Civil War

A couple of weeks ago, on my weekly motoring radio gig, I sort of made a subtle comment that somehow led some people at BMW Philippines to believe that I felt Audis were better than Beemers. My memory is a little sketchy, but I believe I might have said something along the lines of, "Good morning, Bavaria. This is your wake up call."

I was actually referring to their One series but a listener texted in and asked how I felt Audi’s awesome new A4 compared to BMW’s expertly marketed 3 series; a car so well advertised you actually feel you’re driving a celebrity.

Obviously, I could only comment from personal experience, which for the local 3 series, was only limited to a couple of quick drives around a parking lot. I had tried to get one out for a longer run to pit against its natural rival, but it would have been easier to find Garci than an available unit. So, naturally, I went on to rave about the A4 but went on record to say that the 3 series can out park any Audi this side of Ingolstadt. Full stop.

Just as I finished my sentence, my cellphone started vibrating. From fear. Sure enough, the good folk at BMW were choking on their Schnitzels at the very thought that Audi could ever be included in the same sentence as them, unless it was to serve as a point of contrast or a punchline, which was explained carefully in the colorful text message. The word preposterous figured in there somewhere. A couple of exchanges later, I found myself booked in for a test drive in a shiny new 3 series. And even before the commercial break was over, a comparo was born. Out of thin air. Literally.

But truth be known, I admire that kind of passion. I miss it; it is something I honestly thought our local chapter of BMW had lost over the last year or so. It’s the whole, "Faith-in-your-own-product" kind of thing that I find catchy. And contagious. I remember a time when BMW imposed their test fleet on us, to the point where we had to knock some back because readers were already accusing us of bias. They were relentless. It is what propelled BMW to super stardom in their segment, yet lately, they seem to have lost that drive. As if they had hit a comfort zone.

By contrast, shortly after their launch as the official Audi dealers, PGA cars were so convinced their new A4 would run rings around a 3 series that they sent not just one, but a few units to The STAR to review. I recall my editor, Dong Magsajo, saying he would have to be a critic of Clarkson proportions to find fault in the A4. He, like me, was that impressed by it.

But it’s one thing to impress when you’re not pitted up against anyone. Sort of like watching someone sparring, as opposed to going the full ten rounds. While there’s no doubt the A4 is incredibly impressive, can it match the Goliath of all sport sedans?

Because I’m paid per column inch, my editor will probably cut my commentary on the exterior appearances, because it is entirely subjective and you would have already made up your mind about that anyway, so I’ll start by skipping straight to the interior. Surprisingly, the 325 test unit seemed awfully bare compared to the plush A4, using rotary air conditioning controls, versus the digital, dual climate controlled system of the Audi, while the seats had to be adjusted manually as opposed to the eight way power adjustments of the A4. Rear leg room is a little cramped for both cars and both makers could learn a thing or two from Volvo when it comes to seating.

Cabin materials for both are exceptional, while the Audi, with its circular air vents and liberal use of brushed aluminum, seems to take more risks in its interpretation of design. Everything is so exquisitely finished or upholstered that you can’t help but rub your hands over every surface. If the A4 were a woman, my wife would have thrown me out of the house. But just like any temptress, everything is great for now, but I have a feeling the BMW will age better.

The premium sound system of the Audi is an absolute winner and makes the BMW’s system looks like a transistor radio by comparison. Surprisingly, though, once you crank it up, the BMW delivered equally exceptional sound. Looks can be deceiving. And, while we’re on it, I should mention that the BMW’s seats, albeit manually adjusted, gave a much more involving and comfortable driving position than the electronically assisted Audi. All in all, there’s a bit of give and take on both sides, but if I had to choose, I’d prefer to spend my time inside the Audi. Round 1, preposterous as it may be, goes to the A4.

But just as you wouldn’t judge Jessica Simpson on her grammar, lets talk about what these cars do best. Perform. The mere fact that it takes a 218 horsepower, 2.5 liter six to compete against the 130 horsepower, 2.0 liter, four cylinder, already shows that the Audi is punching above its weight. And despite the handicap in power, the A4 accelerates just as respectively as the 325 by making better use of its power to weight ratio and a brilliant CVT transmission. It is terribly quick in a straight line and rifles through gear changes incredibly quickly, giving you total control at your fingertips, but thankfully for BMW, life is full of turns. And that’s when you start appreciating where all those extra monthly payments are going.

The 3 series feels like it was carved from a solid chunk of steel and hustles itself around corners and undulations more convincingly, with all the confidence of the former Iraqi information minister. It may have a lot of heft, but it is divided up perfectly, with half directed to the rear and the other half up front. It may be just me, but there’s something special about a sports sedan being driven from the rear, rather than pulled from the front. One leads, while the other one follows, so to speak.

The steering is also far more direct in the BMW; tight, well-weighted with sharper responses. It makes you feel like taking the long way home. But while the Audi’s speed sensitive steering feels lighter and far more nervous at speed, it will be much easier to live with in the city and in cramped quarters. It uses nicer leather, too. But at the end of the road, even if they dipped it in gold, I have to admit the BMW is a better driver’s car. Not to be confused with chauffeur. Round 2, Bavaria.

But when you consider that these cars can cost as much as something with its own street address, you really need to look at the investment each manufacturer has made into their own brand. Here’s the point where BMW hits the cruise control and sits back to coast through the finish line. Audi are to BMW what BMW were to Mercedes before they beat them. Locally, BMW has one of the largest market shares in the world at over 57 percent. That’s both a good thing and a bad thing for an owner. Good in the way that you know you are being well supported and the volume means that BMW can claim an on hand parts inventory of 87 percent, with 10 percent an overnight courier away from Malaysia. Bad in the way that everyone at the club seems to have one.

Audi have a long way to go before they can match that. But look how far they’ve come in the last year. They have gone from comical court cases and a dark and dusty showroom at the bowels end of Pasong Tamo extension to a very impressive and comprehensive set up finally worthy of their logo. And the Germans are pleased.