jslee100

considering both cars are based on the same framework, what are some benefits of choosing an A4 over a Passat? 1.8T's are a bit pricier, and so for the same money I can get a V6 passat. Based on what I read in these forums, everyone loves audis, but I was wondering if anyone else did similar comparison shopping before settling on an A4. I hope to test drive both cars in a few weeks, so if anyone has key elements to pay attention to, I'd appreciate it.

Doug K

<p>Daktor71
1999.5 1.8tqms

larryV

Key elements to pay attention to:
1. Interior.
2. Fun to drive factor.
3. Good looks.
4. Handling.

Both cars excel in these 4 elements but to me all 4 elements pointed A4 all the way. It could be different for you.
The Passat 4motion all-wheel drive system is essentially the same as A4 quattro. They're both torsen and share the same mechanicals.
To be honest, it was mostly an esthetic thing for me... also more fun to drive and the relative uniqueness of an Audi compared to a VW just sealed the deal. To me that was worth the extra $$. Hell, the 4 rings was worth the extra $$ - I'm a shallow person <p><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/larryvsig2.jpg">

buzlin

My brother just bought a 2000 Passat 1.8t. I have a 2000 1.8tqms. The Passat is basically bigger and a little less sporty. The only reason to go with the Passat over the A4 is if you're concerned about rear passenger comfort and trunk space. Otherwise it's just bulkier on the road and the quality isn't as good.

Decide what your needs are, but either way I think you'll be happy.

Tom
2k 1.8tqms, GIAC, HKS Klasse

phred

and it comes down to personal choice. The A4 is sportier and somewhat classier, and the Passat is larger. Depends what you need the car for.

I have an A4 and an A6 and I recently drove in a friend's Passat, and damn I almost preferred it to my A6! My A4 sport quattro, on the other hand, is quite a car .....

Rodney

My final decision was a close call between my 3 favorites (A4 1.8T (winner), BMW 323i (close 2nd), Passat V6 (close third). Go see them in person and drive them for yourself. You will then be much better able to make a decision. The Passat's a great car, my dislikes are: FWD (personal bias...if the A4 weren't available with Quattro I'd be driving a Bimmer), bigger car (I neither want nor need a midsize car), poorer handling (A4 and Bimmer have much better suspensions), less luxurious (A4 & BMW ride were smoother as well as firmer). Basically, the Passat is a great family car that has luxury and sporty characteristics...if you're looking at the Accord and Camry it's the way to go. The A4 is an entry-level sports sedan, which is also pretty luxurious. It performs almost as well as the 323i and is more comfortable and better equipped. All are great cars, check them out and go with what's right for you.<p>Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms

Y2K A4

I like the feeling of driving a european car. Both the VW and the Audi are european. They are both designed in Germany but only Audi is manufactured there while the VW is made in Mexico.

Donkihad

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DRG

When I shopped these two cars, my comparison boiled down to the following points:

Compared to the A4, the Passat:

1. Can't be ordered with all-wheel drive except in the V6/Tiptronic version (which wasn't even true when I bought my A4 last year).
2. Is slightly longer - in between the A4 and A6 sizes. Much of this is in the rear leg room.
3. Has its suspension tuned more softly than even the non-sport A4. It is still a firm-handling car by, say, Camry standards, but has noticeable squat and dive and some body roll.
4. Is more "executive" and less "sexy" in appearance, both inside and outside. Most noticeable is the lack of choice of interesting interior color "atmospheres".

Of lesser importance, I recall that the sunroof in the Passat, while using the same controls as the A4, does not close together with the windows when turning the driver's door key to lock and holding (or using a reprogrammed remote). Perhaps this has changed on the later Passat models.

In addition to greater legroom, one addition place where I thought the Passat was a bit nicer or at least "cooler" than the A4 was in the driver's seat height adjust mechanism, which does not require you to lift your weight off the seat to raise it and can thus be used while driving.

I went with the A4 because I wanted the suspension tuning, the gorgeous exterior and interior styling, and Quattro in a 5-speed. The smaller size was also a plus for me. I didn't want any more bulk than necessary impacting the handling and love the look of the compact yet muscular exterior.

ET

Also, Passat front seats are a bit shorter than A4. Anyone else notice this too?