Compare 09 A4 to C Class
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne, Australia
C220CDI
However ultimately it is still front wheel drive (except quattro) and as long as it is front wheel drive, it will never win over true MB and BMW fans. I wonder if Audi would one day get into RWD?
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
2008 C350 Sport, 2007 ML320 CDI
Factoring in Audi reliability (hopefully it has improved in the newest A4 and the A5) and dealer service horror stories from friends who own Audis (in Colorado, every third car seems to be a quattro-equipped Audi), there is no way I would touch one - unless by some miracle an R8 magically appears in my garage. And even then, remembering what I read about the event when Audi had all those R8s in Las Vegas for automotive journalists, I'd still have a fire extinguisher on board.
Fire away, Audi lovers....
Fire away, Audi lovers....
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara, CA
2006 Boxster
Take a look at the latest Consumer Reports annual auto issue to compare reliability between Mercedes and Audi.
Mercedes reliability is dismal compared to Audi.
I'm not an Audi lover but anyone who claims Mercedes reliability is steller is really kidding themselves.
Sorry.
Mercedes reliability is dismal compared to Audi.
I'm not an Audi lover but anyone who claims Mercedes reliability is steller is really kidding themselves.
Sorry.
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 225
Likes: 1
From: Manchester, UK
2008 220CDI Sport Auto Estate, Obsidian Black, Black leather, Heated Seats,Pan Roof, Comand,
I have owned a number of Audi's and never had an issue regarding reliability. But saying that I was parking my C outside my house today when a new A4 passed and to be honest in my opinion the if I hadn't seem the DRL's I wouldn't have been able to tell whether it was new generation or not.
Glad I got the C
Glad I got the C
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
2008 C300 Sport 4matic
The Audi dealerships are not much different than VW dealership which means that generally-speaking the customer service and perks are rather poor.
The new A4 is a really nice car and much improved from the fine B7 model, but it has grown a lot in size and weight. I much prefer the smaller exterior dimensions of the C instead.
The new A4 is a really nice car and much improved from the fine B7 model, but it has grown a lot in size and weight. I much prefer the smaller exterior dimensions of the C instead.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 3
From: Ohio
X3 and 2012 C coming soon
The Audi dealerships are not much different than VW dealership which means that generally-speaking the customer service and perks are rather poor.
The new A4 is a really nice car and much improved from the fine B7 model, but it has grown a lot in size and weight. I much prefer the smaller exterior dimensions of the C instead.
The new A4 is a really nice car and much improved from the fine B7 model, but it has grown a lot in size and weight. I much prefer the smaller exterior dimensions of the C instead.
If you like to tune your cars, however, the VAG aftermarket is HUGE.
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
'24 BMW 840I GC; '26 MB GLE 450
A4 is Changing for '09
I've had 3 Audis and I'm a fan, but got to say I love the new design of the W204. Just a heads up though that the A4 will change for '09.
old A4 was better in the end C wins easily. C's real competitor is 3 not A4
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne, Australia
C220CDI
However no rear wheel drive yet. If it did, I would have serioursly considered it. As it is, I'm looking forward to my C220CDi.
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 174
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From: San Diego, CA
2008 BMW 335i Coupe (Six-speed Manual)
I am neutral to the looks. Honestly the B5 was the best-looking one. And their interiors are much better than MB's or BMW's. But their engines are not very enticing (aside from S) and they don't come in RWD.
I would still pick a W204 because I love the looks. The interior gets knocked for being cheap, but I drive a Nissan, so it would be heaven to me.
I would still pick a W204 because I love the looks. The interior gets knocked for being cheap, but I drive a Nissan, so it would be heaven to me.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne, Australia
C220CDI
I see so many people on this forum talk about poor MB reliability. Is this a major problem in USA? In Australia MB doesn't have a bad reputation for reliability. The people I know who've had MBs have had no trouble.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
IIRC, Quattro will be a torque split 40/60 so more RWD bias on the new models. The '07+ S4 6-speeds have been equipped with them.
The engine output has been bumped up for the '09 2.0T, 211hp/258lb-ft (compared to 200hp/207lb-ft currently)! Add a chip, you're looking at around 260hp/340tq if the gains (~50hp/85lb-ft) are the same as the current 2.0T.
The engine output has been bumped up for the '09 2.0T, 211hp/258lb-ft (compared to 200hp/207lb-ft currently)! Add a chip, you're looking at around 260hp/340tq if the gains (~50hp/85lb-ft) are the same as the current 2.0T.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10
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From: Boston
2005 Acura TL, 2008 C300 sport
The engine output has been bumped up for the '09 2.0T, 211hp/258lb-ft (compared to 200hp/207lb-ft currently)! Add a chip, you're looking at around 260hp/340tq if the gains (~50hp/85lb-ft) are the same as the current 2.0T.[/QUOTE]
I love my C, but have to admit the spec of the A4 new engine is amazing!Waiting for them to put in the A5.......
I love my C, but have to admit the spec of the A4 new engine is amazing!Waiting for them to put in the A5.......
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 616
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From: Kirkland, WA
c300
The Audi dealerships are not much different than VW dealership
Not in my area!
Audi dealership that we use (same dealer group... Barrier Motors... owns the MB dealer too) is fantastic. And it's newer/nicer/better than the old nasty MB dealership that hasn't been remodeled since the 70's.
Plus the Audi dealer has the car wash for the dealer group; it's pretty amusing to see all the Mercs driven over to run through the car wash. The most horrific site I've witnessed was a temp tag SLR being run through the automatic car wash. You'd think that much money would buy you a hand wash from the detailing dept.
-on topic-
Haven't seen the new A4 at the dealer here yet. In pictures it looks pretty bland, like an A6. I'm hoping that the rear seat/trunk really is bigger than the older version, and that they come out with an inspiring engine choice/dsg and titanium package. I like Audi's and I [typically] enjoy dealing with the Audi service dept with my previous cars and my wife's car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
The 2.0T engine specs still stands at 211hp/258lb-ft. Interesting news is that a new 3.0 engine is suppose to be released soon. Here is what's funny...it's supercharged! 3.0 S/C V6 310hp/286lb-ft. It is suppose to go into the new A6. Same engine going into the S4 but with a higher output. So this new 3.0 should trickle down to the A4 at some point. We'll see if this is actually true or they're just throwing false info out there...
The current 3.2 will still be released with the B8, 265hp/243lb-ft.
As for transmission choices, still a 6-speed option and a revised tiptronic for faster shifts than previously.
The current 3.2 will still be released with the B8, 265hp/243lb-ft.
As for transmission choices, still a 6-speed option and a revised tiptronic for faster shifts than previously.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 808
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From: nyc
528i, GLK
2009 A4 is really good looking, comparable to the w204, actually the rear end is better than c-class.
the only concern is: the old A4 quattro felt really slow and clumsy compared to bmw 3series xi or the lexus IS 250 4wd. hopefully that will change with the 09.
reliability however is a huge concern, for posters that had generations of audi without issues, good for you. I personally know 2 A6 owners, one had an 08 and within 4 months the dashboard started to rattle, passenger side following driver side. other was 05 A6 which probably ended up more days in the dealer's shop than his own garage.
granted, all covered under warranty and no hassle from dealership.
the only concern is: the old A4 quattro felt really slow and clumsy compared to bmw 3series xi or the lexus IS 250 4wd. hopefully that will change with the 09.
reliability however is a huge concern, for posters that had generations of audi without issues, good for you. I personally know 2 A6 owners, one had an 08 and within 4 months the dashboard started to rattle, passenger side following driver side. other was 05 A6 which probably ended up more days in the dealer's shop than his own garage.
granted, all covered under warranty and no hassle from dealership.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
I agree the 1.8T in stock form feels slow. The 2.0T is much better IMO. Can't wait to try the revised 2.0T with the extra torque.
Performance numbers were released. 2.0T to 60 takes 6.5, 3.2 is 6.3, both Quattro.
Performance numbers were released. 2.0T to 60 takes 6.5, 3.2 is 6.3, both Quattro.
