BMW or Audi

[BeemerFanatic]

Buy a newer model with lower mileage.
Within your budget of course and also compare similar spec and sized cars

I’m gonna suggest BMW any day, all day:bravo:

 

[Nick]

Friend of mine has an s3 quatro, he says its fast but very boring because the quatro is to good and never lets you have any fun.

Some pics and vids on his IG : https://www.instagram.com/nick_nukem/

 

[Dirtydeedsman]

I was in the same boat last year and I ended up in the A3 because those interiors are just beautiful and spacious and modern and all things nice. Went to test drive a few BMWs in the F30 both Sport and Msport trim and there is something 'old' about them. Can't put my finger on it but BMW interiors feel out dated.

I have a 2.0TDi which is not at all as fast as the S3 but I have had my brothers S3 for a few days and you can never get used to the power. Those things are QUICK... launch control take off will melt your face. I cannot say they are heavy on fuel if you drive it normal. Its just another 2.0.

The 330D will be faster than the S3 no doubt but its a big engine and for your small morning commute is rather unnecessary.

Get the S3 and if you can get it in sedan... ticks all the boxes.

Vorsprung Durch Technik

 

[Yuben]

S3, @131Gav can add value there:thumbs:

 

[Quick///M]

This is bimmer forum so bmw :thumbs:

 

[yush1]

Did you perhaps consider a F20 M135i or even a Merc A45? In terms of fuel consumption they all quite similar.

 

[Xeqtr]

I was in the same boat last year and I ended up in the A3 because those interiors are just beautiful and spacious and modern and all things nice. Went to test drive a few BMWs in the F30 both Sport and Msport trim and there is something 'old' about them. Can't put my finger on it but BMW interiors feel out dated.

I have a 2.0TDi which is not at all as fast as the S3 but I have had my brothers S3 for a few days and you can never get used to the power. Those things are QUICK... launch control take off will melt your face. I cannot say they are heavy on fuel if you drive it normal. Its just another 2.0.

The 330D will be faster than the S3 no doubt but its a big engine and for your small morning commute is rather unnecessary.

Get the S3 and if you can get it in sedan... ticks all the boxes.

Vorsprung Durch Technik

Weird... i feel the opposite with the interior. I think BMW is clean and classy and the Audi's and Mercs are either for children or for grandpa's

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

Your requirement of having a luxurious daily means neither of these fit the bill either.
The 3 series is not a luxury car and the only one that makes some decent noise is the 6cylinder. So this is a tough one to match.

Not being negative but I think you should weigh each of the requirements carefully, decide what you realy want, that will help. Luxury, Performance, Sound, etc. See what you can live without.. These 2 cars are vastly different.

Maybe an Audi RS model fits the bill better? Those bucket seats are hard to match too!

All the best deciding!

 

[Dirtydeedsman]

I was in the same boat last year and I ended up in the A3 because those interiors are just beautiful and spacious and modern and all things nice. Went to test drive a few BMWs in the F30 both Sport and Msport trim and there is something 'old' about them. Can't put my finger on it but BMW interiors feel out dated.

I have a 2.0TDi which is not at all as fast as the S3 but I have had my brothers S3 for a few days and you can never get used to the power. Those things are QUICK... launch control take off will melt your face. I cannot say they are heavy on fuel if you drive it normal. Its just another 2.0.

The 330D will be faster than the S3 no doubt but its a big engine and for your small morning commute is rather unnecessary.

Get the S3 and if you can get it in sedan... ticks all the boxes.

Vorsprung Durch Technik

Weird... i feel the opposite with the interior. I think BMW is clean and classy and the Audi's and Mercs are either for children or for grandpa's

Nice and beautiful and clean and all Feng Shui

Clutter, some of these buttons honestly should have been a touch screen or i-Drive option

 

[S1NGH 911]

Given you're not doing long drives and your commute to work isn't long I don't see why you'd go for a diesel over a petrol, with these things it's always best to make a list of your own thinking and rate import on a 0-10 scale.

So stuff like motorplan (0 being you don't care and 10 being you want a new car with 5 years of plan).
fuel economy
comfort
power/speed
feel
options/extras
etc. etc.

Everyone will have their own views. I'd lean towards the S3 as it's sportier and in my view a more attractive car than the recent 3 series BMWs (even those with m-sport kits).

Are you tied to only these brands? You could always also consider a clean G6 GTI maybe or even an early G7 GTI? Both good cars also and big enough for your needs...

I fail to see how a GTi can even be mentioned in the same company as a 330d..

+1 GTi is no comparison :biglol:

Sent from my Samsung Note 8

---

If you dont like the 328i engine sound, how are you going to enjoy the 330d tractor engine sound?

Have you driven a 330d it sounds nothing like diesel from the inside, and sound nothing like a 320d from the outside even when cold....

Sent from my Samsung Note 8

 

[ntuthuko]

I'd pick the bm purely because of ownership costs friend of mine paid r13000 for a major service on a Audi a1 tdi yet I usually pay plus minus 5000 on my e90 320d lci if you plan on keeping the car long bear this in mind.

 

[TBP88]

I'd probably take a G7GTI over a 330d... But again, the size of the new 3 series more than anything is what puts me off it.

 

[aksamg]

Guess something to also consider is your short-term plans - seems that you keep cars until after they're paid off so things to consider: out of plan maintenance, family additions, your personality (and in 8 years time), etc.
I know for me, having an S3 at 38 with 2/3 kids wouldn't be ideal.

 

[RAArmstrong]

330d dude!

Go drive it. You'll leave with it. The BMW 3.0d is something really special!

I'm driving a Merc 3.0d at the moment and while it's epic. It doesnt match the BMW

 

[Kish2604]

If I were in your position and this is my opinion purely is I would take the S3, I am sure your 0-100 testing was without launch control...put it at robot, engage lc, let it build boost and let rip.. These things can lc all day long..lastly the brakes are actual anchors compared to the f series, they take abuse and are actually over engineered for its use.. I have spent enough time peddling my brother in laws S3 and it's damn impressive for a daily drive.. Lots of entertainment value, a truly better sound and infotainment system which bmw doesn't understand how to make..

Comparing to a 328i or 330d I would grab the s3.. Put a M135/335i in the mix then things change...

Good luck!

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[e46monk3y]

5 door F series 125i?

2ltr turbo, smaller car than the F30, and you can make these cars go like stink if you so require..

The looks are quite subjective however...

 

[NAS325ci]

From what u tested i would take the s3 in a heart beat I love those cars no idea why... Add an 335 or 135 to your list and that will change things. Here's my take

328 vs 330d = 330d

330d vs s3 = s3

335/135 vs s3 = 335/135

The x35s is all u looking for has the best engine sound from all these and has the best power delivery and will definitely put a smile on your face.

330d is fun had a f30 330d with bmw ppk etc to abuse for a day car has insane torque an was decent fun to drive power on tap easily but completely forgot about it when I woke up the next morning. Maybe now the one I drove is abit better now as it now has the bmw performance back box but I don't know I'm just not a diesel guy yet.

I still remember my 1st test drive in 335. It's intoxicating. Btw 330d felt quicker coz of torque. If your budget allows add an 335/135 to your list.

Good luck in your decision keep us posted.

 

[alkit]

Thanks guys for all the replies so far.

I'm getting the general feeling that the x35 series is what I need to be looking at. It's just that its another R100k over budget to go there.
Hmmm, 1st world problems.

Is there anything that is as much fun as a x35 but within my budget of around R400k?

Or is it worth delaying a few months so I can save up a bit more?

 

[Diesellover]

I would say go with the 330d. It's an extremely well rounded vehicle. Can be calm but at the same time can turn into an animal when needed.

I think if you drive it you'll be blown away with how good the car actually feels. I have driven one with the ppk and it was probably the most fun I have ever had.

You'd be doing yourself a huge injustice by not driving it.

FYI: For a diesel it has a bit of a roar.

 

[CaTcH21]

with BMW you get very little car for a lot of money.

Sure the 330d is a beast , but I don't think you want a race car.

I just bought my wife a 440 F32 because it's a classy looking car , but once you jump in it's rolling back 5 years at least . It's so boring .

As one other poster said, take a few test drives in both cars and decide. Don't do what others sway you to do, because you will regret it. Make it 100% your choice.