Well, I just got back from driving a 2002 330Ci and I drove a 2002 Audi S4 last week. I have to say, right now, I'm torn. I'm going to be purchasing one of them, I just don't know which. The 330Ci was sweet, transmission was awesome, handled like a dream, love the RWD and the interior is incredibly nice. The S4 however was a beast. The TT V6 kicks ***, also having 6 speeds was nice, even if the transmission is not as nice as the BMW's, I liked the clutch better in the S4, Quattro has it's advantages too (Torsen diff.). The interior of the Audi was nice as well, just in a different way. Has anyone here made the choice between these two? What made you choose one over the other? I'm not trying to start a flame war or anything, just want some opinions. I wish I had more time to decide, if I want an S4, I have to order by Wednesday to get a custom one, otherwise I have to try and find a dealer with what I want. Price isn't an issue since the cars are withing $100 of each other. These are the exact models I'm considering:

2002 BMW 330Ci
Black Sapphire Metallic
Black Leather Interior
5-speed
Sport Package
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Bi-Xenon Lights
Navigation

2002 Audi S4
Santorin Blue Pearl
Onyx/Silver Alcantara Interior
6-speed
Sport Package
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Bose Audio

What to do..thanks in advance for reading this long-*** post and for any advice.

Matt

 

i say go with one of them

 

For a minute I thought that read, "...Need Onions...(more)"

 

'01 330 or '01 S4. Pricing was about the same for both. Didn't like BMW's piecemeal option sheet. Everything was a damn option.

After driving both, the S4 was nicer. Instant power delivery. Looks are subjective. The 330 looks more aggressive but a lot of things can be said for being subtle. I like the modification aspect of the S4 more so than the 330 which led me to decide on the S4 rather than the 330.

I don't think you can order any more S4s though. Production ended sometime at the end of July. What is on the dealer lots is what is left.

 

One other thing, the S4 doesn't stand out as much as the bimmer, which is an advantage IMO. I see dozens like it on the road every given day, and you can't tell it from the A4's much, which are even more common.

 

Had I bought after moving to Austin, I probably would have gone with the 3er Coupé.

Having actually bought the S4 Avant, I am very happy with my decision. Bimmers are a dime-a-dozen around here, so the S4 has some exclusivity. They are also easier to mod, though that comes at a price (warranty issues possible) and not everyone goes ***** out tuning their rides so it may not even apply. From what I've seen on Bimmer boards, neither is any better/worse in reliability.

As Prophet puts it ... go with one of them. : )

 

Slight edge to the 3 from the outside, and a wider edge to the S4 from the interior. My friends MY00 steering is a little numb, but I understand that has been fixed.

I think it comes down to quattro vs. RWD. If you live where it is wet - quattro is a real kick, and very rewarding driving experience. If you live in the drier climes the handling of the 3 series is legendary.

Enjoy your choice...

 

Where do you live? BMW sells more than 100k 3ers a year in NA, more than all Audi models combined! You must be in Boulder or something. : )

 

I picked the S4 for the following reasons:

1) Interior - Audi's interior appointments are much better than BMW's IMHO. Audi's leather is nicer, wood is nicer, interior layout is more intuitive... everything.

2) Performance - Like you said, the Audi is a beast. It was made to compete with the M3, and the 330i is just no match. You'll kiss yourself every time you feel those turbos kicking in!

3) NAV - I really wanted the NAV system, but in the Bimmer you can't get it AND a CD player! Yuck.

4) EVERYBODY HAS A BMW. 'Nuff said.

I hope this helps you make your decision. Really, you can't go wrong either way.

Good luck,
M

 

I drove both, and there is NO way in hell I was going to buy a 330ci.

The E36 M3 is a much closer match, and even there the S4 really wins hands down in just about every category, except for "public perception" and possibly steering feel (both being very subjective).

And frankly, I don't give a damn if some clueless wannabe thinks the 330ci is the "best" simply because of BMW's marketing... _I_ like the S4 better, and so does anybody who knows what the S4 is. End of story.