Well, having test driven smaller cars I must confess that I prefer the feel and solidity of larger cars. Plus, the search for an automatic (or similar) car has ended the search in the hatchback domain (far too rare).

I would like to get some opinions on these two cars:
- Audi A4 (2001-2004 model) 1.8T Multitronic
- Mazda 6 2.3 Sporty Lux Automatic

You may perhaps, like my initial thoughts, think that they are very different. However the are surprisingly similar! However I would still love to hear some opinions from owners or others who have driven/experienced them. The similarities I have found are:

- similar power. The 6 has 122kW and weighs around 1350kg. The A4 is 1450kg and only has 110kW but it will be supplemented by a chip which brings it up to around 135-140kW.
- similar gearbox. Both can be run in fully automatic mode. Both also have an override: the 6 has "activematic sport-tip" which is essentially a form of tiptronic; the A4 has tiptronic and the CVT gearbox, they dub "multitronic".
- both cost, new and used, around the same price.
- both are completely full house. They both have leather interior, electric windows and seats, 6-cd shuttle and great sound system, power steering etc. The 6 comes with a sunroof standard; this is optional on the A4

Differences are perhaps that the 6 is more sporty, in that the suspension is meant to be sporty and the car comes standard with 17" low profile tyres. The A4 is somewhat more civilised with 15", more comfortable wheels, although it also has a stiff, sporty suspension (as do most Audis).

So, without simply saying "I don't want to drive a Mazda" please pitch in with your thoughts.

Cheers,
X

Best way to know is to drive them yourself....

Seriously.

Yeah I know I actually already test drove the 6. Was really great I must admit! I plan to test drive the A4 in the next few days. Just looking for some owner's opinions, to get a better idea. After all, a half hour test won't really tell the whole story

Ciao,
X

I have driven the 1.8T tiptronic (or whatever), and i can say its a very nice car. Feels very solid and has some class leading safety features. And this is not the type of car you will lose too much money on, as they seem to be very popular.

Just a thought.....