According to the Audi S4 vs. BMW 335i comparison test from Edmunds InsideLine:

Audi S4

Base MSRP: $46,725
As-tested MSRP: $59,150
Slalom (mph): 68.8 (67.2 with stability control on)
Skid pad (g): 0.90 (0.92 with stability control on)
0-60: 4.9 seconds
Curb weight, as-tested (lbs.): 3,984

BMW 335i

Base MSRP: $41,125
As-tested MSRP: $49,320
Slalom (mph): 68.4
Skid pad (g): 0.92
0-60: 5.3 seconds
Curb weight, as-tested (lbs.): 3,607

Now, stop reading for a second, look at the test results again and try to come up with a winner OBJECTIVELY. when you are ready, read on.

Okay, so the BMW is cheaper (by 10 grands according the as-test price and good luck on finding a S4 that’s below $50k on the lot), handles equally well, is lighter, has better steering feel and is only a tad slower than the S4… But the Audi S4 still ends up as the winner? I mean, seriously, WTF?

No, I haven’t been in the new S4 yet but based on my experienced in the new A4 Quattro, countless times in the 335i and this sentence from the comparo write-up:

“We still prefer the more natural feel of the BMW’s steering to the S4’s responsive but slightly over-boosted setup.”

I would think the 335i would end up as the winner, by a narrow margin nevertheless but still… I mean the only strong suit of the S4 seems to be more “confident” due to the AWD setup, but what happen to that “true driver’s car” banner the automotive editors always like to wave? What about that thrill that only the RWD cars can provide? So is InsideLine openly admitting here that technology > the enthusiasts? Aren’t all the automotive editors should be enthusiasts? Isn’t that the reason they always knock on the Lexus because it’s not always about the numbers, it’s about the “feel”?

Seriously, Edmunds IL, WHAT ARE YOU SMOKING?

Oh and by the way… Audi, what are you thinking when you priced the S4? Who the heck is going to pay for a $60k S4 when anyone can special order a M3 for $56k? GEEZ!

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[Source: Edmunds IL]

I have to say that there is nothing awfully exciting right now or in the near future for me. If I absolutely must have to get a new car within the next 12 months here are some candidates:

Acura TL – SH-AWD + 300hp is inviting but the size a bit too big for my taste. 300hp would not be “enough” to offset the added weight by SH-AWD, something like 330hp is more desirable. Oh by the way, not to mention the ugly new front and rear styling, huge turn off…

BMW 335i – A very possible replacement candidate as long as I can overlook the interior styling. Oh and if I do get one I’ll make sure I lease it instead of purchase it.

BMW 335di – More expensive than the petrol 335i and not much (if any) performance gain.

BMW 135i – Kind of expensive for such a little car, the one in my liking would be around $43k… Also, it is 2 doors short for being ideal

Infiniti G37 – I’ll definitely consider this if something happens to my IS350…

Lexus IS250/350 C – Thanks but no thanks, weighs too much, not enough doors and performance isn’t as well as the sedans.

Pontiac G8 GT – I am really liking this car right now, a poor man’s 5-series at around $32k loaded. The only downsides are the gas-guzzling V8 and its GM heritage, not to mention that Pontiac is on its way and that doesn’t sit too well with me…

Based on the list looks like I’ll be driving my current ride for a long time to come.

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The word that often associates to the German interior styling is “subtle”. Personally I don’t know what the definition of “subtle” is in a dictionary without actually looking it up but based on many German cars’ interiors I saw I wouldn’t be surprised if “subtle” can be defined by the word “bland”. In my opinion it’s one thing to have the interior looking clean, ergonomically sound and “subtle” but it’s a totally different thing if the interior looks dated, 20th century and “bland”.

When I was car shopping back in March 2006 my final two choice were the Lexus IS350 and BMW 330i. 330i has the handling advantage but the IS won out on styling (interior and exterior) and acceleration. Granted it wasn’t much of a contest between the two back then but even after test driving the new 335i I am still convinced that I would still make the same decision if it was 335i vs IS350 instead of 330i. Why? I just couldn’t get pass on how bland and outdated the 3-series interior looks like. Kudos to BMW for making such an awesome performance machine but at the same time they’ve really bombed on the interior design.

As for the Audi interior, I honestly don’t know why there is a consensus that Audi is the benchmark. I had an 2.0T A4 for 2 weeks and the interior of that thing is nothing to write home about. Material use is above average but not class leading, fit-and-finish is good but same as its counterparts, then here comes the styling. Although I know styling preference is very subjective but I think I can still tell the differenence between subtle and bland…

Bottom line, bland is NOT subtle and when the newer model has a more oudated interior than the one it replaced (E46 vs. E90/92) then there is a problem…

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