- Oct 24, 2000
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As a DC resident who does not own a car, I use the ZipCar car-sharing program to get "wheels when I want them." Among the high-end cars, available for about $13/hour or about $90/day, including gas and insurance, are the BMW 328xi, Volvo S40 T5, and Audi A3 2.0 TFSI FWD. All of them are 2010/2011 models.
I have long since stopped driving the BMW because I feel it is underpowered for its size, especially considering the 2.8 engine and the AWD. I also just get the sense that it is a "cheap" BMW. Quite disappointing all around, really. I mean, I admit that the BMW has the best steering feel. Otherwise, nothing about it impresses me.
Lately, my go-to car has been the Volvo T5 until yesterday when I took the A3 for the day. Since they are priced competitively to each other, I thought I would offer some thoughts.
As I said, the Volvo is a T5 (non-R) FWD model. The A3 is 2.0 TFSI FWD model. The Volvo has a 5-speed AT with a "pseudo manual" model. The Audi has a 6-speed "S-Tronic" transmission, also offering the pseudo manual option.
PROs of the Volvo compared to the Audi.
-Interior room
-steering feel (a little tighter, less variable)
-great sound system
PROs of the Audi compared to the Volvo.
-Although both cars offer similar HP/lbs. and Torque/lbs. numbers, the Audi has the edge here, and you can feel it. The car has some go-power and doing 90mph in 3rd is possible.
-More comfortable seat.
-Lower center of gravity.
-Hatch means easier to weave in traffic and park without worrying about your ass hanging out there.
-Lighting-fast gear changes in sport mode. I've never seen a tach move so fast along the dial! 5K rpm to 3k rpm in a blink of an eye!
-The 6-speed AT transmission.
-Better turn-in.
CONs of the Volvo compared to the Audi.
-Offers only a dated, slower 5-speed AT. Pseudo manual changes are much slower.
-Higher center of gravity/more body lean.
-Slightly less power.
-A bulkier car (but possibly better for HWY cruising).
CONs of the Audi compared to the Volvo.
-A little cramped, especially for 2+ passengers.
-Far less cargo space.
-Stock audio can't compare to stock Volvo audio.
-Panorama sun roof: can't really block out the sun. Interior gets hot.
-Variable steering ratio: I hate how numb and loose the Audi steering felt, especially at lower speeds. Talk about lifeless steering.
-Noticeable torque steer. Somehow I hardly notice this in the Volvo but is very pronounced on the Audi.
I did not go any scientific MPG comparisons, but according to their respective websites, the Volvo earns 21/30 and the Audi earns 22/28, so the Volvo has the edge here.
Interior fit and finish and layout is, as expected, top-notch on both cars. There is no clear winner here. Both are excellent.
Unlike the Volvo, the Audi has a much more noticeable turbo cooling mechanism. I noticed this last night after turning off the car and heard the loud fan still blowing. Walking along the driver wheel well, I could also feel the warm air exhaust on my leg. I am sure the Volvo needs to cool its turbo as well, but I've never noticed it.
In terms of long-term longevity, I think the Audi turbo gives me more pause. I have read far more examples of Audi 2.0T engines going bust than I have read about Volvo S40 turbos. I think I would have more trust in the Volvo, but this is just subjective opinion.
I have long since stopped driving the BMW because I feel it is underpowered for its size, especially considering the 2.8 engine and the AWD. I also just get the sense that it is a "cheap" BMW. Quite disappointing all around, really. I mean, I admit that the BMW has the best steering feel. Otherwise, nothing about it impresses me.
Lately, my go-to car has been the Volvo T5 until yesterday when I took the A3 for the day. Since they are priced competitively to each other, I thought I would offer some thoughts.
As I said, the Volvo is a T5 (non-R) FWD model. The A3 is 2.0 TFSI FWD model. The Volvo has a 5-speed AT with a "pseudo manual" model. The Audi has a 6-speed "S-Tronic" transmission, also offering the pseudo manual option.
PROs of the Volvo compared to the Audi.
-Interior room
-steering feel (a little tighter, less variable)
-great sound system
PROs of the Audi compared to the Volvo.
-Although both cars offer similar HP/lbs. and Torque/lbs. numbers, the Audi has the edge here, and you can feel it. The car has some go-power and doing 90mph in 3rd is possible.
-More comfortable seat.
-Lower center of gravity.
-Hatch means easier to weave in traffic and park without worrying about your ass hanging out there.
-Lighting-fast gear changes in sport mode. I've never seen a tach move so fast along the dial! 5K rpm to 3k rpm in a blink of an eye!
-The 6-speed AT transmission.
-Better turn-in.
CONs of the Volvo compared to the Audi.
-Offers only a dated, slower 5-speed AT. Pseudo manual changes are much slower.
-Higher center of gravity/more body lean.
-Slightly less power.
-A bulkier car (but possibly better for HWY cruising).
CONs of the Audi compared to the Volvo.
-A little cramped, especially for 2+ passengers.
-Far less cargo space.
-Stock audio can't compare to stock Volvo audio.
-Panorama sun roof: can't really block out the sun. Interior gets hot.
-Variable steering ratio: I hate how numb and loose the Audi steering felt, especially at lower speeds. Talk about lifeless steering.
-Noticeable torque steer. Somehow I hardly notice this in the Volvo but is very pronounced on the Audi.
I did not go any scientific MPG comparisons, but according to their respective websites, the Volvo earns 21/30 and the Audi earns 22/28, so the Volvo has the edge here.
Interior fit and finish and layout is, as expected, top-notch on both cars. There is no clear winner here. Both are excellent.
Unlike the Volvo, the Audi has a much more noticeable turbo cooling mechanism. I noticed this last night after turning off the car and heard the loud fan still blowing. Walking along the driver wheel well, I could also feel the warm air exhaust on my leg. I am sure the Volvo needs to cool its turbo as well, but I've never noticed it.
In terms of long-term longevity, I think the Audi turbo gives me more pause. I have read far more examples of Audi 2.0T engines going bust than I have read about Volvo S40 turbos. I think I would have more trust in the Volvo, but this is just subjective opinion.
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