Strange question, but I was curious, do you think there is something that sets an Audi person apart from a BMW person.

First thing, MONEY. Second, Rear Driver vs. Quattro. Third, if applicable, MAINTENANCE.

BMW Buyer: Audi Buyer:
============ ================
Labels are important Technology, practicality are desirables
Desires the status that BMW offers Likes the subtle status of Audi (sleeper approach)
Wants what society considers to be best Wants what HE considers to be best
Puts performance above other issues Takes the well-balanced approach
Unaware of many technology innovations Knows what "Torsen Differential" (e.g.) means
Used to paying for what he wants Always balances the wallet and desire
Still has something to prove A self-confident, happy SOB

Yep, I'm biased - but I couldn't resist this set ;-)
No flames please...

Any others?

Gordon Martin
98.5 2.8QMS (Santorin Blue)

In short ...

BMW drivers want that little bit of glamour associated with the brand (Going for something flashy). Audi drivers will let the understated quality and substance speak for itself.

These are all based on what I used to live (Hong Kong) and where I am living in Canada (Vancouver, BC). I try not to stereotyping or bias toward certain type of marque owners.
Audi owner: Generally more knowledge about their cars: Quattro AWD, 5-Valve per cylinder and 1.8T has exceptional potential
They wanna to be different than others. "I am different cause I drive an Audi not those Acura or 3-series which are everywhere on the roads" even though Audis are everywhere here.
Their buying considerations are different, too. They buy Audi because of its elegance styling, attention-to-details, Quattro AWD, overall quality and for some sports or non-sport is extremely important cause they are probably going with aftermarket shocks and suspensions later on.
Now here is BMW owner: They tend to buy the marque more for name than for its real performacne, generally. "I brought a 318ti base with automatic cause its a Bimmer, Bimmer means status even though the 318 is underpower and unreliable.
I am rich is another BMW owner attitude! "I am rich even though I have a 318ti base"
Not a lot of knowledge on their car, for most owners! Some don't even know what the engine he/she is driving. Just know "I am driving a very fast BMW". They don't even know they are driving an awesome 540.
No flames please
Tom
97 A4 1.8TQMS
99 JETTA IV GLS 2.0
Previous owner of 1992 BMW E36 318i sedan

I'll say 99% of people who bought Audi are car lovers but that ratio for BMW is probably 50%. This is only applicable in the State and not in Europe.

Like me? I love cars. I have a brand new 1999.5 Audi A4 Quattro (5Speed) AND s 1998 540i (6 Speed) (2000 540i on the way)...

I do agree that many people who purchase BMW's purchase them for the reasons you mentioned. When I see someone in a 318i (especially the auto), I laugh.. I'd rather have a Nissan maxima for the money.. But there are a few of us (myself included) that buy BMW's for the joy of driving them. If you ever have a chance to drive the 540i Six speed, I highly recommend it.. Awesome car to drive. (During my purchase of the A4, I allowed my Audi salesman to drive my 540.. all he could say was "Wow .. This car PULLS!")

That having been said, I found the A4 1.8T Quattro to be the perfect companion to the 540i. I live in the northeast and can't drive a rear-wheel drive performance car in the winter, so I bought the A4.. I love the A4 as well.. German handling, manual transmission.. and of course the quattre for winter. I couldn't be happier..

...that there's something strange about people that can't recognize that Audi AND BMW (and a lot of other companies) build great cars. There IS something to be said about brand loyalty, but there's even MORE to say about people that stereotype people that buy nice cars of another make.

CraigB
'98 Audi A4 1.8TQM (many mods)
'99 BMW Z3 2.3
Past Honda loyalist (but I woke up)

ps - Obviously, you've never driven a BMW.

Hi Brian:
Sorry if I have offence anyone!
I have to say I really love to drive the 540, especially those with optional sports suspension and 6-speed manual. The 540 is every inch as intriguing as a German sports car.
I am not saying that all BMW owners don't even know what type of cars they are driving, but I always mentioned the word "MOST". Those who joined the BMWCCA, BMW Club of BC and a lot of small Bimmer clubs are a BMW enthuisiasts around the world are all enjoying the driving pleasure of their BMWs. Many BMW owners are very nice people too!
I agree that those who brought a 318 with automatic are simply "name" buyers but I think those who brought a M3 and 540 are driving enthuisasts.
I apologized for the stereotyping on the last message.
Tom
97 A4 1.8TQMS
99 JETTA IV GLS 2.0
Previous owner of 1992 BMW E36 318i sedan 5-speed Granite Silver Metallic/Grey Velour standard seats

I don't think there is any real difference. I owned a A4 2.8 for three years ( I was the sixth person in AZ to get one - acorrding to the dealer) and now I drive a 540i 6spd. The only reason I switched was that at the time Audi did not have a car available that fit what I wanted...S4/A6 2.7T.

Both manufacuters make great cars and have many different and interesting models.

I agree with you. And I'm a BMW owner! I was patiently waiting to get an A4 Avant 2.8QMS, but Audi USA just didn't want me to have the car (the way I wanted) this year.

So after a little drive of the M Coupe, I picked up my Audi deposit from the dealer.

The funny thing is, my BMW sales person didn't have a clue about this when I mentioned my reluctance about the BMW brand.

Mike

was more fun to drive. O.K. I do like buying new cars. Most car nuts would have to like either bimmers or Audis or any brand that brings a smile to their face. Or a ticket in the mail on occaison. :)

My wife said everybody drives a BMW, she wanted something different a car people would take notice of. Now with sales up 30% or so every quarter, everybody will be driving Audis.. :)So we didn't even look at the BMW's