Audi A4 or Acura TL: What to buy...

[saintv90]

I realize this may be a dumb question to ask in an Audi forum...but I'd like to hear opinions and reasons for why you'd choose which car.

First some background...I'm looking for a 2006 or 2007 4 door vehicle for a DD. I currently have a Jeep Grand Cherokee that I will be keeping...but the 16mpg is killing me during my commute. Another thing is my wife is pregnant and we are planning ahead with this vehicle. I want something comfortable for 3 or 4 and fits a baby sit easily.

I was on the fence about the 07 Infiniti G's...but have leaned away since I had a G35 before. I really like the styling of the A4 with the S-line package but am afraid the back seat may be too small for children.

So there it is...lets here some opinions. Oh yes...and this is a DD not a sports car...so I would be getting an automatic and I would not be customizing it in any way.

I appreciate any feedback.

[IceMole]

You really should go drive both, then report back when you pick the A4.

[b6onboost]

For YOU a TL would likely be a better choice than an A4, considering you don't plan to mod and need something with a little more room. But I would suggest the G35 over the TL, my family was looking for a new car last year and we all preferred the G35 over the TL.

I personally would never buy an automatic A4 and keep it stock. Too boring, even though German cars rule.

[Quigaboo]

Your right..... It's a stupid question!


Just kidding.

I looked a the TL before I got my A4. The TL is a great car! Here are the reasons why I didn't get it!

1. Gas mileage. Better in the Audi cuz it's a 4 cyl and not a 6.
2. Price! Higher lease rates since it's a more expensive car & lower residual value.
3. Factory styling! I think the A4 looks alot nicer IMO.
4. Handling. I LOVE the feel of the A4. The TL is great, but just liked the A4 better. (personal prefferance).

Mine is an un-modded daily driver. I have a five year old and another one scheduled for "delivery" next month, so it is practical. The back seat is a bit tight so if you are tall, (and I am 6'-5") there will not be much room behind your seat. But then again no one is ever in my car since as a family we always use my wifes rx330.

Ultimately you are going to spend a bit more on the TL. You don't have AWD as an option and you will end up with a sudo gas-guzzeling 6cyl. The trade off will be a bigger back seat.

Good luck!

[renz609]

If you're concerned about the gas mileage, i believe that the 2.0T gets better gas mileage but has less room(?) than the TL.

[Qsline]

I don't know if you're planning on buying or leasing, but both cars have amazing lease programs. We just picked up a 34k TL for $400 on a 2 yr lease (364 3yr) and a sport track a4 for about the same money (I think its a cheaper car) both with just drive off. I love 2 yr leases, just wanted to let you know.

Hope that helps somehow

[Auditude2.0T]

If you want a nice looking, roomy, great on gas car, automatic, 4 wheel drive there is one answer.

A4 2.0T Quattro S Line Avant (Wagon)

[3.2some]

If you want a nice looking, roomy, great on gas car, automatic, 4 wheel drive there is one answer.

A4 2.0T Quattro S Line Avant (Wagon)

x2, if you want space get a Avant

[jejeclown]

x2, if you want space get a Avant

x3, the only reason i would take the tl over the a4 (in your situation) is the space. but if you go with the avant your problem will be solved

[Maverick]

TL's interior rattles, you will be hell annoyed!
go for a A4 Avant. just do some Minor exterior and interior mod you will be happy

[rbecker]

I have an Avant. The back seat is the same size as the sedan. Trunk space is a different story.

[pjh1988]

if you could wait a little maybe wait for the B8 A4?
its supposedly be bigger than the current one so maybe if you want an A4 just wait a little. I have driven the TL, its nice but ugly...

[toothysaw2]

ditto what most everyone is saying. better space in a TL. gas mileage is better in the 4 cyl A4, but if you wanted similar power without mods you could get the 6 cyl A4, which makes space the biggest difference.

i also looked at the TL before buying. and i love the TL styling, especially TL-S, but where i live they are absolutely everywhere. i chose the A4 because it felt more unique/sophisticated and because quattro rocks!

[AudiWxGuy]

I looked at both cars. It was a tough decision. I went with the audi. I felt like the interior had a higher quality and I limes the styling and the drive of the audi much more. The TL is a great car and honestly I don't think you could go wrong with either one in your situation.

[Bmeister]

I just went through an intensive search for a decent personal car for non-work use and was also looking at the TL. I really like the looks of the TL, but I was so used to having 4x4 vehicles that I knew I would be missing that during the wonderful Chicago area winters. After discovering the 2.0T performance AND economy benefits, I started looking at the A4. I drove many used A4 cars (I never buy new cars for personal use) and quite a few TLs and a few Accords, 3-series Bimmers and some G35s too. After all my research and seat-of-the-pants evaluations, the A4 2.0T Quattro was clear and away the better overall value...and I could still have a manual transmission.

The A4 2.0T gave me the best insurance rates, the top fuel economy given the performance (heck, even NOT considering the performance it's MPG is fabulous), a great interior, it's good looking, good resale value and it's an absolutely fun-to-drive car. The added benefit is that I have a plethora of customizable options available should I decide to go that route; I like keeping my options open. I've had my B7 A4 for 1 week now and have put 1000+ miles on it from a few long distance personal trips. I get well over 30mpg on the highway (65-80mph cruisingspeeds) and about 24mpg around town. At 40,000+ miles on my used A4, not a squeak or rattle to be found on even the worst of Chicago's patchwork-style road system. The A4 is highly recommended.

[JMG]

The previous TL was notorious for torque steer, not sure about the new ones. The A4 has the all wheel quattro option, which is a big safety advantage imho esp when the weather is less than perfect. Honestly though, they are both good family cars, and I would lean towards the Avant for the added trunk space.

[WantAvant]

Milwaukee = Quattro........nuff said!!! Btw.....Avant's rule

[TinaTbolt]

dude, youre on an Audi forum. of course audi is better, otherwise we'd all be on an Acura forum lol. ;) jp

[minameismud]

another vote for the A4, but only if you add in quattro. when i was looking for my current vehicle, i only looked at AWD mid-size cars. i ended up with an a4 avant, and i love the space the wagon gives in the back. i've got an 83-lb rottweiler, and her car crate fits in the back perfectly, even with the rear seats up. i have a friend with a 10-month-old, and we test-fitted his child seat in my backseat and it fit just fine behind the driver's seat, and i'm 6'1".

and...um...the TL is nice, but it's a V6 (mpg ) and has front wheel drive only (safety for your newborn in our hellish winters )

get an A4 Avant with quattro. enjoy!

[ABT B7]

A4 > Tl Anytime!

[Tiesto]

If you can wait about a month and a half you could also go B8 A4 with much more rear seat room. Either way Audi > Acura hands down.

[INTEGRATION]

I'm a fan of the TL-S's exterior styling but apparently all my friends that owned (note the past tense here) the Acura TL have all hated it after at least a few weeks (Hence the past tense). I think it has something to do with the boat-like handling, the lack of stopping power (due to all-season tires and immense weight even though they come with Brembo-supplied 4-pots in the front), and torque-steer. The manual transmission TL should be a bit better as Acura (Honda) has rewarded MT drivers with a better OEM suspension and a mechanical limited slip differential (vs. open diff if you opted for an automatic transmission).

[Sharkfin]

Here is a extensive post so good luck reading, I tried to say some different stuff from people before and yes there is more space in the TL:

1. Thread where it talks about the TL and TL-S, I think it could help a little http://audizine.com/forum/showthread...ighlight=acura

2. I bought my 05.5 2.0TQT A4 last July and haven't looked back since, I'm in love with this car. I was deciding between three cars at the same import used car dealer: a 2005 Acura TL, a 2006 G35 sedan, and my A4. I test drove the TL and the G35 two times each and the A4 5 times before I made a purchase. All were automatics.

This is how I analyzed each:

1. Acura TL: It was a sweet car as far as looks and had a nice 250-HP V6 engine (5 speed tip) , and the interior is well done. It has front wheel drive which was bad for the Pittsburgh weather I experience plus I went from 4wd SUV's to this and I wanted the same kind of traction. I have been told that its nothing better than a Honda Accord for a "A" on it and a higher price tag but you could say something similar about the Jetta and the A4. Yes this car is Japanese but is made in a plant in Ohio and I don't cars that are built here. Lastly, my best friends dad (I am 20) has a nice black TL and I didn't want that kind of image with my car, nor did I want to copy him. My friend however doesn't like the TL at all and loves my A4. He said the seats are rock hard and don't have much room when in them on long trips and his tan leather seats are showing color wear. The gas mileage was also a big complaint of him and his 54 yr old dad. One good thing about the TL is the reliability and the warranty. Certified Acura's carry a 100k warranty.

2. Infiniti G35: As soon as I stepped on the pedal the choice was clear, this is not the car for me. It has a boatload of throttle response and was clearly the fastest off the line of the three but it wasn't smooth or refined. My brother has a G35 coupe and that car is sweet and very fast but overall I didn't like the look of the sedan or the interior compared to the Audi and the Acura.

3. Audi A4: Just getting in the Audi was a cool experience, you could immediately tell the quality of the interior and details and the new front end with the bigger grill on the b7 A4's was a nice touch. I drove both the 1.8 and the 2.0 and loved both but obviously liked the extra kick of the 2.0T. Quattro is the best AWD system in the world because it is mechanical and not electrical like most comparable AWD systems. I could immediately test the Quattro because my final test drive was in a huge rainstorm on a tight highway and twisties at about 50 mph. It didn't slip once! I was sold, and even though the TL seemed like the better and more conventional choice I couldn't stop thinkin about the A4 and the fact that I would regret it if I got anything else. Since the factory warranty was going to be up in 20k I chose to get a 50k extended warranty (100k total) for $2500, it was steep but I wanted that security with a car I am keeping for at least 5 years.

I hope that the information helped and if I missed anything or you want clarification PM me. This car has been nothing short of a dream since the day I got it.

Nate

[skiaudi]

i'll put in yet another vote for an a4 avant. i don't think there's a better all around package as far as engine efficiency/power/potential, interior quality, and exterior styling than an a4. i'm in love with my a4!

[saintv90]

I really appreciate the responses from all of you. While I think the Acura TL would be the better choice for more room...the A4 sounds like more of a drivers car. While I won't be modding the car...a fun driving car has much more appeal than a "boat." I was also attracted by Acuras plethora of tech toys. Bluetooth, touch screen navi and whatever else they add in. I think I need to spend some more time looking for the A4.

As said before the gas mileage is better which is a plus on the A4. Also the insurance is cheaper. So the Audi is probably the choice for me.

The next problem is finding one. Damn near impossible. 06 or 07 A4 S-line with an auto. My other car is dying fast...and I need a car. If anyone knows of a S-line for sale with an Auto...let me know! Thanks!

[Dubfound]

I like them both. I would not get a TL because one of my friends has one and if I got one he would not let me hear the end of it..

[Auditude2.0T]

I really appreciate the responses from all of you. While I think the Acura TL would be the better choice for more room...the A4 sounds like more of a drivers car. While I won't be modding the car...a fun driving car has much more appeal than a "boat." I was also attracted by Acuras plethora of tech toys. Bluetooth, touch screen navi and whatever else they add in. I think I need to spend some more time looking for the A4.

As said before the gas mileage is better which is a plus on the A4. Also the insurance is cheaper. So the Audi is probably the choice for me.

The next problem is finding one. Damn near impossible. 06 or 07 A4 S-line with an auto. My other car is dying fast...and I need a car. If anyone knows of a S-line for sale with an Auto...let me know! Thanks!

There all over the place. Give me ten minutes from the time of this post and i will find you 10 cars.

[Auditude2.0T]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...6.m14.l1308#lg
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...3756.m14.l1318
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...3756.m14.l1318
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...3756.m14.l1318
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...3756.m14.l1318
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...3756.m14.l1318
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

[tech_frog]

Because the A4 corners like a cat on a rug and the TL won't.

[Sharkfin]

I just searched audiusa.com for CPO's and found 40 within 100 miles of Milwaukee that are under 35k, a 06/07, automatic, and have quattro. Check it out!!!!

[Sharkfin]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...6.m14.l1308#lg
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...3756.m14.l1318
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...3756.m14.l1318
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...3756.m14.l1318
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...3756.m14.l1318
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...3756.m14.l1318
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

haha your post came EXACTLY 10 minutes after that first post

[Auditude2.0T]

i waited for the ten minute mark lol.

[Sharkfin]

lol figures

[minameismud]

i bought my car from Audi North Shore up on Brown Deer Road. no complains, and everyone was real friendly, but just be sure to check their math. twice. granted, i was trading two vehicles for one and getting a couple accessories along with the car, but bring your own calculator. the couple times i've taken my car in for service, everyone i talked to was pretty nice, and the sales guys (with the exception of the sales manager) all seem nice (bad day? second visit he was nicer). then again, one of the guys on these forums works at International Autos on 108th. ask over in the Midwest forums. good luck!

[a4dc89]

I wouldnt get the acura. First, FWD in that car in downright dangerous. I was driving a friends in the rain and i couldnt get any traction to pull off of an off ramp. The acura will have a good ride and a good interior and the engine is nice but its a boat when it comes to handling. With little kids, i dont see any problem with the audi back seat. I mean, how could a rear seat not be big enough for small kids?

You should do yourself a favor and drive both cars.

[Sharkfin]

I think if you are talking about just little kids or a baby in your case, that room shouldn't be in the discussion because by the time the back seat space matters to your kid, it will be a long way down the road (10 yrs) and I don't think you will still have the car then.

[saintv90]

I think if you are talking about just little kids or a baby in your case, that room shouldn't be in the discussion because by the time the back seat space matters to your kid, it will be a long way down the road (10 yrs) and I don't think you will still have the car then.

Good point.

Thanks guys for finding all those A4s. I probably should have been more clear. I'm looking for Black on Black with an auto. If its an 06 or 07 it needs to have the S-line package. And I can't stand wood grain interior.

I'll take a look at audiusa and see what they have. I have talked to the guy at International audi...and I'll probably go test drive the G35, the TL, and the A4 today. I'll let you know what I think.

[Sharkfin]

What year g35?

[saintv90]

What year g35?

If I bought a G35 it would probably be a 2007.

[burner799]

My dad was between the a4 and TL as well. He ended up buying a fully loaded TL. They really are a wayyyy better deal. For a middle aged guy who just drives to work and is looking for a decent car, there is a reason why the TL outsells the a4 in the United States. It drives very well for a fwd car too. I was impressed that it drove so well.