audi a4 1.8t quattro vs bmw 325i

[z0mb13]

hi guys

which car to get??

the audi is lacking in hp compared to the bimmer (160hp vs 187 hp) but I heard that u can chip it to be much faster..... how much of a hp gain??

bimmer has a bad rep for reliability.... how bout the new audi??

TIA

 

[mrCide]

both are nice, the bimmer is going to be a bit more expensive..

i'd personally go with the bimmer, but my friend's new 1.8t is very nice also.

 

[vi edit]

The Audi actually puts out a rated 170HP. Linky.

Right now, APR doesn't have a chip for the '02s, but you can pretty much count on it being around $500, and it *should* bump HP up to around 205, and torque to around 250'ish.

At least that is what past ECU's have done with basically the same engine.

 

[Emos]

You really can't go wrong with either car...that said I would go with the A4 1.8T for a few grand less than the bimmer. As vi-edit mentioned, some decent ECU upgrades (chips) will come out for the '02 A4 1.8T. APR and GIAC are popular choices.

 

[CocaCola5]

I'd personally go for the Audi.
I like the Audi's interior better and the outside looks way more modern/stylish then the 325i.
Performance, A4 has more tuneability than the 325i, but the 325i has the more purist aproach to performance.

 

[Kelvrick]

I'd go with the Audi, take the extra money and get myself a nice chip, nice rims, and some good performance tires.

 

[oLLie]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
The Audi actually puts out a rated 170HP. Linky.

Right now, APR doesn't have a chip for the '02s, but you can pretty much count on it being around $500, and it *should* bump HP up to around 205, and torque to around 250'ish.

At least that is what past ECU's have done with basically the same engine.

OMG is that true? That's a hugantic gain!

 

[CtK]

Bimmer always!!!!
test drove both and the BMW drives and sounds much better no whining sound from the turbo

the BMW comes with 3/36000 included maintenance
they will pay for everything that happens to the car expect tires and alignment
they will replace your windshield wipers and brake pads when needed!!

 

[yakko]

Go with the Audi. Chip it, put a larger intercooler on it and step up the turbo size a little and you should be able to make around 250 hp.

 

[Type-R]

you will get more for your money out of the audi, but i wouldn't touch it. i'd go bmw all the way, they just feel better

 

[Boogak]

the BMW comes with 3/36000 included maintenance

Err... new Audis come with a 4 year/50,000 mile included maintenance, covers everything but the tires too.
I had this same decision about 2 years ago and went with a 2001 A4 1.8T over the 2001 325i... so much more car for less money. While the pre-2002 chips generally make ~200hp and ~250 ft-lbs of torque, tuners have been getting more out of the 2002 engine with just a chip. Giac supposedly has it up to 216hp and 270 ft-lbs of torque.

 

[Kindjal]

My vote is for the Audi 1.8T Quattro. Have you checked out any of the Audi message boards - probably a good idea if you haven't.

 

[aphex]

Audi 1.8t Quattro hands down..... Beautiful car, amazingly fun to drive....

Someone was complaining about the sound of a turbo?? Dude, thats like music to my ears. I drive with my windows down half the time just so i can hear that baby spool

 

[oLLie]

Originally posted by: aphexII
Audi 1.8t Quattro hands down..... Beautiful car, amazingly fun to drive....

Someone was complaining about the sound of a turbo?? Dude, thats like music to my ears. I drive with my windows down half the time just so i can hear that baby spool

aphex what kind of turbo car do you drive (is it the 1.8T too?)

 

[LittleWolf]

Audi A4 & 1.8T all the way. The 1.8T is a gem of an engine and has immense upgrade potential with just a chip.

BMW 325 is just a poseur BMW, for those typical wannbe folks ....

-j

 

[z0mb13]

wow thanks for all the answers folks

does audi have a certified aftermarket tuner?? I don't want to void my warranty when I modify the car (like adding chip and such)
I know that bmw has dinan, what does audi have??

 

[Whisper]

The way I look at BMW's is if you aren't getting at least a 330, then go with something else. The BMW has been shown by Car & Driver to have a more performance-oriented suspension, more road feel, etc. (the Audi is a bit more sedate/refined/what have you). And even though the latter appeals more to me than the former, I'd still go with the 1.8T.

Then again, you could always go for an S4 instead...heh heh

 

[Boogak]

does audi have a certified aftermarket tuner?? I don't want to void my warranty when I modify the car (like adding chip and such)

Nope, though Audi does offer some certified performance parts from their catalog that won't void the warranty (Eibach springs, sport muffler). So if you do get chipped, be aware that it can void your warranty if the dealer can prove your chip had something to do with the defect should you have any problems. Personally I figured the chance of any problems was slim (based on stories on audiworld.com) so I went ahead and chipped my 1.8T a few weeks ago. No problems yet *crosses fingers*

 

[LordUnum]

The Bimmer.

Pretty reliable through the first few hundred miles.

The car drives like a true dream, and gets plenty of looks as icing on the cake (not that that was a consideration when purchasing ). In regards to the poser, or 330/5-series & better-or-bust comments, I believe this sums it up best:

"While all BMWs possess the aforementioned traits, not all of them are entertaining to drive. Specifically, the four-cylinder Bimmers are real Bummers. Though not exactly slugs, anything with the 138-horsepower 1.9-liter inline four accelerates rather leisurely and gives up a large degree of powertrain refinement in the name of affordability. Buyers of such entry-level BMWs want one thing, and that's the badge on the hood.

Similarly, automatic transmissions should be avoided. Why? Those who understand the marque will instantly brand you a "wannabe," maybe even to your face if they're drunk. Wannabe the biggest wannabe of the bunch? Buy a BMW 318ti equipped with an automatic. Hell, you might as well get a Chevette!

The right setup is a six-pot mated to a five-speed manual transmission in sedan, coupe or convertible form. Our rather pricey 328is had 190 horsepower under the hood thanks to a creamy 2.8-liter inline six. Very tasty. But for those who don't have nearly 40 large to drop on a new set of wheels, try the 323is with a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter six. It's just as smooth as the larger unit, but not as quick. Still, the 323is is quick enough to be entertaining, and that's why you should be buying a BMW in the first place. To be entertained. Automatics are entertainment buzzkills."

-from Edmunds review

Anyways, when I drove it in front of a friend's (who just happens to be black) house, he did a double-take and quickly proclaimed it "a black man's dream." Good to see white (appearance-wise, but me=hard-core Latino/European/Native-American mutt) and black peeps alike share the same dream(s). BTW, this was before dropping the top down w/push of a button---a must in sunny SoCal!

See sig (chrome-tips added free courtesy of Crevier BMW since photos)...

 

[jimmygates]

I would go with the Audi. If your looking for a 1.8T, try the 1.8T Quattro 6speed manual w/ sport package. That car is awesome to drive and Quattro works well also. The Audi most likely will run for $33k which would be cheaper than the BMW. You can sink the extra moola into a ECU Chip.



Audi has a longer warranty, 4 years/50,000 miles compared to BMW's 3 years/36,000 miles. Also Audi cover's brake pads as part of their warranty




One thing to be aware about the A4's, the arm rest has horrible positioning. Audi engineer's should be shot for placing the armrest above the hand brake lever.



-Jimbo

 

[Zebo]

IMO BMW 3 series just says "hey I wanna look wealthy but can't afford a 5 or 7 series which actually has room and power " My stupid realtor had this car and it was a PITA trying to get in and out.

Save your money and get something under 20K.