which one to get? Nissan Altima 3.5 SE or Audi A4 1.8T?????

[Rent]

I'd say show some financial responsibility and buy a used car for half the price and stick the rest in the bank.

 

"With that said, would you choose to have the Audi for style/looks etc or the Altimas better engine?"

Huh? I thought Audi was the one with the better engine. I must have been fed with myths this while. . . .

In any case, I like Nissan but I luv Audi. Ironically, those are the top two brands in my list of favourites. Nissan affords one reasonable price for good quality. Also, Nissan is not too hard to maintain. On the other hand, Audi is quite difficult and too expensive to maintain. So, I would suggest you go with the Nissan if you care about maintenance and reasonable pricing. However, if your priority is class, then Audi is the way to go!

P.S.: I too am shocked that the difference between the two is just under $2000. What's up with that? Audi is usually waay more expensive. Btw, I think the Altima is plain ugly in looks. *Thumbs down!*

 

[b0mbrman]

I'm sure most people would instinctively say "Go German over Japanese"

 

[Nemesis77]

Comparing Nissan to a Audi???? Hey, I'm planning to buy a car.... Should I get a BMW 320 or Toyota Corolla ?

Go with the Audi! I wouldn't want to associate with people who choose THIS monstrocity as "Altima of the Month"!

 

[arcain]

<< Huh? I thought Audi was the one with the better engine. I must have been fed with myths this while. . . . >>



The 1.8t in the Audi is a very good engine (one of Ward's 10 Best for many years). In the A4 is makes 180 (or 170) hp, and a decent amount of torque for a 4 cylinder engine.

The 3.5 liter V6 in the Altima is bigger and more powerful and is also one of Ward's 10 Best (it's predecessor the 3.0 liter has also been on the list for many years).

They're both highly acclaimed engines, but the V6 is more powerful.

 

[NFS4]

<< You need to stop acting like you know these cars like the back of your hand. Those two cars are pretty much aimed at different markets so you can't really compare the two. Nissan makes quality cars.....I don't know where you get off thinking they don't. What do you drive??? Unless you own an Audi or a Nissan firsthand...you can't say a damn thing about quality and whats "better". >>


If you read the whole thread, you'd see that I have already stated that they aim at two totally different markets and don't compete with each other...so what are you talking about? In case you missed it:

"No one is saying that the Altima is a bad car, it's just that is should not even be compared to an Altima...they're in different leagues and the Audi is a whole other league than "lowly" Nissans

I mean, Audi competes with BMW and Lexus, not Nissan. "


NEXXXXXXXXXXXT

 

[GT578]

NFS4,

When I said different markets I meant different class of cars retard. Audi doesn't necessarily compete with only the "luxury" cars like Lexus, BMW, etc.....
They'll compete with whatever car is similar in size and performance to their models........
You think you f**king know so much......you just need to shut the hell up sometimes.
You didn't answer my other question...what the hell do you drive??? Don't be talking like you know these cars personally because I know you have never even driven these newer cars nearly enough to know how it feels.

 

[Nemesis77]

<< You think you f**king know so much......you just need to shut the hell up sometimes.
You didn't answer my other question...what the hell do you drive??? Don't be talking like you know these cars personally because I know you have never even driven these newer cars nearly enough to know how it feels. >>



Ooooooooo :Q

 

[BigSmooth]

:Q LOL, let me grab some popcorn, this should be good!

 

[NFS4]

<< NFS4,

When I said different markets I meant different class of cars retard. Audi doesn't necessarily compete with only the "luxury" cars like Lexus, BMW, etc.....
They'll compete with whatever car is similar in size and performance to their models........
You think you f**king know so much......you just need to shut the hell up sometimes.
You didn't answer my other question...what the hell do you drive??? Don't be talking like you know these cars personally because I know you have never even driven these newer cars nearly enough to know how it feels. >>


Well, aren't we getting violent and harsh with language? Don't you just love how people have to resort to shouting and cussing?

Audi does NOT compete with Nissan...that's a fact. The A4 1.8t competes with vehicles in its sector which include the BMW 325i, Mercedes C-Class C240, Volvo S40, and Volvo S60, Jaguar X-Type 2.5

The A4 3.0 competes with the BMW 330i, Mercedes C-Class C320, Volvo S60 T5, Infiniti I35, Acura 3.2 TL, Jaguar X-Type 3.0, etc.

The Altima competes with Camrys, Accords, Passats, Intrepids, Regals, Taurus', etc.

People can cross shop Audi and Nissan, but they are two different brands of vehicles aimed at different sectors of the market...Nissan doesn't even try to market it's Altima as a competitor for the Audi or BMW. It merely states that it is leaps and bounds ahead of the Accord and Camry which it is. The Altima is a family sedan with sporting tendencies. The A4 is by no means a family sedan, it's a sport/luxury sedan.

A Hyundai XG350 is similar in size to an Atlima and is about as fast as an Audi A4 1.8t...I guess it competes with the Audi A4 1.8t as well?? Give me a break...you've got to draw the line somewhere.

As for your ASSumptions, I get around when it comes to cars. I have driven a '00 Audi A4 and I happened to like the ride and power delivery and wouldn't mind owning one myself. As for the newest Altima, I've had some extended time in the vehicle (my uncle in Baltimore has a new 2.5S and gave me a ride while I was there a couple of weeks ago. It had a suprisingly supple ride considering how TERRIBLE the roads are up there). If I like a car, I find a way to get at least an extended trip in one.

As for what I drive, I drive a '95 Camry LE...but I more often drive a '02 Toyota Highlander Limited (just took it to the mountains for a ski trip; love that silky V6).

 

[LittleWolf]

Audi and Nissan. Audi by far in this case. Both are good cars in their own category, but there are huge inherit differences in them. The Altima while having a good engine, has a chintzy interior and me-too (actually Audi copy) exterior. Looks however are a personal thing. To me Audi is way classy compared to the typical Japanese lemming Altima. And I am not even going to talk about the interiors. Hyundai might have better interiors than the new Altima.

On performance aspects, the V6 Altima is definitely quite good say in 0-60 compares to the 1.8 Turbo Audi. But you gotta realize, the Altima is nowhere near in handling and drive/feel characteristics compared to the Audi. The Altima would be more comparable to the Passat (a much softer version of the old A4 Audi) and Accord. In a recent comparo, the Altima was rated below the Accord by C&D. And in a previous comparo, the Passat trounced the same Accord. So go figure...
Audi competes more with the likes of BMW and to an extent the new (and still not that sporty) Lexus. Even the likes of Acura and Infiniti fall way back in those aspects.

Reliability wise, the Altima is going to a bit better compared to the Audi. But the newer Audi's also are quite bullet-proof and with the longer/better warranty, it shouldn't be too much of an issue. But yes, German cars in general can be a bit more expensive to maintain.

And needless to say, don't buy a FWD Audi. That is just so wrong, that you might as well walk rather than drive. Buy an Audi with the Quattro.


HTH,

-j

 

[GT578]

Well you haven't driven the 3.5SE OR the '02 A4 1.8 .....so your experience in the '00 A4 is not relevant to this.
Infinit I35 and the Acura 3.2TL is more in line with the ES300..... Those cars aren't meant to compete with a 330i or an A43.0....only the 3.2TL Type-S can be considered a competitor to those cars.
Its also funny how you would put a Volvo S40 in the same class as the S60. Also if you think the Altima is leaps and bound ahead of the Camry and the Accord....you need to do some more research. Its only ahead in terms of power......I wouldn't put the Nissan above the Camry or Accord in quality.

 

[NFS4]

<< Well you haven't driven the 3.5SE OR the '02 A4 1.8 .....so your experience in the '00 A4 is not relevant to this.
Infinit I35 and the Acura 3.2TL is more in line with the ES300..... Those cars aren't meant to compete with a 330i or an A43.0....only the 3.2TL Type-S can be considered a competitor to those cars.
Its also funny how you would put a Volvo S40 in the same class as the S60. Also if you think the Altima is leaps and bound ahead of the Camry and the Accord....you need to do some more research. Its only ahead in terms of power......I wouldn't put the Nissan above the Camry or Accord in quality. >>


1) I only put the S40 in the same class as the Audi A4 1.8t b/c when the S40 first came out that is directly compared to the Audi A4 1.8t most often. At the time the S40 came out, the Audi 1.8t was only pushing out 150HP.
2) As for the 3.2TL, it is totally subjective as to whether the A4 competes. If you're talking FWD 3.0 A4's, then I'd be more apt to place it in the category with the 3.2TL and I35. If it's Quattro, then it'd be up against the TL Type-S.

Audi A4 FWD competitors
Audi A4 Quattro competitors

3) Actually, the new Altima is larger than the current Camry and Accord. It is also faster and cheaper and better handling. Build quality (except for the interior) is comparable. Even the head of Toyota's car division said that they were surprised at how well the new Altima competes. And as most here know, I have always sided with the Camry SE over the Altima everytime (and I get hounded for that everytime).

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

<< Audi and Nissan. Audi by far in this case. Both are good cars in their own category, but there are huge inherit differences in them. The Altima while having a good engine, has a chintzy interior and me-too (actually Audi copy) exterior. >>



Say what? How is the Altima in any way inspired by (much less copied from) Audi? Audi has for at least the last 15 years specialized in rounded body forms, and the Altima is quite angular and sharp-edged by comparison. I can't see any resemblence whatsoever. Care to comment?

 

[NFS4]

<<

<< Audi and Nissan. Audi by far in this case. Both are good cars in their own category, but there are huge inherit differences in them. The Altima while having a good engine, has a chintzy interior and me-too (actually Audi copy) exterior. >>



Say what? How is the Altima in any way inspired by (much less copied from) Audi? Audi has for at least the last 15 years specialized in rounded body forms, and the Altima is quite angular and sharp-edged by comparison. I can't see any resemblence whatsoever. Care to comment? >>


I don't see it either...if anything, Nissan stole the whole roof/greenhouse from the Passat. Come to think of it, the overall shape is rather Passat-ish

 

[BigSmooth]

<< I have always sided with the Camry SE over the Altima everytime (and I get hounded for that everytime). >>


Oh, you poor little victim!

 

[NFS4]

<<

<< I have always sided with the Camry SE over the Altima everytime (and I get hounded for that everytime). >>


Oh, you poor little victim!

>>


LOL, it's tough fighting the "Nissan - Driven" guys

 

[LittleWolf]

<< Say what? How is the Altima in any way inspired by (much less copied from) Audi? Audi has for at least the last 15 years specialized in rounded body forms, and the Altima is quite angular and sharp-edged by comparison. I can't see any resemblence whatsoever. Care to comment? >>



All you need to do is to look at the roofline, the front and rear-overhang. They are almost exact copy of the Audi A6 and the Passat. Ignore the minor crease here and there. If you replace the front typical Honda Civic-esque (ignore the internal projector-type shapes. Look at the broader picture) and the crappy looking (IMO) rear (Nissan has this unique penchant for extremely crappy rear-ends circa post late 90 models. It's almost as if the designers fell asleep and let the easel slip when they drew the rear or they just got plain bored). And if you look at the Altima from the rear, just replace the rear-lights with those from a Passat or A6 and they are almost long-lost blood-brothers.

And if you do some research, you will see that Nissan benchmarked and "copied" (as many others now are doing) the Passat (the best in class) and Audi A6 for all details.

Ofcourse they failed miserably in the interiors, because they forgot to copy that.


My case rests.


-j

 

[LAUST]

<< LOL, it's tough fighting the "Nissan - Driven" guys >>


Everything is driven tho.... even yugo never understood that slogan

Anyway, SinNisTeR go test drive em both and see what you like yourself... don't belive anything a paid for article in a magizene tells you and you'll be safe

 

[NFS4]

<<

<< Say what? How is the Altima in any way inspired by (much less copied from) Audi? Audi has for at least the last 15 years specialized in rounded body forms, and the Altima is quite angular and sharp-edged by comparison. I can't see any resemblence whatsoever. Care to comment? >>



All you need to do is to look at the roofline, the front and rear-overhang. They are almost exact copy of the Audi A6 and the Passat. Ignore the minor crease here and there. If you replace the front typical Honda Civic-esque (ignore the internal projector-type shapes. Look at the broader picture) and the crappy looking (IMO) rear (Nissan has this unique penchant for extremely crappy rear-ends circa post late 90 models. It's almost as if the designers fell asleep and let the easel slip when they drew the rear or they just got plain bored). And if you look at the Altima from the rear, just replace the rear-lights with those from a Passat or A6 and they are almost long-lost blood-brothers.

And if you do some research, you will see that Nissan benchmarked and "copied" (as many others now are doing) the Passat (the best in class) and Audi A6 for all details.

Ofcourse they failed miserably in the interiors, because they forgot to copy that.


My case rests.


-j >>


1) I'll have to agree with you on the "rears" of all current and recent Nissan cars. They are BUTT ugly; excuse the pun It seems as though they get the rest of the car right then screw up the back of it...Maxima, Sentra, G35, Altima, I35

2) Interior; I also fully agree. Audi makes the BEST interiors in the biz, HANDS DOWN!

 

[SinNisTeR]

wow, looks like a tornado hit through this thread.. sheeesh, thanks for the input guys really appreciate them, im gonna go test drive them to see what i like or dislike personally about them.

 

[Boogak]

Go for the Altima if and only if all you want is acceleration. Otherwise go for the A4. Audi now pays for all service and maintenance for 4 years (includes everything but the tires) so maintenance and reliability isn't really an issue there (at least for 4 years, but how long do you plan on keeping the car?). The stock 1.8t engine with a 5 speed is sporty feeling, not a burner but it gets around decently. The interior is absolutely gorgeous on the 02 that I saw. Go to the audiworld.com forums to find what owners have to say about their car.

And in case people start slamming me, I own a 2001 A4 which I haven't had any problems with.

 

[NFS4]

<< Go for the Altima if and only if all you want is acceleration. Otherwise go for the A4. Audi now pays for all service and maintenance for 4 years (includes everything but the tires) so maintenance and reliability isn't really an issue there (at least for 4 years, but how long do you plan on keeping the car?). The stock 1.8t engine with a 5 speed is sporty feeling, not a burner but it gets around decently. The interior is absolutely gorgeous on the 02 that I saw. Go to the audiworld.com forums to find what owners have to say about their car.

And in case people start slamming me, I own a 2001 A4 which I haven't had any problems with. >>


Sweet ride...even the old A4's look better than the new Altimas

 

[psteng19]

<< You need to stop acting like you know these cars like the back of your hand. >>


You felt that way about NFS4 too? I thought I was on the only one

At my stage in life (early 20's), I'd side with the A4. It's smaller and looks more sporty.
Me being a relatively small guy would look funny getting in and out of a big family car like the altima.
I know because I used to drive my mom's van around before I bought my own car.

But in 5-10 years, I'd definitely go with the altima. It's bigger and faster.

btw, it's Nissan ~ Driven with a ~

 

[prontospyder]

<<The Altima would be more comparable to the Passat (a much softer version of the old A4 Audi) and Accord. In a recent comparo, the Altima was rated below the Accord by C&D. And in a previous comparo, the Passat trounced the same Accord>>

I think it was the Mitsubishi Galant that beat the Accord, not Passat. C&D rated the Accord above the Altima because it was geared toward families where performance, handling is not that high of a priority.