[Big A]

Been offered a new job with a nice shiny new company car. Have got the choice of an Audi A4 TDi (100) Sport Avant with the nice agressive looking body kit or a BMW 320d ES Touring with the gorgeous new 18" alloys. Not sure what to go for, the BMW is quicker but the Audi has very slightly better fuel consumption, although thats not an issue as I dont have to pay for fuel. My uncle is a BMW nut and tells me to get the 320d, as he's had a couple of 3 series (now got a 528i) and loved them.

Any opinions?

 

[Wish]

Audi, but if its new it wont be the aggressive looking bodykit (like 18ME's) it will be there new body kit which has the S4 Side bits on the bottom of the door and slightly deeper front and rear bumbers.

Having said that, i would choose the Audi everytime. The A4 Avant is a lovely looking car.

 

[Irish]

I'd go for the BM. Deffo.

 

[Thos]

The A4 Avant with a kit is a looker alright, but I'd want more than 100bhp in it. For the power stakes I supposed I'd have to take the 320d.

 

[MRK IV]

I'd go with the 320d. I've got one and I test drove the A4. The 320d is probably the best Diesel engine out there - some say it's a better overall package than the mighty 330d. Great looks (I've got the Sports pack with the 18's - the ES comes with the same suspension set-up but not hte body kit), great handling and of course those 3 magic words: Rear Wheel Drive.

Mines no up to 8K and I'm getting 44mpg average - and that a mix of 40% town driving and 60% Motorway at 90ish. Trying to to a gentle run at 75-85mph on the Motorway returns 50-52 mpg, but for the sake of 6 mpg, I'd rather have some fun.

It's the drivers choice.

 

[CarlT]

Get the Beemer and own the outside lane [][]

 

[Carlos]

Will 100 bhp pull an A4 Avant?[]

I'd get the bimmer, although the A4's do look nice!

 

[MRK IV]

Just done some Muppet mods on mine:

 

[Big A]

Still a bit undecided the A4 looks gorgeous but so does the BMW. Am swaying towards the BMW because of the power thing, got a test drive in an A4 SE (100) TDi Avant on Sunday to see how good 100 BHP is in it, would prefer the 130 but dont think the new boss would stretch to that and dont want to push my luck, still to visit my local BMW dealer.

Any more opinions would be very welcome.

Cheers

 

[hmi1750]

I would have the beemer any day... better all round package over the lesser powerful A4... also more sporty than the later without having he dynamic flaws of the other...

oh and all this is IMO, based on articles and some rides in these cars.... never driven either.

 

[Mikedav]

IMO...

BMW diesel is light years ahead of the VAG units...amazing engines, very very quiet. The A4 is an excellent car and has a more contemporary interior but the BMW is the better all round car, if a little dated by comparison. Soon to be replaced by an ugly Bangleised version so one of the last 'proper' BMWs...

 

[Big A]

Had a test drive in the A4 yesterday, was the SE and not the Sport version but still had the 100 BHP TDi. Was nice to drive and very comfortable, although the power band seemed very short, i.e. still had a bit of kick to it but not for very long if you know what I mean. Really like the look of the A4 Avant, the dealer had a new silver Avant Sport 130 BHP just off the transporter for a customer which I had a look at. I have arranged a test drive in a 320d saloon for tomorrow. Having seen a few 3 series Tourings in the fourcourt, I think the BMW is tempting me although will see what its like to drive tomorrow.

 

[matt747]

No contest imo as the A4 has 100bhp and the 320d has 150bhp!

 

[MRK IV]

After test driving the A4 and a Merc C220, I was initially dissapointed with the BM - it didn't have the shove of the Merc - then I realised that it's powerband went from just under 2K to well over 4K - which doesn't sound much, but bearing in mind the slow-revving nature of a Diesel, is practically the whole rev range. In fact, there was no sudden cut-off either, just a gradual fade of power if you took it anywhere near 5K (which there is no reason to do!). It really is the most Petrol-like to drive Diesel out there. I'd be interested in your comments after your test drive!

 

[marriedblonde]

LOL...the 320d is a better engine than the 330d LOL...PMSL nice one you have made my day []

Now seriously, go for the beemer, better looking, better to drive, better built, better engine, better seats blah, blah, blah.

J.

 

[Big A]

Had my test drive in the 320d ES Saloon and it was excellent, better than the Audi. The model I drove was bursting with extras like sat nav, PDC, M bodykit, xenons, folding mirrors, etc. but no electric rear windows????

Think I will go for the BMW as the dealer is trying to do a deal on the demonstrator I drove instead of a new Touring for a better price. Hopefully will go for the demo car as I wouldn't get a new Touring in black until mid January.

 

[MRK IV]

J - I said the 320d is a better overall package than the 330 and some say the engine is better.

If you compare the 320dES with the cheapest 330 (SE), there's a difference of £7000.

For that you get:

An extra 54 bhp

An extra 60lbs/ft

1.5mph off your 0-60

an extra 7mph on your top end.

You also get:

Insurance 3 groups higher

Higher emmision rating (would cost a Company Car driver almost £400 a year more)

almost 10mpg less

NO sports suspension on the 330SE (Standard on the 320d ES)

An extra 110KG to carry around (!)

Can you see what I'm getting at? A 320 with a re-map would be as quick as a standard 330, offer better ecomomy and lower running costs. Even without the re-map, I've very happy with mine and really I couldn't justify the difference for going for the 330. Yes, if you want 'top of the range' then the 330 is the obvious choice, but I reckon the 320 is the 'informed' choice []

 

[marriedblonde]

Wondered how long it would take to get a response... [] You are probabley correct in saying that the 320d is the better overal package - value for money wise but I am sticking with my comments that the 330d is THE best diesal engine out there at the mo IMHO of course.

As for chipping it - a chipped 330d is an awesome car, unfeasabley, no make that effortlessley fast. I used to think my chipped 1.8T was quick until we had a little play [] <mental note to self> dont make and taxi gags to diesal drivers in future

But what I think we can both agree on is that if you want a mid sized diesal car get a 3 series beemer and you won't be dissapointed!

 

[MRK IV]

So we agree....and apology accepted [][]

 

[marriedblonde]

LOL...[] only because I want you to take me for a spin in your car at the AMD RR day []