Magna

Hi just test drove a 2004 A4 (B6) which I felt is a big improvement over the A4 (B5 platform) built in 2000. Anyway, what's your opinion of the 325xi vs. the A4 3.0 Quattro? I don't have a garage and I guess I am tired of switching to snow tires and back twice a year. Somebody told me I could probably get the A4 3.0 for the same price as the 325xi. Opinions on the two cars?

Both are about the same safety wise. I think the 325xi probably handles better than the A4 3.0, but then again I didn't push it during the test drive. The A4 3.0 interior was very nice, definitely more luxurious to me than the 325xi. Also getting the A4 3.0, I would be getting a bigger engine which is always nice. :-)

Also sort of considering the G35 with AWD but it only comes with auto transmission which is a drawback for me. Even playing with the idea of getting the BMW X3 . . . xDrive sounds great but the X3 is a truck and it is in its first year of production which usually means problems.

Any opinions would be appreciated!

Crazy Quattro

BMW 325xi

hey32g

In my opinion the Audi had more power and was built a lot better. The BMW I tested had 70 miles on it and already had a rattle in the dash. After driving them both back to back there was no question in my mind.

I've had my 3.0 for 3 months and absolutely love it.

TimButterfield

I test drove both before getting the A4. Here are a couple of impressions that were relevant to me.

back seat headroom

Due to the slope on the sides, my head bumped the side panels easily. This may be important if you plan to carry adults in the back as I did.

As for tires, you may still want to consider switching. My A4 came with summer sport tires, good for traction, but not when the weather went bad. For winter, I went with Nokian WR. They have a winter traction rating, but are all season and have better wear than regular snow tires. So far, they have worked great in lots of snow covered roads from the Kancamagus in NH to I-90 back to Chicago. As good as they are for winter, I don't think they will have the traction I want for better weather.

needforsleep

to get the 6yr/100k mile warranty.

paul128

Powerwise, I found the 325xi more comparable to the 1.8T. I tested both cars with a 5 speed with sport package and 17" wheels before buying my A4. I am able to shift very smoothly in the A4 (although I had a B5 that I was used to), but for the 10 minute test drive in the Bimmer, I didn't get used to it so as to shift as smoothly.

rootkid

While the BMW was certainly a nice car, it really didn't have much on my Audi. In fact, I was surprised that the 330 didn't feel much faster on the road than my 3.0 did. Given the 0-60 numbers for the two cars (A4 - 6.9, 330 - 6.3) I expected more.

The A4 definitely trumps the 3-series in terms of style and refinement though.

If anything, it made me feel better about my choice to get the A4.

sou17

all wheel drive BMW models doesn't handles better or good..
especially in the fast corner, quattro is lot better

DolphinV8

no match

3.0

LAK

Driven both. The 3.0 only really compares to the 330. The 325 is underpowered especially in the xi.