deshfrudu

I own a '99 Passat 1.8T and have been considering upgrading to an '02 A4 1.8T. The A4 is going to be about 28.5k (CVT, sport, premium, xenon), whereas a similarly (or better) equipped '02 Passat could be had for around 23.5k. Is the A4 5k better? Objectively, I'm sure the answer is no. I guess what I want to know is, will I have 5k worth of extra fun with the A4? How's that for a dumb question?

drew37

Depends. Are you a fun guy?

SKareKrow

Since you don't want quattro the Passat is a much better deal. 5k left over for whatever.

toddm1234

I had a 99 Passat as well, and i went out and test drove a new 2002 passat and then went and test drove a 2002 A4 1.8Q, Audi is much better. Also, you cant get a passat 23.500 with the same equp as an Audi, Audi comes standard with 6 disc, leatherette,for about 29000 you can get quattro, sunroof, leatherette, 6 disc cd,16inch wheels,and an overall better machine, also they take care of brakes,wiperblades and you can get a loaner whenever your car is in for service. Now i like VW, i've had 3 of them, but if its time to step it up a notch, go Audi.....

bacccc

Do you get a loaner every time you take your car in for service ... even for oil changes and such?

If so, is this an Audi thing, or is it specific to the dealership? ThanX!

toddm1234

Yes, as long as i let them know a week or two ahead of time. So when i make the appt. to bring it in, i let them know i need a loaner for the day. Thats it. I'm not sure if its a dealer thing or Audi, i would ask your dealer.

Wayne Dohnal

I test drove both of them with the 1.8T 5-speed. I think the Audi is more solid, quieter, and more fun to drive. The Passat is larger and more comfortable. If you want leather, you can get it without having to buy the V6. For me, AWD is a priority so I will probably get the A4. If I could get 5-speed with AWD, I'd get the Passat for the extra size. If I were getting an auto FWD, I think being able to get the CVT would push me to get the A4. Make sure you price out the 2 cars with the same equipment. When I did that I came up with a $3075 difference in MSRP, but I'd assume you can add to that by cutting a better deal with the VW.

MichaelB_2

Depends on what you are after. If you want value and space, go Passat. If you want sportiness and prestige, go Audi. Either way, they are great cars. I too am trying to decide; however, I am looking at a V6 Passat GLX versus a A4 1.8T. Tough choice. I have a long commute, and the V6 is definitely smoother and quieter for the long trips.

Of course, if you want Quattro in a 1.8T, you need to go A4. Although, for about the same money, you can get a V6 4Motion Passat. Finally, if you want a manual and all-wheel drive, you can't get it with Passat, so go A4. Got it? ;-)

deshfrudu

Thanks for the help, everyone

YetAnotherA4

They're similar cars but at the same time very different. For the same $ (in Oz about $63K for A4 2.0 CVT + leather + roof + 17" etc, and about the same for 2.8 V6 Tip Passat). I prefer the A4 (and bought one), my father prefers the Passat (and is buying one).

- Build quality is very similar, but the Audi is ahead by a nose.

- Some extras on the Passat that cost $$ on the A4

- Slightly more sporting feel - sits on better suspension

- Multitronic is streets ahead of any other auto incl VW Tiptronic.

- Down Under, you can qualify for the AudiCorporate which is essentially a discount on the car, free servicing and other extras, incl a funky aluminium briefcase.

- A4 has 6 (optional 8) airbags rather than 4 on Passat

- Passat has trip computer,woodgrain and armrest standard, optional on A4

Depends on your dealer too, who do you prefer to deal with? In Adelaide, Oz, the same dealer sells Audi and VW, and they're good to deal with.