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Audi A4 vs Acura TL vs Volvo S60 vs VW Passat
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Comments
6 to one; 1/2 dozen to the other. I think I used the word "compromise," and this might just be a temporary outlook of mine on life, but everything is about compromise, and determining which features are more important. With my TL, I may be giving up RWD accelleration and a smaller car's handling compared to most of its competitors, and may be giving up some luxury compared to Lexis' offerings, but the combo and balance on those things make the TL the perfect compromise for me. I guess "blend" would work, too!!!
BTW, Frisco, anything come to fruition re your search for the perfect car?
I have expanded my search for the perfect car to include the exotic, and unusual, like the alfa. I keep expanding my search, that it's becoming a real chore. I think I am developing a psychlological block.
"Compromise" has a negative connotation.
I never really researched the S60R, but I see it can come with a 6MT, has about 300 hp and AWD. I would expect handling to be its downfall, but I don't really know. Anyone look at it and the G & TL & form an opinion?
The G35 is nice but a big refreshing is coming in 2007 so you might want to wait on that.
BUt Acura's build quality is amazing car is amazing dealerhsip CS though is total crap worse than Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Ford (where I purchased past cars).
I just wanted to point out that the turning radius on the Acura TL is actually 1 foot WORSE than the S60 (38.7' on the S60 and 39.7' on the TL). They both aren't much fun in tight turning situations..... like parking.
I had owned a '99 Passat which gave me 0.0 problems in four years of ownership -well, I once left the gas cap loose and got a CEL, but it went away after a couple of days-. I also loved driving that Passat.
Anyway, I ended up with a Passat 3.6 with the luxury package. I'm averaging about 28 MPG in a brand new V6 engine. I'm very happy with my decision so far.
The most basic Audi A-4, front wheel drive, MSRP 31,500
-1200 down $408 per month
acura TL base (MSRP 34,500) for 1200 down, and $435 per month
and lastly, are these good deals?
Perhaps others in this topic can give you feedback on the cars themselves if that's what you're looking for.
Welcome to CarSpace - good luck!
If this is accurate, I'd give the TL a good look next time you're ready.
The safety cage in the TL really holds up and gets great marks in safety tests.
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=436
The car has only about 3,500 miles, but so far has been flawless. The only change I plan on making is to go to fully synthetic oil from the semi-synthetic used by my dealer. I only put on about 9,000 miles per year on the car and the 7,500 mile change for me means it takes the better part of a year to accumulate. So, I figure I can make the change without any increased cost as my dealer will put it in without further charge. In fact, the cost per quart for the full syn oil from the local discount store is actually less than the dealer charges for the semi syn.
Acceleration - Passat v6
The TL accelerated well, but there were times when the car really felt like it was struggling to accelerate - and this was the S-Type I was test driving. The Passat V6 does not struggle as much - especially at take-off speeds.
Driveability - Passat v6
This is highly subjective (to my wife and myself), but the Passat felt like a fun car which handles the corners with ease and aplomb. This is not to say that the Acura TL drove terribly, it drives real well, but just not as well. The other big ding against the TL was the shameful turning radius - among the worst in its class.
Ergonomics - Passat v6
Those aspiring to join the NASA Space Shuttle Program will feel comfortable in the Acura - that car has buttons, rows of buttons, and columns of buttons. For guys, a good thing. For Women, an unmitigated disaster. Much can be said for less is more, and in this case, the Passat wins this one hands down.
Interior Design - Acura TL
If there is one item of lamentation from many VW owners, is that VW did go cheap on the interior This generation of VWs is certainly INFERIOR to the fit and finish quality of the previous generation. The Acura easily won this criteria.
Visibility - Passat
The other nagging issue I had with the TL was the visibility. The front frame beams are wide, and will obstruct your vision during a turn. Rear vision (Blind-Spot) is also limited. No such issues with the Passat
Reliability - Predicted - Acura TL
We've owned a VW Passat v6, and know that it is indeed average in reliability. A good, dependable car. But let's not kid ourselves, Acura has far less issues than the Passats, and always will due to their zealous devotion to ironing out the bugs
Curb Factor - Acura
Again, this is VERY subjective. I personally think that the perfect Passat is the 2002.5 model with today's V6 engine and a NAV. Today's Passat body style has a bit too much chrome in the front for my taste.
The Acura looks, well, almost indistinguishable from a new Accord IMHO. So why did Acura win? Because Volkswagon decided that the only "Appealing" colors that should be available to VW owners are the lame Black / White / Gray / Silver (are they trying to say that the purchasing demographics are old retirees here?) / CrayonRed / CrayonBlue colors. So, to enjoy your Passat, you would either need to be color blind (to opt for the lame Red / Blue colors) or, show people just how plain, boring, and OLD you are with the lame Silver and Gray colors.
Great job VW! You've managed to neuter a perfectly fun and driveable car with a pathetic color swatch! :confuse:
Value - Tie
Fully loaded, both will take you to the cleaners. A slight edge might go to the Passat for many standard safety features.
Safety - Tie
Yes the Acura has better crash ratings, but the Passat has a lot of other intrinsic safety feautures such as Adaptive headlamps that actually helps avoid them in the first place.
Resale - Probably Acura
Let's face it, Acura's have a good resale value because they are treated as a luxury brand. VW is NOT a luxury brand - despite the luxurious trappings. Ergo, Acura will have a higher resale value.
Most unlikely to be stolen for a Joy-Ride - Passat
Thanks to the uninspired colors available for sale (Black? White? Gray? Silver? - Are they trying to tell us that the buyer demographics are old people?), it would be hard to pick out a Passat for a Joyride in a sea of Gray and Silver cars in a mall parking lot.
Insurance companies should offer special discounts for those who opt for the horrid Red or Cobalt Blue colors - since car thieves usually have more pride than to steal something so badly colored.
Winner - ?!?!?
Go for the Passat v6 if:
* You're in it for the driving experience
* Crave performance
* Love the safety features
* You don't mind people asking how old you are when you choose Black / White / Silver / Gray
* You don't mind people LAUGHING at you when you choose the Red / Cobalt Blue color
Go for the Acura if:
* You like the resale value
* Define luxury as a soft leather seat with a TON of buttons
* Like a reliable car with decent handling and driving characteristics
* Want to choose a color that doesn't make you any younger / older than you really are.
My wife drives the car daily and I get the driving chores (!!) when we go out and Church. She likes It and I like it too.
I will admit that it does not seem as zippy as a S2000 in rush hour traffic but if pushed will surprise you as far as how well it does handled. Just remember it is 3735 lbs. I would not drive it at 9/10 under those conditions.
It is definitely a freeway cruiser and a adept passer when you need to. Quicker than the seat of your pants will indicate. One glance in your rear view mirror will
assure you that you are going a lot faster than you think.
In all fairness we liked the Volvo S60 (I believe it was out of our price range) and VW Passat (rear seats room was tight)
The Passat should probably no longer be in this discussion - my understanding is that the Passat only comes with a 4 cylinder engine now - the "CC" has the 6 cylinder engine.
Enjoy your new ride!!!