I have driven the A4Q 1.8t and the Passat 1.8t and was really impressed with how enjoyable the Passat was to drive; and so much so I think I may save some $ and get a larger car with similar quality. Has anyone else compared the two?

You're right; if you're leasing and/or planning to keep the car shorter term, the A4 is the better choice. If you're buying and/or keeping the car longer than, say, four years, the Passat is the way to go. If you need a real back seat, the Passat will be the better choice.

I was all set to get a Passat Synchro Wagon, until they decided not to bring them in. I had to then choose between the bigger back seat and all-wheel drive.<p>My A4 Avant will be here in March (I hope)!!!<p>>>>>>Bernie

I have been thinking about the Passat vs A4 myself. I wouldn't get a Passat because I like the interior styling of the A4 much more and also the Passat is much larger car than I need right now (no kids).<p>However, I don't understand why the Passat is a better choice if you are going to keep the car long term. Please explain.

But how often does a drivetrain actually have a problem--usually it is the more insignificant stuff-starter, alternator, power windows etc. that go bad IMHO.

I went through the same comparison and decided to buy A4 because of the following: better interior look and feel, better driving/roadholding character, and I even felt it as being faster. Also, Audi felt more surefooted - I guess because it is shorter, as well as more upscale, but that might be because of the sport steering wheel. Also, the Passat's shifter made me sorry when I had to shift, while Audi's feels much better in hand and shifts are much more "buttery." <p>I am not sorry for selecting A4 instead Passat. Also, if I would add alloy wheels on Passat, the price difference would be about $2,000, and with the above mentioned experience, I felt that A4 was a better buy. The only thing where Passat won in my scoring was the interior space, but I did not need it, so it did not make any difference in my selection.