Infinti Q50 vs Audi A4

27088 Views 56 Replies 22 Participants Last post by SimpsonTide985, Jul 20, 2013

brianch

Discussion Starter · Jan 18, 2013

7 speed auto - hybrid - rwd or awd

The A4 has tons of choices in engines and has manual transmission and auto. Also had RWD and AWD choices.. It's an attractive car. Why choose the Q50?

I'd like to hear buyers reasoning.

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SimpsonTide985

· #2 · Jan 25, 2013

I love the interior quality and design of the A4, although it's starting to look a little bit outdated. On the other hand, I appreciate the power advantage of the Q50 as well. The only gripe with the A4 is that if you want to load it up with all of it's goodies, you'll be creeping into $50k territory.

I'd say, if you're just looking for something luxurious and stylish and you're not looking for a bunch of tech and sport enhancements, the A4 might be a good choice. However, if you're looking for something a little bit more quicker, unique, and stacked with technology, the Q50 will be up your alley.

brianch

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 25, 2013

Bang for your buck the Q50 just looks like a better package vs the A4.. Not only that but apparently Audis have some of the most expensive parts in the German auto world.

SimpsonTide985

· #4 · Jan 25, 2013

Yeah, I think you're right about that.

I guess for right now, the other nice thing about Audi is that there is a heightened sense of perception and reputation. A lot of non-car aficionados are more likely to Oooh and Aahhh a bit more at an Audi because of the name and the badge, regardless of what's under the hood or what's inside. lol

brianch

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 29, 2013

One thing that has turned me off with Audis is the way they handle. They feel front heavy. Not sure why as the weight distribution of both the Audi and G37 are around 60/40

infinitispeed

· #6 · Jan 29, 2013

I never driven an Audi but this is what i'm hearing about them. They have great power, awesome interior and exterior design, an exhaust note that makes them different from others, and a serious status that comes with owning one. But I prefer the refined light weight characteristics of an Infiniti or BMW

qpham45

· #7 · Jan 30, 2013

Audi = Horrible (tremendous electrical problems). Shutting the door of the S4 it feels so hollow like the door is about to fall off. The quality of the plastics chosen is very cheap and flimsy. I don't know why Audi skipped on the quality of plastics. the only reason why Audi has a better reputation now after decades of building low quality cars at a premium price is due to De Nysschen, former CEO of Audi and now Senior VP of Nissan/Infiniti, marketing strategy.
There is absolutely no comparison between an Audi A4 to a G37. They would have to compare the Audi S4 to the G37 in performance, handling, electrical circuitry, interior design, plastics. Audi has a long way to compete with its German competitors like BMW and Benz.

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brianch

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 30, 2013

^ From your perspective it seems strange why Audis are becoming so popular. I'm personally also not a huge fan of Audi. Did not know the plastics were bad. Are the same same now? So you are telling me the former CEO of Audi is the current VP of Nissan marketing?

qpham45

· #9 · Jan 30, 2013 (Edited)

cfrp said:
^ From your perspective it seems strange why Audis are becoming so popular. I'm personally also not a huge fan of Audi. Did not know the plastics were bad. Are the same same now? So you are telling me the former CEO of Audi is the current VP of Nissan marketing?

The former CEO of Audi is now the senior VP for all Nissan/Infiniti. I had looked into the A4 3.0 and found out it was way too slow, the interior looked decent but the plastic parts when i had flicked it sound extremely thin. The plastics they used didn't seem to have any give, no component of urethane rubbers to give it a bit of flex and durability. I was shocked when I shut the door. It sounded worst than my old 05 Honda Accord. The test drive was very boring. No performance. I understood why people say it handles well. It too slow to not too. What topped it off was the price. An astounding $57K! Its premium price did not fit its low performance, low quality interior and high maintenance cost. I would have been better buying a slightly certified preowned E92 M3 for a few more grand.

De Nysschen headed to Nissan, will run Infiniti from new Hong Kong HQ

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SimpsonTide985

· #10 · Jan 30, 2013

qpham45 said:
The former CEO of Audi is now the senior VP for all Nissan/Infiniti. I had looked into the A4 3.0 and found out it was way too slow, the interior looked decent but the plastic parts when i had flicked it sound extremely thin. The plastics they used didn't seem to have any give, no component of urethane rubbers to give it a bit of flex and durability. I was shocked when I shut the door. It sounded worst than my old 05 Honda Accord. The test drive was very boring. No performance. I understood why people say it handles well. It too slow to not too. What topped it off was the price. An astounding $57K! Its premium price did not fit its low performance, low quality interior and high maintenance cost. I would have been better buying a slightly certified preowned E92 M3 for a few more grand.

De Nysschen headed to Nissan, will run Infiniti from new Hong Kong HQ

Are you referring to the A4 2.0T or the larger A6 3.0T?

qpham45

· #11 · Jan 31, 2013

sorry it was an A4 3.2 that I looked at. This was a few years ago before I bought my 08 G35S.

'09G

· #12 · Jan 31, 2013

Its difficult to give reasons for a car that hasn't hit dealers yet.

I wish Audi would separate itself a little more from VW than they are now.

Exterior wise I would choose the Q50 over the A4/S4. Its time for a refresh, plus having all of the cars in their line up looking 95% the same, the styling just starts to get old.

Bringonthenite

· #13 · Jan 31, 2013

Not a fan of the A4 but love the A5. I would buy the Q50 over the A4.

SimpsonTide985

· #14 · Jan 31, 2013

qpham45 said:
sorry it was an A4 3.2 that I looked at. This was a few years ago before I bought my 08 G35S.

Oh ok, that makes sense.

Well, I'll just remind you that that A4 was a couple of redesigns ago and since then Audi has made a lot of changes to the A4. So, just be sure not to carry over all of your feelings about that old model A4 to the current model.

qpham45

· #15 · Jan 31, 2013

SimpsonTide985 said:
Oh ok, that makes sense.

Well, I'll just remind you that that A4 was a couple of redesigns ago and since then Audi has made a lot of changes to the A4. So, just be sure not to carry over all of your feelings about that old model A4 to the current model.

I don't think they made enough improvement in their quality. I just came from the auto show last week and the Audi dealership with my cousin a few days ago. He wanted the S4 and after sitting in it, feeling the material and driving it I can say that I am still not impressed with Audi's overall quality. I think Audi makes very aesthetic and fine looking cars but material wise they have a lot to learn from their German counterparts. The S4 handled very well but I didn't think it was on par with the E92 M3 or even the 335is, not to mention the C63 as well. May I'm comparing two different classes and should be comparing the RS4 to the M3. I think after the first time trying out Audi, it left a bad taste in my mouth.

brianch

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jan 31, 2013

I agree that the RS4 is the ugly duckling of the M3 and C63 rivalry. But thats the RS4.. And we are looking at the A4.. Personally I think the A4 is a poor mans S4 and the S4 is a poor mans RS4..

I dont really like how Audis handle in general.

but for those who don't care for handling and don't mind the interior of the A4 (though it looks ok the materials get complaints) the A4 is a fine choice because its visually attractive to many people. Plus the Audi badge is worth something to most.

SimpsonTide985

· #17 · Jan 31, 2013

Yeah, I agree that Audi's design and aesthetic quality probably overshadows its performance capabilities.

'09G

· #18 · Jan 31, 2013

qpham45 said:
I don't think they made enough improvement in their quality. I just came from the auto show last week and the Audi dealership with my cousin a few days ago. He wanted the S4 and after sitting in it, feeling the material and driving it I can say that I am still not impressed with Audi's overall quality. I think Audi makes very aesthetic and fine looking cars but material wise they have a lot to learn from their German counterparts. The S4 handled very well but I didn't think it was on par with the E92 M3 or even the 335is, not to mention the C63 as well. May I'm comparing two different classes and should be comparing the RS4 to the M3. I think after the first time trying out Audi, it left a bad taste in my mouth.

I test drove an S4 today and absolutely loved it. Just like BMW I believe, fully loaded, they're over priced. With the dynamic handling package it really makes the car feel good going around corners. After driving a G37xS for some time now I can say that Infiniti has some work to do with their awd system. The S4 felt so much more composed on back roads than my G. The racing seats with swade inserts are so comfortable, I didn't want to get out of the car.

I don't think its fair to compair the S4 to the M3. The S4 competes with the 335i and the RS4 with the M3.

Also there is nothing wrong with calling the A4 a poor mans S4 and the S4 a poor mans RS4. The same could be said about the BMWs. The 328i is a poor mans 335i and the 335i is a poor mans M3. Every car manufacturer has that same ladder, so to speak.

I would choose a S4 over the 335 any day. The question now comes down to would I choose an S4 over the Q50. We'll just have to wait for it to come out to see.

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htworld

· #19 · Feb 1, 2013 (Edited)

'09G said:
I would choose a S4 over the 335 any day. The question now comes down to would I choose an S4 over the Q50. We'll just have to wait for it to come out to see.

I've been driving an S4 for close to two years and had a 335xi before that. The S4 feels much heavier than the BMW, though technically it's faster. Mechanically and electrically it's been perfect (certainly better than the bimmer!).
My wife has an EX35, which has the same engine as the G37 (and, I presume, the Q50). It's loud and thirsty but reasonably strong. I'd be happy with it in a Q50 if the price was right.
A4 with the updated tranny is now supposedly quite quick... if they refresh it within the next year or two, it will be a strong contender as well.

infinitispeed

· #20 · Feb 2, 2013

htworld said:
I've been driving an S4 for close to two years and had a 335xi before that. The S4 feels much heavier than the BMW, though technically it's faster. Mechanically and electrically it's been perfect (certainly better than the bimmer!).
My wife has an EX35, which has the same engine as the G37 (and, I presume, the Q50). It's loud and thirsty but reasonably strong. I'd be happy with it in a Q50 if the price was right.
A4 with the updated tranny is now supposedly quite quick... if they refresh it within the next year or two, it will be a strong contender as well.

I'm with you on the Q50 being worth it if priced right. There's no doubt in my mind it will underpin the Audi S4, Infiniti has a long way to go before it can make vehicles to the level Audi is making them, so it will be a tamed car while the S4 is.....an S4

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