If you had 40k to spend on a car and wanted all-wheel-drive, which one of these 4 cars would you choose?

 

Audi. I would need the 4 doors.

If I didn't, then the BMW.

TEIGER

 

I think i would rock a s60r for that amount or close to it

 

The 330xi has 4 doors... The ci's are the coupes.

 

My bust. BMW then . . .

Can I change my vote. HAHA! RECOUNT!!

TEIGER

 

The Audi definitely has the most sophisticated AWD system, but VW reliability is wanting. The Infiniti would be the most reliable, but I couldn't live with that crappy interior. Volvos are nice, but don't give you enough bang for the puck and reliability has been spotty.

I'd take the Beemer. Best balance of reliability, performance, and comfort.

 

Can I throw in the WRX STi if we talking about performance into the mix of things?

Junkster, who would never drive those underpowered Volvos.

 

330xi for me. If you gave me an extra 15k or so when I got my TSX, that's what I would have gotten. Under 40k?? I guess that would exclude either the performance or sport package, right?

 

I don't think you can build a 300hp "R" version of the S60 for under 40k can you? I guess you could get it around 40 if you didn't add any amenities... Looks like the base is about $37,500. I built one with the average amenities and it was 43K.

 

Bimmer wins very slimly. If only I knew that Audi, along with all other VWs weren't plagued with reliability issues...

 

I hate to side with Buff-Daddy

But 330Xi it is, I can't stand any of those other cars.

 

According to Cars Direct, the 300HP Volvo S60R stickers for $37,935. Including leather, 6-speed and HIDs. Even with the "Premium Package" including the mooonroof it's still under $40k.

But that's not what I'd choose. For my $40,000 I'd buy a Porsche Carrera 4. Used.

 

It would be a tough choice between the 330xi and the A4 but I think I'd go 330xi.

I'm assuming the G35 AWD will only be available with the Sedan? When are we gonna start seeing AWD coupes?!?!?!?!? A 330ci(xi)...A6 coupe...G35c AWD? These cars would absolutely rock.
Not to mention an M3xi or S4 Coupe!

 

Not on my poll! All of these other vehicles have some luxuary features and anemities, the WRX has none! Not to mention that it is too ugly for words. I know it excels in performance, but I just cannot get over the looks (or lack there of in this case).

 

Strong emotions about your poll huh?
Well, then if it's just between those choices (and I'm thinking we're sticking to the NA market), I would have to go with the 330xi, although I'm reserved on the reliability of the car itself.

Junkster, who thinks some people have WRX-ophobia

 

Easy one: A modded TSX.

 

That wouldn't be an "Easy" mod though. lol

 

Asking price on this C4 is $42.9k. It has 42k miles. No? Not even for $38 1/2? Still a modded TSX, Larch?

 

A U D I

 

Buff, I'd have to choose the S60, not because it's a better car than the BMW (it isn't) but for its looks.

 

Not sure you can compare that to a practical 4-door sedan that you can actually drive in the snow... More fun? Yes! Practical for those of us with families and snow? No!

 

I don't think any one of these systems are "superior" than the other, but rather just have different ways of doing things. I know the Quattro system runs a 50/50 split and can transfer all power to a single wheel if needed. That would make it pretty flexible. The Nissan ATTESA system is lifted right out of the Skyline GT-R. It runs a 0/100 split which gives it a full RWD feeling until the rears lose traction and then it can go up to a 50/50 split. I think the BMW system runs a 33/67 split or somethign which makes it RWD biased but not as much as the Nissan system and I'm not sure what the power split capabilities are. I didn't even know you could get an AWD S60 so obviously I don't know anything about that.

But anyways, all of these systems offer a slightly different flavor for different types of people. I really like the Nissan ATTESA system but it's only available in the G35 sedan automatic so that's sorta a bummer.

 

why is the C320 4matic not up there? not that i would vote for it..but it seems to be an obvioius omission

 

To be honest... I forgot!

 

Do the 330xi and 325xi have this??

 

LOL, no, the X5's all-wheel-drive system is new for 2004 and is called "XDrive" and it is not the same system that comes on the 325xi & 330xi. They will be redesigning the 3-Series for 2005 (probably for the worse) and I am sure the it will get the XDrive system at that time.

 

Yeah, if I were to get an AWD system, I'd make sure I get one with cherubs...even if they cost a little more. I see X5s on the street all the time without the cherub option and I think "cheapskate".

 

lol - yeah.

Besides, you could probably make a killing on them on the black market

 

I already have a TSX 4-door with 4 snow tires and a Volvo 5-door station wagon with 4 snow tires and a Toro (not Honda) snowthrower. It works for me.

I'll (again) point out that all Scandanavia survived with 2WD and snow tires from the end of the last ice age until 1997.

A Porsche C4 isn't practical? With the infinite headroom, you can fit a Steiffe giraffe into the Cabriolet. Try THAT with a sub-$40k 330xi! (With the giraffe-compatible sunroof, leather and xenon but with the manual tranny, I got a discounted Cars Direct price of $41,955 in my zip code).

 

No one is saying that you cannot survive with 2WD, but if AWD is an option, why not take advantage of it? I live in MN and my AWD + snow tires is going to serve me much better than the 3 months I could use that convertible...

P.S. I have 2 BMW's and a HONDA snowblower! No mixing oil and gas for this guy. 4-Stroke baby!

 

I'd go with the G35. Yeah it's ugly as sin but it will be more reliable. Plus it reminds of a baby GT-R if I added a turbo.

 

1. ) Because I usually keep cars (and snowblowers) until the wheels fall off and I have to pay somebody to drag it away. After the "new" wears off, and the car's "broken in" say with 100,000 miles, with AWD there is twice the chance that things will break and twice as often.

2.) My 2-stage Toro snowblower is powered by a four-stroke Tecumseh. While I am a Honda stockholder and I hate to buy things from the competition, and I advocate for Honda which makes the world's finest snowblowers ... but unfortunately I have a right angle turn by my garage that the Hondas won't negotiate.

BTW, there IS a snowblower board for discussions like this!

 

Jeez, B-D, you need to give us a longer list to choose from. I'm kinda partial to the new Subaru Forester wagon with the WRX's engine. My wife needs a new car!