Explain the "Big Difference" between Audi and VW (long)
11-27-2002, 06:57 AM
#22
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Quality difference almost 0; Audi chassis is much stiffer; tuned a bit more for sporty driving
And yes, it's smaller, but the 3.0 is much nicer than the 2.8 (not difficult).
...that's about it HONESTLY.
Although lots on here like to pretend that the Audis come out of some otherworldly source that is vastly superior to VW.
...that's about it HONESTLY.
Although lots on here like to pretend that the Audis come out of some otherworldly source that is vastly superior to VW.
11-27-2002, 07:00 AM
#24
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3 beetles here and they all were at the dealer all the time.
Window switches, interior trim falling off, interior paint rubbing off, rattles, ac condensor, belt tensioners, seat belt catches, the list goes on and on.
VW and Audi are the farthest apart from each other compared to any other car makers, ie. nissan/infinity, honda/acura, toyota/lexus...
VW and Audi are the farthest apart from each other compared to any other car makers, ie. nissan/infinity, honda/acura, toyota/lexus...
11-27-2002, 07:00 AM
#25
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Warranty is almost identical; Passat has quattro; Audi isn't prestigious (like BMW or MB, Lexus)
and it's getting less so each day as its corporate parent (VW) screws it further by coming out with better, cheaper models.
11-27-2002, 07:06 AM
#27
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The Passat and the A4 do indeed have many similarities. That does NOT make them the same car.
Fisrt, no one is knocking VWs. A very high number of A4 owners have owned VWs (I have owned 4 VWs in the last 25 years, not to mention a Datsun 510 and an RX-7 as well - my last two cars were GTI VR6s, and I was pleased with both of them).
Second, anywhere a large number of owners collect, they will discuss their problems, and this tends to magnify the impression of reliability problems. Go to the bimmer forums, it's the same there.
The A4 is engineered for a higher degree of performance (particularly suspension and handling),luxuries (Passat interior is nice, but is nowhere close to the A4), and options (sport suspension, etc.) compared to the Passat. There are technologies such as ESP that are simply not present on the Passat (unless you go for the W8, and that's one expensive VW). And AWD allows you to push the car places where FWD cannot go.
Having said all that: The Passat is a great car and a great value. If YOU have driven both, and you do not perceive a significant difference, then by all means get the Passat.
Second, anywhere a large number of owners collect, they will discuss their problems, and this tends to magnify the impression of reliability problems. Go to the bimmer forums, it's the same there.
The A4 is engineered for a higher degree of performance (particularly suspension and handling),luxuries (Passat interior is nice, but is nowhere close to the A4), and options (sport suspension, etc.) compared to the Passat. There are technologies such as ESP that are simply not present on the Passat (unless you go for the W8, and that's one expensive VW). And AWD allows you to push the car places where FWD cannot go.
Having said all that: The Passat is a great car and a great value. If YOU have driven both, and you do not perceive a significant difference, then by all means get the Passat.
11-27-2002, 07:22 AM
#30
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This is not a simple question...(long)
It is not what you see that makes the difference, it is what you don't see. I will give you several examples but, consider this: You are the parent company of two German marques. One will be sold as a high volume, basic transportation family car in competition with other high volume manufacturers ie, Honda, Toyota, etc. The other will be sold as a premium luxury sport tourer ie, M-Benz, BMW, etc. Throw out the size comparisons between VW and Audi. What will be your primary focus in manufacturing a volume car? Your answer should have been... "cost". What is your primary focus in manufacturing the high-end car? "How can I can I make mine better than everyone elses." You see, you have to justify the difference in price.
The suspensions, brakes, engines, and transmissions are more sport tuned on Audi's. The cars are more capable because their owners will drive them that way. Many cars can get to 130 mph, but they are not designed to stay there. If you will notice, most of the technical innovations (not all)are filtered down through Audi, not VW.
By the way, I happen to like both but after fifteen years of ownership, the differences, obvious or not, can be felt if not seen and heard.
4motion is the same technology developed for the TT. It works but, it was a compromise because of the size and packaging constraints of the car. The Torsen differential is more dynamic, and is still superior in its application. If your sales person could not demonstrate its capabilities...shame, shame. Multitronic (CVT)is not offered on VW, yet. I could go on but, my advice would be to drive them back-to-back one more time. If you truly cannot justify the difference in price, become a proud owner of a new VW. Both are good choices.
The suspensions, brakes, engines, and transmissions are more sport tuned on Audi's. The cars are more capable because their owners will drive them that way. Many cars can get to 130 mph, but they are not designed to stay there. If you will notice, most of the technical innovations (not all)are filtered down through Audi, not VW.
By the way, I happen to like both but after fifteen years of ownership, the differences, obvious or not, can be felt if not seen and heard.
4motion is the same technology developed for the TT. It works but, it was a compromise because of the size and packaging constraints of the car. The Torsen differential is more dynamic, and is still superior in its application. If your sales person could not demonstrate its capabilities...shame, shame. Multitronic (CVT)is not offered on VW, yet. I could go on but, my advice would be to drive them back-to-back one more time. If you truly cannot justify the difference in price, become a proud owner of a new VW. Both are good choices.