Full Test: 2009 Audi A4

[PricklyPete]

Edmund's Writeup

I really like the way the car looks...I like how they've significantly improved the wheelbase as well.

the 265 HP is a bit disappointing in the class this car is playing around in...but it is still a smooth engine. What they didn't focus on was the upcoming 2.0T with it's greatly improved Torque and slightly improved HP numbers...that is definitely the engine that has me interested with gas prices going the direction they are going....otherwise I'll just buy a 335...or the upcoming S4.

I am also bummed they are not offering a manual with the V6...that just seems like a step in the wrong direction. I'm interested to see what the drivetrain options will be with the 2.0T. I read rumors that you will not be able to get the manual with Quattro...another huge disappointment.

 

[CptCrunch]

I agree with the assessment that the 335i would blow it's doors off. For $45k, I'd rather have the bmw

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: CptCrunch
I agree with the assessment that the 335i would blow it's doors off. For $45k, I'd rather have the bmw

For driving...I'd have to agree that the engine/drivetrain of the 335 is just about perfect...but for a daily commuter I'd probably pick the A4. I just love sitting in an Audi interior and they drive decently to boot (maybe not BMW standards...but certainly high enough for my standards for a daily commuter).

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: CptCrunch
I agree with the assessment that the 335i would blow it's doors off. For $45k, I'd rather have the bmw

Ditto, despite the fact that I'm driving a biturbo audi right now.

 

[ayabe]

For my money I'd just drop and extra $5K and get an S5 which is better in every possible way than the A4 and much sexier, IMHO.

 

[Gand1]

Originally posted by: ayabe
For my money I'd just drop and extra $5K and get an S5 which is better in every possible way than the A4 and much sexier, IMHO.

Ding ding Ding!!

 

[Arkaign]

Wow, methinks Audi won't be making this gen for all that long. It falls under their most bland, VW-cloned boring blob design ethos. The A5/S5 is a hundred billion times nicer. They need to do something with that generic A6 as well.

 

[Dman877]

3900 lbs? Good lord...

 

[freegeeks]

I took delivery of my new b8 Audi A4 2.0 tdi a couple of weeks ago. It's a pretty fun car to drive around and the interior kicks as

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: CptCrunch
I agree with the assessment that the 335i would blow it's doors off. For $45k, I'd rather have the bmw

for 45k, you'd be stupid not to buy an S4 (or S5)

 

[nycxandy]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Wow, methinks Audi won't be making this gen for all that long. It falls under their most bland, VW-cloned boring blob design ethos. The A5/S5 is a hundred billion times nicer. They need to do something with that generic A6 as well.

Um, the new A4 is almost exactly designed like the A5, but with four doors.

 

[bigdog1218]

Audi's always slow with bringing out all the engine + transmission combinations. I'm waiting for the 3.0TDI engine + new S4 to come out before I make my next purchase. Tuners in Europe have the 3.0TDI upto 300hp and 450 ft*lb torque with some simple mods, we'll see what diesel prices look like next year.

 

[fstime]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: CptCrunch
I agree with the assessment that the 335i would blow it's doors off. For $45k, I'd rather have the bmw

for 45k, you'd be stupid not to buy an S4 (or S5)

Its not as bad as it sounds, performance wise. the 335i is just as fast, maybe a bit faster than the S4 and probably handles better in dry conditions.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: BouZouki

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: CptCrunch
I agree with the assessment that the 335i would blow it's doors off. For $45k, I'd rather have the bmw

for 45k, you'd be stupid not to buy an S4 (or S5)

Its not as bad as it sounds, performance wise. the 335i is just as fast, maybe a bit faster than the S4 and probably handles better in dry conditions.

ah, my statement came out a bit unclear.

i meant if you are pricing an A4 at 45k, you may as well look at the S4 or S5 for a few grand more, as far as audi goes. the 335i is also an excellent choice, and certainly should be cross-shopped against.

 

[shabby]

Originally posted by: Dman877
3900 lbs? Good lord...

And i thought only america built overweight cars.

 

[Colt45]

Buy an S4 if you want it to be fast.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: ayabe
For my money I'd just drop and extra $5K and get an S5 which is better in every possible way than the A4 and much sexier, IMHO.

You're just starting off at $5K with an S5 vs. a fully loaded A4. That being said...I TOTALLY agree with your statement.

 

[MBrown]

No manual with the V6 version? Oh no! This is the reason why I like Audi and BMW over Mercedes...the fact that they offer manuals on lots of their vehicles.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: MBrown
No manual with the V6 version? Oh no! This is the reason why I like Audi and BMW over Mercedes...the fact that they offer manuals on lots of their vehicles.

It is really annoying...but unfortunately only half the blame lies on Audi's shoulders. The US government makes the car companies pay an enormous about for each Powertrain (engine and transmission combo) that they sell. Since Audi doesn't sell a ton of vehicles over here...they can only justify selling the highest volume combos. BMW's sell a lot more cars here in the US and therefore don't compromise the transmission choices...although they still compromise engine choices.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Originally posted by: CptCrunch
I agree with the assessment that the 335i would blow it's doors off. For $45k, I'd rather have the bmw

I like how the people who spew this arguement never mention RWD vs. AWD.

If I lived in an area that was temperate year-round...sure...give me the 335i. However, it would be much more appropriate to compare the price tags of the A4 vs. the 335xi.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Nutdotnet

Originally posted by: CptCrunch
I agree with the assessment that the 335i would blow it's doors off. For $45k, I'd rather have the bmw

I like how the people who spew this arguement never mention RWD vs. AWD.

If I lived in an area that was temperate year-round...sure...give me the 335i. However, it would be much more appropriate to compare the price tags of the A4 vs. the 335xi.

Unless you're venturing onto unpaved roads there is no good reason to think that AWD is necessary, unless you live in Kodiak, Alaska or something. I've done just fine in the middle of winter on unploughed roads with an assortment of RWD vehicles, some of them even on summer tires.

AWD is helpful, but unless the driver is completely incompetent it's not even close to necessary in 99.99% of locations. AWD is a marketing gimmick in cars.

ZV