't have this... do they?)
-no plastic wheelcovers available

Passat advantages:
-cost (especially in the V6 version)
-space
-powertrain warrantee is 10 years (nice)

In the end... your test drives should decide.

Tom
1.8TQMS Silver/Ecru

Nov 12, 1999 | 01:46 PM

DaveL

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Nothing beats personal experience...get thee to the dealers and try them both out yourself.

IMO, A4 is not a glorified Passat.
The difference is best determined not with words but with your senses. Be sure you compare models with the same engine.

BTW...the VW Golf/Beetle and Audi TT are also on the same "platform" but I wouldn't equate them.

Nov 12, 1999 | 01:53 PM

Bill

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Don't waste your time with the 1.8T, get the Passat 2.8. V6 smoothness baby...

Nov 12, 1999 | 01:54 PM

Trevor

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Re: Nothing beats personal experience...get thee to the dealers and try them both out yourself.

Like I said, I dont know much about them. The Bettle and the TT I would not consider on the same level, but yet when you see them on the road you automatically consider them in the same "class" because of their radical styling.

Nov 12, 1999 | 01:57 PM

Trevor

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Re: A4 and Passat?

Yeah, owning a VR6 GTI before showed me just how important that warranty really is!!! I really like they styling, but were talking $10K here, is it really worth it?

Nov 12, 1999 | 02:03 PM

Mike

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I drove them both...you should do the same..

It is not the same car.....i repeat.... It is not the same car. Drive them yourself and you will see the light. As far as the 1.8T -vs- 2.8(no T, ouch), it depends what you want to do and how serious you drive.

Did I mention that it is not the same car?