I love the site and thanks for all the comments yesterday. A Passat and A4 with the same options would probably be close in price (2K-3K difference). One major difference would be the A4's Quattro option. <p>1) This aside which vehicle is better bang for your buck?<br>2) Does Quattro make a huge difference? Better/worse?<p>Please keep in mind that I have driven a Passat, not an A4.<p>Thanks for your help!

Chris,<p>This question pops up alot in this forum, you probably should do a search of the archives and you'll find alot of posts similar to yours that can give you some more info. The big question to you is to provide more information about you and your needs for a car. There is no one direct answer to either of your questions without knowing more about your driving style, why you're considering these cars, and what your needs are.

I currently have a 97 Jetta and I am preparing to trade it in (Lease End). Wanting to upgrade, the Passat was my first choice. A very good friend of mine owns an A4 and is a BIG FAN. Knowing that the Audi and Passat are similar, I have been doing research and can't decide which route to take. <p>I am single and looking for a sporty car yet practical. Want something with good power and holds the road well. Most importantly I am looking to get the most car for my money. I am not in any way a car expert and won't be making any modifications to it once I buy it. I do mostly city driving (Washington, DC) so a V6 isn't an option. The Quattro interests me because of the added traction in wet and slippery conditions.<p>I don't expect to get a black/white answer but since a majority of the people here know alot about their vehicles and what else is out there, thought I might get some straightforward talk.

I currently have a 97 Jetta and I am preparing to trade it in (Lease End). Wanting to upgrade, the Passat was my first choice. A very good friend of mine owns an A4 and is a BIG FAN. Knowing that the Audi and Passat are similar, I have been doing research and can't decide which route to take. <p>I am single and looking for a sporty car yet practical. Want something with good power and holds the road well. Most importantly I am looking to get the most car for my money. I am not in any way a car expert and won't be making any modifications to it once I buy it. I do mostly city driving (Washington, DC) so a V6 isn't an option. The Quattro interests me because of the added traction in wet and slippery conditions.<p>I don't expect to get a black/white answer but since a majority of the people here know alot about their vehicles and what else is out there, thought I might get some straightforward talk.

Chris B:<br>Coming from a Jetta, you would find the Passat to be significantly less nimble, mainly because it has a longer wheelbase than either Jetta or A4. This is the major mechanical difference between the two if both are 1.8T FWD models. That extra length is all in the back seat, which is significantly more humane for your 3rd and 4th passengers, if this is an issue.<br>You will want the 1.8T with Manual, I presume. Many have found the 1.8T a little weak with the Tiptronic, particularly with quattro. This statement will be immediately challenged by the "chippers", and you can certainly gain HP with the 1.8T by changing its ECU.<br>You will really like the quattro, I think, and it is what really make the very good A4 great. Once you decide on the A4, it is a bargain of an option.<br>So, if the money works out, I heartily recommend the A4 1.8T Manual quattro Sport.<br>Just curious, why does "city driving" rule out the V6? I don't get that one.<p>John.<br>98 A4 2.8 QMS<br>81 VW Pickup

If the A4 doesn't seem appreciably better to you than the Passat, get the VW. IMHO, the Audi reputation (well, the current one anyway) is worth more than VW's, but their stock in the world is certainly rising.<p>Dealer could also be a determining factor.<br>

Why I prefer my A4 over a Passat:<p> 1) Quattro, quattro, quattro (I live in Michigan)<br> 2) Ride optimized for performance, but still very comfortable<br> 3) More luxurious, sporty interior (Passat more like a "family car" look & feel)<br> 4) Audi name has more panache than Volkswagen (sorry!)<br> 5) Std. features such as heated mirrors, auto-climate control<p>Why I might prefer a Passat over the A4:<p> 1) More room for back seat passengers (I've had complaints)<br> 2) Service & parts might be cheaper (?)<br> 3) Dealer is much closer to my home<p>I actually am considering a Passat when our Grand Am is ready for replacement. With a Tiptronic trans it would make a great standard family car for us, and my wife prefers an automatic.<p> Doug G<br> 98 1.8TQM

I just dont feel that I need a huge engine... won't really use it for what it is capable of especially for the added expense. Not much hwy driving.<br>

I'm married with a small child and I looked at the Passat and while it has a larger interior, this is a second car and I don't expect to transport many adults in my back seat.<p>The Passat is a fine car but I liked the feel of the A4 much better. I have a 1.8T 5-speed FWD and live in NY so in my opinion the Q is not a necessity but a matter of choice. I considered alot of factors in my decision including cost, weight, benefits in snow/rain, and benefits in good weather and then drove both versions. I would suggest that you also drive both if possible. Also check the FAQ's here on the Q vs. FWD and then make your own decision.<p>If you do decide to go with an A4, also test one with the sport suspension. Not only do I think it's a great mix between daily and spirited driving, it also is a great value for the price.<p>Good luck with your choice (both are great cars) and let us know what you decide.

I am 23 and trying to get the most for my $$. However, I would rather spend a little extra if it means better quality. I will have to lease the car b/c I don't have the $$ for large up front costs.<br>

Hi Chris. I'm 26 and faced the same situation you're in. As your finding out, there is no real concrete answer. It's going to have to be your decision. I only had two dislikes about the A4, the higher price, and no A/C outlet in the glove box (keeps your snacks cool).<br>I had a larger number of disklikes about the Passat. Not crazy about the exterior styling. It was OK, but not as hot as the A4. Not crazy about the interior styling. Still has that cold, outdated VW interior, although it's getting better. The Passat's handling was a little too soft for my taste. <br>As far as quality, I would actually choose the Passat over the A4. But the A4 just felt more special than the Passat. I had the little extra money and I am very happy with my decision. Everytime I drive my A4, I think, "man, this is a really, really nice car" and grin.<br>Listen to your heart and soul, and you'll probably choose the A4. Listen to your wallet, and you'll be driving a VW. Both fantastic cars.<br>BTW, I'm from DC, live in PA now. Where ya from in DC?

I was in a similar position last year. I was looking for a car and ended up deciding on a Passat because I thought it was fun to drive. At the same dealer, they happened to have a used A4. Just one look/test drive convinced me that I was willing to take a used A4 over a new Passat (keeping in mind that at that time I couldn't find a Passat with leather/manual).<p>Drive the A4 then make up your mind. It is you who will be driving the car. My husband really went back and forth over the A4 v. Passat, but it really was a no-brainer for me and since it was to be my car...

Exact same problem here...<p>I figured that the "Bang for the Buck" issue probably swayed the scales over to the Passat (for me at least)... but in the end, the wallet took second place in the decision process. Basically it boiled down to what put the (big) grin on my face. The A4 had that one covered big time and the cost difference wasn't too extreme.<p>Advice? Get the car that will make you most happy, forget about specs and stuff -- it'll make the decision a lot easier with the added benefit that you won't regret your decision later.<p>Ambrose<br>99 A4 1.8T QTipS<br>