I was shopping for a new ride and two cars stood out. The 2010 335i coupe and the 2010 A5 3.2 quattro. Why did I ditch my all time favorite BMW for an Audi? Read on for the details.
Although both are $46,000 sports coupes the character couldn’t be different
The BMW feels like a driving tool where everything was designed to maximize fun. The 335i has the sportier suspension and steering, but it is also more nervous and less confident than the A5.
Supreme confidence is what the A5 should stand for, especially on the freeway. If you like to weave through city traffic the BMW is better, if you like high-speed freeway travel pick the Audi. In the end I prefer the Audi approach of beauty and confidence, it’s a more exiting car overall.
Oh God, those curves
I usually prefer substance over beauty, but The A5 is the first car I considered on looks alone. The A5 just looks like a more expensive, more impressive car next to the somewhat plain looking 335i. The LED daytime running lights on the Audi are just a beauty, the wide stance, the curves, the rich overall look. The Audi is the exotic sports car for an (somewhat) affordable price.
Audi’s Quattro or BMW rear wheel dive?
Unless you like to floor the gas while making a left turn, rear drive is still more fun than all wheel drive. Having said that the more powerful BMW could use the extra traction of Quattro. The 335i spins it rear tires virtually anytime in 1st (and sometimes even 2nd gear). Which is fun if you have an extra $800 to spend on new rear tires, but honestly do you really want traction control drama anytime you lay down the power? I didn’t think so. In the end the Audi is unflappable no matter when you hit the gas. Acceleration in the dry or wet are always worry free.
Audi 9. BMW 8.
What about luxury?
Maybe it’s just me but a $46,000 car should not only be fun and good looking but also luxurious. Let’s start with the interior: Here the Audi impresses with a stylish design while the 335i is plain and dated. The A5 actually uses less expensive materials than BMW. Tap the plastic around the dashboard and you know where Audi saved money. The A5 scores with a noticeably wider cabin and more comfortable seat belts. The BMW seat belts are mounted too low, too far back and cause annoying shoulder strain on longer drives.
Audi 10. BMW 7.
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| BMW 335i coupe |
Audi can’t out-handle BMW
Handling is one of the reasons why I had a tough time considering anything but the 335i. Although Audi got better you still notice too much weight up front and boring under-steer. You have more fun in the BMW in tight corners. But the Audi impresses with a more planted and secure feel anywhere else.
With all wheel drive and a wide stance the A5 feels more mature and less of a edgy “let it all hand out” car. That’s not as sporty, but it’s a great feeling nevertheless. In the end BMW has better turn in and quicker reflexes. On the thigh on ramp I take every day the BMW bits, and the Audi runs wide.
Audi 8. BMW 9.
The Audi Automatic is a disappointment
The Automatic is Audi’s most obvious weak spot. It shifts quick and smooth, but then occasionally it clunkers the gears like an old pick up truck. Forget about using the paddle shifters, it will hammer in the gears for drive-line abusive. With so many excellent automatics available this is a big disappointment in 2010 luxury car. The automatic should have never passed Audi engineering & quality standards. Fire your supplier or pay them more. The BMW automatic is clearly better and never missteps.
Audi 4. BMW 9.
BMW Engine still rules
And then there is the BMW 3.0 twin turbo of course. While the Audi 3.2 matches my old 330i in acceleration, it’s hopelessly underpowered compared to the 335i. The power and torque difference is immediately noticeable – you need about 2 seconds to tell. The A5 3.2 feels strong until you drive the 335i. The A5 is not slow, but just not enough to run with a 335i.
Audi 7. BMW 10.
Audi Freeway ride revelation
This is where the Audi was a revelation. Rarely have I driven a car that feels this secure and in charge on the freeway. The wide stance, firm suspension and tires, and the automatic are now all in tune to deliver a ride that is unflappable. Even the steering wheel mounted shift paddles make sense now – there are perfect to drop a gear or two while passing on the freeway. This car was made for triple digit travel. It’s reminiscent of more expensive luxury cars such as a BMW 7 series. The 335i in comparison feels nervous and a bit tipsy. Still secure, but not as confident and calm. I never noticed this 335i weakness until I drove the A5 3.2 Quattro with sports package.
Audi 10. BMW 8.
Steering is still BMW’s domain
Steering is one of the best things about my old 330i and the new 335i is virtually identical. Audi almost matches the precision BMW steering – most of the time. The A5 steering is great until you drive under 25 mph. Then the steering becomes too light, too over boosted, and too artificial. This might be helpful if you mom parks your A5, but it’s not what you want in a sports car. Audi’s plan to have a light steering at low speeds and a firm feel at higher speeds was a great idea, but the execution was botched. It’s not an acceptable compromise. On a short test dive it might appeal, but after a week you want hack into the OBC to get rid of it.
Audi 6. BMW 10.
Bottom Line
When you tally up the points the 335i BMW is a better driver’s car – no surprise here. The Audi is competent, but it’s not as fast, not as much fun and does not offer the discounted leases or the awesome free maintenance that BMW comes with. So why did I get a more costly, less sporty, slower Audi? Because it’s a beauty, it’s a coupe that 6.2 feet guy can be comfortable in, and no matter how good the BMW handling and engine is, the car has its shortcomings.
In the end it’s more than just getting bored of BMW. The Audi drives like a larger, more mature car. It’s a supremely competent high-speed cruiser and only give ground to the 335i in city driving – or drag racing. The Audi A5 3.2 is a Grand Tourer that can handle. The Audi wants to be driven less aggressive, but at higher speeds. Right now I prefer the supreme confidence and style of Audi over the edgy, fun, and a bit nervous BMW set up.
Brazilian Girls and the Audi don’t mix
No problems so far with the car, except that my on again off again fiery Brazilian girl kicked the passenger side door and put a shallow dent into it. It’s barely noticeable, but it was so wrong. She feels terrible about it. She loves the car too.
CraigSelection.com
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