Autocar - had a quick flick through yesterday: A3 Cab vs. 1 series cab. A3 is faster, better looking, cheaper, HANDLES BETTER and easily as well built according to mag....
A3 cab trounces BM
- Thread starter steveg9
- Start date
PNH80
Low life livin' the high life.
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2008
- Messages
- 1,633
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 36
I've got a copy of CAR magazine from earlier this year which compares the two...
They say the BMW engine is better, sounds better and is smoother. Overall, technically the better performer. The BMW is also rear wheel drive so more of a 'drivers car' in their opinion.
The A3 is better looking, more stylish, better cabin, generally the 'nicer' motor.
Their main criticism of the A3 cab is that it is not available in quattro form....CAR magazine say 'quattro' is often Audi's saving grace and trump card against BMW so without it, the A3 cab is a little ordinary.
To clarify... The Audi is the nicer car to own and miles ahead style wise but as a rewarding drivers car it's the BMW all the way.
They say the BMW engine is better, sounds better and is smoother. Overall, technically the better performer. The BMW is also rear wheel drive so more of a 'drivers car' in their opinion.
The A3 is better looking, more stylish, better cabin, generally the 'nicer' motor.
Their main criticism of the A3 cab is that it is not available in quattro form....CAR magazine say 'quattro' is often Audi's saving grace and trump card against BMW so without it, the A3 cab is a little ordinary.
To clarify... The Audi is the nicer car to own and miles ahead style wise but as a rewarding drivers car it's the BMW all the way.
arthurfuxake
Controversial & Contradictive
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2004
- Messages
- 1,308
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 36
- Location
- Manchester
- Website
- photobucket.com
The audi website has the A3 as the better car all-round, but the BMW website has the BMW as the better car all-round.
Horses for courses. I think the 1 series looks nicer but the a3 pip's it with the interior but I prefer the BM seats... I'd buy neither though.
J.
J.
PaulAr
S3 (8P)
PNH80
Low life livin' the high life.
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2008
- Messages
- 1,633
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 36
CAR magazine actually agree with you. Both are great cars in their own right BUT neither of them actually feel like complete cars.
They conclude that you should try to push the boat out and get a 135i convertible if possible.
Personally i'd say if you have a penis, get a tin top anyway.
Based on looks (because thats what the people that buy these cars are interested in really) the A3 is the nicer one of the 2. The 1 series is one of the worst looking cars around and I dont think taking the roof off has helped.
But I'd be wanting an A4 or Alfa Spider over the A3 or the 1 series.
But I'd be wanting an A4 or Alfa Spider over the A3 or the 1 series.
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2007
- Messages
- 2,016
- Reaction score
- 5
- Points
- 38
Based on looks (because thats what the people that buy these cars are interested in really) the 1er is the nicer one of the 2. The audi is one of the worst looking cars around and I dont think taking the roof off has helped.
<< that last bit doesnt really work but you know what Im getting at!
<< that last bit doesnt really work but you know what Im getting at!
PNH80
Low life livin' the high life.
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2008
- Messages
- 1,633
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 36
To be honest.... Lightly used 3.0si Z4 or Porsche Boxster (insurance permitting) would top my list.
A4 cab is just a bit dull for me. Doesn't inspire the driver to push on and have fun at all. I just don't seem to get on with Alfas, they don't really do it for me. Bit too quirky.
Mercedes SLK 320 is a great motor, not to mention the SLK 55.... bit pricey thought...and girly.
A4 cab is just a bit dull for me. Doesn't inspire the driver to push on and have fun at all. I just don't seem to get on with Alfas, they don't really do it for me. Bit too quirky.
Mercedes SLK 320 is a great motor, not to mention the SLK 55.... bit pricey thought...and girly.
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2007
- Messages
- 2,016
- Reaction score
- 5
- Points
- 38
.... but we digress.
PaulAr
S3 (8P)
As above, if you dont need 4 seats, then there are loads of open top cars I would prefer for 30K+, some of which already mentioned.
Used S2000 with lots of change maybe?
My pref on looks alone would be A4 or SAAB if you need 4 seats and a open roof.
Used S2000 with lots of change maybe?
My pref on looks alone would be A4 or SAAB if you need 4 seats and a open roof.
I don't rate Autoexpress... they only publish rubbish... I wouldn't buy neither...
A Alfa Spider? Alfa red please!!! no... take away please!!
Pedro
A Alfa Spider? Alfa red please!!! no... take away please!!
Pedro
PaulAr
S3 (8P)
Lately Alfa seem to consistantly make beautiful cars, right across their range, not a single moose for years IMO.
Actually going with a mate to test a GT JTD on Sat. Hes just opted out of his Co. Car scheme and is using his allowance to buy one, plans to do 20K+ p/a so that should be test for reliability.
Motoway munching in style.
********, of topic again...
Cheers Paul
Actually going with a mate to test a GT JTD on Sat. Hes just opted out of his Co. Car scheme and is using his allowance to buy one, plans to do 20K+ p/a so that should be test for reliability.
Motoway munching in style.
********, of topic again...
Cheers Paul
Alfa yes!!!! By this rate I will be doing 20k miles a year in my S3... Now that is style!! Or being silly!!! ahaha
Pedro
Pedro
No great shakes here - just reporting what Autocar said, i was a bit surprised (particularly the handling bit!)
I do almost double a year in my coupe... Gotta have a nice car if your doing the miles!
J.
True true... Had that though myself... The S3 is nice for lots of mileage.
Just needed a bigger tank.... going twice a week to fill it up is a pain. Monywise I don't care too much it is just another bill... but the hassle of having to stop regularly for petrol...
How many liters your Z4 takes?
Pedro
Ah man the visiting the petrol station every other day is a real bind. The Z4 takes 55 litres os I am guessing the same as the S3? I get around 270/280 from a tank on average. Like you the money isn't too much of a concern especially as I can claim mileage it's just the amount of time.
Then of course I have to fill up the wifes car...
J.
Well same here... 280-350 miles per tank depending on right foot pressure....
I can't claim mileage but I don't have wifes car to fill up...
Pedro
I can't claim mileage but I don't have wifes car to fill up...
Pedro
