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Sedans Volkswagen Passat Audi A4 2005.5 vs VW Passat 3.6 2006
38 messages, Last post on Oct 23, 2007 at 2:44 PM
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I have been in the market for an entry level sport/luxury sedan for a while now. I initially was interested in the VW Jetta GLI and really liked the ride as well. However, VW has a really convoluted options package that will not allow you to add options like power seats, etc. to this car (for more on this see my post in the Jetta forum (2006+). Long story short, I have now moved on to the VW Passat 3.6 as it has all the options that I am interested in. While I was shopping around, I happened to run across the last 2005.5 Audi A4 quattro at the Audi dealer. This also happens to be a fully loaded car with all options I need. Also, since it is a 2005.5, I am getting it for about 5K less than MSRP. Specifics on the two cars in question: 1) VW Passat 3.6 (2006) Sport Package 1 with Nav I was offered a price of $33,400 + Ts for this 2) Audi A4 2.0T quattro (2005.5) Packages: premium, sport, audio, lighting, Nav I was offered this at $34,500 + Ts I realize this is an apples-oranges comparison but it is more from the price point of view. I really like how both of them drive. VW has a lot more included options (heated seats, rear vents, tire pressure monitoring system, paddle shifters etc.). The concern is that it is a brand new model and there is not much info on reliability out there yet. The Audi on the other hand has all wheel drive, an upgraded sound system, adaptive head lights (I realize I can get those with the passat with SP2 but that puts me out of my price range), and the free scheduled maintenance. Any comments/suggestions are welcome... Thanks |
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| If you don't do it for 280HP do it for the fact that both cars use the same basic parts . Look under the hood most of the parts will have the four rings of Audi and the VW logo . The VR6 has been used for years and years and years !!! Most of the new technology on the passat has been used else where . The FSI (Audi),DSG (Audi), Electromechanical Steering (Porsche) just to name a few . I my opinon buying the A4 is the same as buying a Jetta with different styleing . | |
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Replying to: roberte1 (Nov 11, 2005 7:09 am) And one other little nibbling thought. Maybe one should actually drive one of these cars before making whole hearted recommendations. The VW and the Audi drive absolutely nothing like each other. The A4 has much tighter steering and grips better than the bigger, but more solid Passat. Acceleration is also very different as the 2.0T has great torque in the mid range while the VR6 is better off the line and is smoother. The Passat is a midsize sedan with a big comfy back seat, while the A4 is a small car with a tiny back seat but with absolutely gorgeous, sporty interior.
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Replying to: ask2 (Nov 10, 2005 8:44 pm) Dave in VA |
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Replying to: edwardsf (Nov 11, 2005 2:58 pm) Sorry, but you are completely wrong. The DSG is offered on Audi products using the transverse mounted engine (TT, A3) and within a short time will be available across the model range. Additionally the 2.0T FSI is an Audi motor. FSI technology was introduced in the LeMans dominating Audi R8 race car. Furthermore, platform sharing DOES exist between the two companies: For example "A" Platform: Jetta, TT, Beetle, A3
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Replying to: jpvwaudi (Nov 13, 2005 5:53 pm) I dashed off my post without seeing that it was not clear because I sniffed out that the previous poster is a VW salesman and found that annoying. Sure enough, he admitted that he is (a VW salesman that is ...). I find it more enjoyable to discuss things with people that have some real interest in actual driving dynamics so I am signing out of this one on the specs. Back to the two cars (minus the specs): I would be interested to hear from someone who has driven the VR6. I only drove the Passat 2.0T and as per above found it stable but ponderous and family car-like. It is no longer a sports sedan as its predessor was. I read Edmunds review of the Passat VR6 on the autobahn and they seemed to like it so I am wondering if the suspension is tighter on the Passat VR6 than on the Passat 2.0T. I drove the A4 - without sport suspension - and found it a much sharper handling car and with more exciting and usable acceleration than the Passat 2.0T. My guess is that the A4 2.0T and the Passat VR6 will come out the same in price with comparable options but they will still be two very different cars. You can put all the HP and hi tech suspension you want on, say, a RL but it will not handle like a TSX. |
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I am a salesman myself, but enjoy taking the time to learn my craft and product; I tend to take a more consultive position with my clients. The driving dynamics are hugely different between the new Passat and A4, more so than the previous generation. The 3.6 VR6 is a fantastic powerplant, but the power overwhelms the front wheels of the new Passat. One of the biggest mistakes I feel that VW made in designing the new Passat was changing the layout of the engine from north-south to east-west. Sure, it gives the car more interior room up front, but it eliminates the four-link front suspension that worked so well to limit tourque-steer in the 98-05 models. To me, the car feels more like a Maxima than it should. They took some of the German out of the Passat. If you're seriously considering the VR6, I would definately wait for the 4Motion. Those cars should be arriving later this month.
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