[chrisny]

And let's not forget, Audi has been winning an awful lot of these comparisons, across all classes, for several years of late, going back at least to when they first put a V8 in the S4.. But, in most cases, to the "normal" driver, they are always very close and very similar cars.

[Maz335i]

Originally Posted by nsquared

Here is the link to the video.

One thing for people to keep in mind. The tested BMW is a 335i but it is on a square setup, not staggered like most RWD cars. In addition, the 335i is equipped with Run Flat all seasons compared to summer tires on the Audi S4. Thus, there is a huge difference in braking and the track. Although the Audi S4's mechanic LSD is far superior than the electronic in the 335i, its an option, it isn't standard thus the testing numbers are different.

Both are great cars but the options, facts are miss interrupted in the video. I've been in the VW/Audi family for a long time and know a lot about their cars.

+1

Exactly what I'm trying to say...

[micknugget]

But the Audi is no where as good looking inside or out and that means a lot to me.

[bimmerjph]

Originally Posted by rconti

unless you're a member of the Quandt family.

Actually I have a sneaking suspicion that the Quandts are the reason for BMW newfound softness.

[ThreeTwentyEightI]

My best friend has a 12' S4 and I'll swap him my 335i a lot to change things up. I must say it's quick as hell but the sound of it sounds so fake and seems generated. The exhaust sounds like a crap when flooring it in 2nd through 3-5k (fart can sound). The MMI interface is garbage compared to iDrive. The speedometer is strange with it going all the way to 200. Causing for 60 to look like 30 on a regular speedometer. 2 things I really like is the seating and stance of the car. Seats are luxurious while really sporty with the recaros. Especially the back seats having the same contour as the front. The stance of the car is so right though. For a car to be AWD and sit low is a wonderful thing. Hopefully BMW can shorten up their xDrive someday.

[justinnum1]

doesnt quite seem like apples to apples, should be an msprt 335 with 19's and summer tires.

further more, i bet 335 outsells s4 10 to 1...(could be way off ) differenece

[bosz]

Originally Posted by micknugget

But the Audi is no where as good looking inside or out and that means a lot to me.

+ F*ing 1. IMHO, A4 line of family styling is so both inside and out. I fricking HATE those christmas tree lights on the front especially!

Other audis may have nicer exteriors, like the new A6 but again the interiors are so dated. No sex appeal. I think MB has the nicest interiors (specially S-Class vs 7 Series), then BMW.. but Audi is just so bland. And Its not all about HP.

[justinnum1]

yea, a4 looks softer than a babies ass and that goes for the s4 too which one can barley tell the difference

[dmontic71]

BMWs are icons, Audis are cars... 30 years from now there will be some of these F30s just like you see E30s. How many 30 year old Audis do you see on the road? Oh, that's right, they had sticky throttles and would drive through your garage door!

[SPACEMANRICK]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

doesnt quite seem like apples to apples, should be an msprt 335 with 19's and summer tires.

further more, i bet 335 outsells s4 10 to 1...(could be way off ) differenece

I am on the fence on my next upgrade between the 2013 335xi and the 2013 S4 but one of the negatives about the 335xi/335i is there are just too many of them around and they a very common car....especially since the E90 and F30 look pretty close already anyways.

[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by SPACEMANRICK

I am on the fence on my next upgrade between the 2013 335xi and the 2013 S4 but one of the negatives about the 335xi/335i is there are just too many of them around and they a very common car....especially since the E90 and F30 look pretty close already anyways.

where i live the base a4 is a dime a dozen, and there is not enough to differentiate a base a4 to a s4

[1.fresh.f30.335]

Originally Posted by bosz

+ F*ing 1. IMHO, A4 line of family styling is so both inside and out. I fricking HATE those christmas tree lights on the front especially!

Other audis may have nicer exteriors, like the new A6 but again the interiors are so dated. No sex appeal. I think MB has the nicest interiors (specially S-Class vs 7 Series), then BMW.. but Audi is just so bland. And Its not all about HP.

I couldn't disagree more... Audi has the best interiors of all the german's, and while I do believe the new 3 is sick on the interior, the s4 has a nicer feel, fit and finish.

The tires make all the difference on this, my car wants to hold and I can feel the tires just giving out... I hate run flats... worst decision ever made on BMW's part... I believe the 335i to be faster and better handling, I also think that audi has a vested interest in tuning the 2013 s4 to be better than the 335, but thats what a chip is for.

[SPACEMANRICK]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

where i live the base a4 is a dime a dozen, and there is not enough to differentiate a base a4 to a s4

That is like saying a 328i looks like an M3

[RASHID007]

This comparison is flawed. Change the BMW 18" run flats to any decent non-run flat summer tires and it's a tie or the 335i wins every category.

[LousyShot]

Both are nice, but the Audis have almost no character to the exterior design (unless you count the christmas lights around the front bumper). I'm not bashing the S4, it's a great car just not something that I enjoy looking at.

[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by SPACEMANRICK

That is like saying a 328i looks like an M3

to 99% of people it probably does.

[LousyShot]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

to 99% of people it probably does.

He's right, most non-enthusiasts wouldn't know the difference.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by RASHID007

To be honest I hear a lot of complaints about how the F30 is the softer 3 series as if it's a bad thing. I'm sure I'm not the only one that prefers the F30 over all previous 3 series. I've tried twice in the last 10 years to buy a 3 series and both times couldn't get myself to do it even though I've always been a huge BMW fan. Why? Because E90 and earlier was too small and cramped and lacking any hint of luxury. The interior was embarrassing. The trade off of performance vs luxury/interior/tech/space was poorly done. This F30 is the first BMW 3 series worth owning if you want a luxury car. Before now a 3 series buyer was buying a wannabe sports car stripped of luxury interior and acceptable space front and back top to bottom.

If you want a sports car get a sports car. If you want the perfect mix of luxury and performance then get an F30. The S4 is great no doubt about that. But if you love and want a BMW the F30 is the first 3 series with buying if you want a LUXURY car too.

Ok now let the flaming of me begin. . Or perhaps people agreeing that the 3 series trumps all past 3 series by a wide margin and softer is not always bad (and a big pat on the back to Audi for catching up).

I think the point you're missing is they didn't have to give up performance in favor of luxury by the elements you mentioned. Upgrading the interior has nothing to do with sacrificing performance. The bigger size doesn't have to either (ask Audi).

If what you meant to say is a softer, less harsh ride, BMW themselves have accomplished this in other cars while improving handling, not decreasing it (see E70 X5 with sport package/active dampers).

Trying to please everyone is going to displease some. They're a successful company and decided they needed compromise to sell more of their best seller... Time will tell.

My take, no one buys a 3 series for a soft ride. Upgrade the interior and you find that balance you mentioned, don't sacrifice the performance.

That said, I don't think they've sacrificed performance as much as some say. The steering feel is the only valid complaint I've heard and it's feel, not the performance of the steering that is lacking. Point it where you want and it goes, with very little body roll and plenty of confidence, and at 4.7 seconds or 4.9 or whoever you want to listen to, it's plenty fast for a sedan that doesn't start with an ///M or an "RS"

[jtuds]

I don't have an answer to which car is better but I disagree with the guy on a few things.

THe numbers speak for themselves and it kinda sucks that the BMW stops so badly.

Anyway, I think the Audi is nicer inside and has better seats...the centre console in the BMW is better but the seats and dash in the Audi are better in my opinion.

Also, he complains that the BMW has no engine noise but doesn't comment on the Audi noise. Well I have heard the Audi noise....it is an annoying exhaust drone and nothing from the engine. I like the BMW noise...loud enough to know it's there but not gonna get on your nerves.

Fuel economy means a lot these days, too.

Why does the S4 have to look so blah?

These cars are very even...maybe too even to call.

I have a feeling the cache attached to a car that says "S4" on the back does a lot for Audi too, because people see them as more exclusive or rare than a 335i.

[ƒ°]

All I got to say is Tires.

Same guy reviewed the 335i a few months ago. He was all giddy about it. And it tested much better with the 19" wheels + Summer tires. Although the speed tests are marginally better, the braking test is drastically different depending on the tires.

Previous Ignition Review of 335i
0-60: 4.7 sec
1/4 Mile: 13.3 sec @ 103.9 mph
Braking 60-0: 109 ft

This Ignition Review of 335i vs S4
0-60: 4.9 sec
1/4 mile: 13.5 sec @ 103.9 mph
Braking 60-0: 131 ft

Audi's 60-0 Braking: 108 ft

[ƒ°]

As far as the vs debate goes... What's the point?

335i vs S4
Brooklyn Decker vs Kate Upton

[SPACEMANRICK]

Both are great cars....I am on the fence.....but I don't think anyone will be unhappy with either