G35C v. TL v. 330Ci v. A4
#16
07-23-2004, 05:54 PM
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Re: G35C v. TL v. 330Ci v. A4
First, the TL is not in the same class as the others. Yes it has a nice stereo, but it is FWD. FWD will always lask the balance and control or RWD or AWD. I also would not look at an A4. The A4 3.0L AWD is over 3600 lbs without a lot of power to move them. It is a dog compared to anything else you look at. It will remind you of your passat, after all they are built on the same chassis. If you want to look the Audi route, look at the V8 powered S4. The 330Ci and the G35 Coupe are natural competitors.
I like the 330Ci, but I can't justify buying one with the G35 Coupe out there. In comparsion it is slower. It isn't that noticeable in 1st or 2nd, but once in 3rd it gets walked by a G35. It doesn't even have an option to get an LSD. There are no big 4-piston brake options. Last, option for option it is about $8K more. When I looked I could get $3k off, but the G35 is a bargain by comparison. Similar to Audi, you would be better off looking up to an M3. The M3 obviously has more power, bigger brakes and a much higher price tag. It is higher to deal on them and they are about $18K more than a G35 option for option.
The only other car you should consider since you are a VW owner is an R32. It is cheaper at about $30K has synchro AWD, big brakes, a 6-sp manual and a great pair of seats.
04' G35 Coupe 6-sp
Diamond Graphite/Willow w/Premium
I like the 330Ci, but I can't justify buying one with the G35 Coupe out there. In comparsion it is slower. It isn't that noticeable in 1st or 2nd, but once in 3rd it gets walked by a G35. It doesn't even have an option to get an LSD. There are no big 4-piston brake options. Last, option for option it is about $8K more. When I looked I could get $3k off, but the G35 is a bargain by comparison. Similar to Audi, you would be better off looking up to an M3. The M3 obviously has more power, bigger brakes and a much higher price tag. It is higher to deal on them and they are about $18K more than a G35 option for option.
The only other car you should consider since you are a VW owner is an R32. It is cheaper at about $30K has synchro AWD, big brakes, a 6-sp manual and a great pair of seats.
04' G35 Coupe 6-sp
Diamond Graphite/Willow w/Premium
#17
07-23-2004, 08:20 PM
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Re: G35C v. TL v. 330Ci v. A4
Thanks for the input, everyone.
I look forward to getting a chance to drive each of the cars on the list.
The G35 Coupe is my top choice, but it's hard not to seriously consider the TL given how it's fully equipped for under $35k. Interior quality is a big deal to me, and while I was impressed to see the changes to the 2005 G35 interior, it still seems a bit cheap in comparison to the beautiful TL. Only Lexus (and arguably Audi) have nicer interiors for anywhere near the price. Another option is to keep the Passat a bit longer and check out the 2006 M45 and GS430. What do you all think of those? I'm not sure what the MSRP of the M45 will be, but I absolutely love the styling, inside and out. If I could get one reasonably equipped for maybe $45-$48k, I would strongly consider it.
I'll keep you updated as I get closer to purchase. Thanks again.
I look forward to getting a chance to drive each of the cars on the list.
The G35 Coupe is my top choice, but it's hard not to seriously consider the TL given how it's fully equipped for under $35k. Interior quality is a big deal to me, and while I was impressed to see the changes to the 2005 G35 interior, it still seems a bit cheap in comparison to the beautiful TL. Only Lexus (and arguably Audi) have nicer interiors for anywhere near the price. Another option is to keep the Passat a bit longer and check out the 2006 M45 and GS430. What do you all think of those? I'm not sure what the MSRP of the M45 will be, but I absolutely love the styling, inside and out. If I could get one reasonably equipped for maybe $45-$48k, I would strongly consider it.
I'll keep you updated as I get closer to purchase. Thanks again.
#18
07-23-2004, 10:25 PM
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#19
07-24-2004, 02:48 AM
Re: G35C v. TL v. 330Ci v. A4
G35
Pros: Great handling, powerful, great exterior styling, fun to drive
Cons: suck and cheap interior, less interior features
330ci
Pros: Great exterior and interior, great overall performance, high prestige
Cons:too pricey, due to change soon
A4
Pros:great Quattro, nice interior
Cons: heavy, slow, not fun to drive
TL
Pros: excellent interior and standard features, quiet powerful, comfortable ride
Cons: not agile, FWD
Pros: Great handling, powerful, great exterior styling, fun to drive
Cons: suck and cheap interior, less interior features
330ci
Pros: Great exterior and interior, great overall performance, high prestige
Cons:too pricey, due to change soon
A4
Pros:great Quattro, nice interior
Cons: heavy, slow, not fun to drive
TL
Pros: excellent interior and standard features, quiet powerful, comfortable ride
Cons: not agile, FWD
#20
07-24-2004, 03:28 AM
Re: G35C v. TL v. 330Ci v. A4
well if you are going to spend that much you should look at the s4. The 2005 models are at port right now and only being delievered to customers who have ordered thiers already. People are gettin better discounts on them now on the 2005 models than we did on the 04'. Its about 51k fully loaded (well loaded with stuff that acutally matters, no navi or rear sideair bags) with the rebates they are giving to people that order 05 right is around 3k off sticker. (compared to only 500 off that i got). You have AWD , speed, looks and a nice interior. Plus Audi warranty covers 50k/4 years of scheduled mantainence, oil changes, brake pads, winshield wipers blades and anything that wears out on the car (including clutch). IF you calculate oil changes and scheduled mantainence for 50k miles to the other cars listed (cept BMW htey have a similiar warranty deal) it would be around 3-4k maybe more. but this is just my plug-in for the S4.
#21
07-24-2004, 03:50 AM
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#22
07-25-2004, 07:32 AM
Re: G35C v. TL v. 330Ci v. A4
I test drove the TL before I bought my G35 Coupe. I was impressed with the quality of the interior, and the power. The test vehicle was a 6 speed that I wasn't so crazy about, but it did have good power. The turn off was how quiet the car was. Even when I got on it, the car was too quiet. I think in there lies the main difference of the two cars. The TL is a compromise vehicle. People that want something sporty but for one reason or another let practicality step in (wife, kids, a million other reasons). The TL tries to be sporty with the 6 speed and high horsepower motor, but the reality is that Acura knows who buys TL's. People looking for nice interiors, QUIET cars, and snow traction (who would ever change tires for the winter?! - this was actually a selling point for the salesman). The Coupe does not try and make believe it is something else. In the process it may turn off a bunch of people, but in the end, for people who are looking for a sporty, entry-level luxury car with no compromises, it will not disappoint or have you second-guessing your decision once the new car syndrome wears off.
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