[JimBean2014]

Hi Guys,
I currently drive a 2015 Audi S4..current lease will be up in June 2018 and around that timeframe,I'd like to return my Audi and pick up either a leased brand new/own slightly used (2017/'18 less than 20 K miles) 330 xi or 340 xi M sport..
I know its a loaded question What do you think would be the most economical option considering all factors you can think of?
your feedback is much appreciated

Thanks
GK (NoVA/DC area)

[jtbazz]

The S4 is a fantastic vehicle and if you decide not to keep it my recommendation would be either the 340 or wait for the new g20 m340. You won't be happy with a 330 coming from an S4, it's not in the same league.

I am very happy with my 340i xDrive.

[JimBean2014]

Thanks and Yeah,love my S4 but i'd be upside-down by 6-8 K if I choose to buy it, that is why I'm exploring for options

[Zentan]

As the above poster said, never downgrade from an S4 to a 330i -- are you kidding? Considering the price of a new S4, I would consider a slightly used F80 M3.

[JimBean2014]

M3 is sublime but too expensive (cost+maintenance) for me.. I'm thinking of 330xi or 340xi because I want a more economical german awd sedan alternative (msrp/gas and maintenance) without sacrificing too much performance..my last two cars are e90 335i and a 2015 s4

[kern417]

the most economical option is always the cheapest that you can live with, but based on your previous cars i think you would be happiest with the 340i.

[Soul_Glo]

The 340ix is as close you will get to the M3 on a budget. The x drive whoops the quattro if you had that. Quicker and more reliable than quattro. I think changing from an S4 you'd miss the power in a 330ix. The 340 is more eco than the S4 and more fun. My two cents worth.

[JimBean2014]

great, thanks guys..I still have a couple months time but i'll probably go with a new 340xi M Sport lease or try find a slightly used 2017 one that got depreciated hard.

[moff]

Add the MPPSK to beat the performance of your S4 too!

[7iM3less]

Aesthetically you'll get a near identical car between the 330 and 340. I'd go M Sport line only.

Fuel:
From an economy standpoint the 330 will be much cheaper on fuel over the 340.

I'm getting just over 500km's (310 miles) per gas tank. That's a mix between city and highway driving + spirited runs 2-3 times per week.

Maintenance:
Remainder of the maintenance is the same in terms of intervals and costs between 330/340.

Performance:
Your S4 is a peppy car man, the 330 won't come close to giving you that excitement the S4 did when you hammer the gas.

Point of view:
I'd go with a loaded M Performance 340. I don't pay attention to fuel myself and the 330 would feel like too much of a downgrade.

[kern417]

Originally Posted by 37psi

The x drive whoops the quattro if you had that. Quicker and more reliable than quattro.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Quattro is superior, especially with the sports diff in S models. BMW doesn't even offer an LSD for our xdrive models.

Originally Posted by JimBean2014

great, thanks guys..I still have a couple months time but i'll probably go with a new 340xi M Sport lease or try find a slightly used 2017 one that got depreciated hard.

Just find one with 10k-20k miles. lol

[BimmerBoomer]

Originally Posted by kern417

Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Quattro is superior, especially with the sports diff in S models. BMW doesn't even offer an LSD for our xdrive models.

The newer Audi S models even integrate the Sport Diff, Dynamic Steering and Adaptive Sport Suspension into a system that intervenes far more quickly than brake-based stability control can. But I'd gladly trade all of that for BMW's 50/50 weight distribution if only the xDrive cars had a proper sports suspension. Looking forward to the G2x and G8x variants.

[Soul_Glo]

Originally Posted by kern417

Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Quattro is superior, especially with the sports diff in S models. BMW doesn't even offer an LSD for our xdrive models.

Just find one with 10k-20k miles. lol

I rest my case audi boy

https://www.carthrottle.com/post/bmw...which-is-best/

[BimmerBoomer]

Audi now uses 40:60 for normal drive in the S4/S5/Sportback and can send 85% to the rear axle (70% front) when necessary. And the (electronically actuated) Sport Diff can send all of that rear torque to one rear wheel.

[kern417]

Originally Posted by 37psi

I rest my case audi boy

https://www.carthrottle.com/post/bmw...which-is-best/

This is the equivalent of a girl telling you she knows what guys want, and then referencing an article in Cosmopolitan.

Try driving one yourself. Or actually looking up the specs of the cars we're comparing. An S4 will destroy a 340i x-drive around a track. Especially the new B9. It should be obvious from the fact that one has a locking diff and the other does not. BMW even chose to lift their x-drive f30s. Clearly not designed with performance driving in mind.

[2000Z3M]

Originally Posted by JimBean2014

Thanks and Yeah,love my S4 but i'd be upside-down by 6-8 K if I choose to buy it, that is why I'm exploring for options

why not give it back then buy it?

[spuntyb]

Only reason to go 330 is if you're considering the wagon. I have the 328 wagon with a tune now, and it's no S4, but fantastic for what it is. If you're considering the sedan though, I wouldn't bother with the 330. Overall spenditure won't be much less in the long run.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by KC328_F30

Aesthetically you'll get a near identical car between the 330 and 340. I'd go M Sport line only.

Fuel:
From an economy standpoint the 330 will be much cheaper on fuel over the 340.

I'm getting just over 500km's (310 miles) per gas tank. That's a mix between city and highway driving + spirited runs 2-3 times per week.

Maintenance:
Remainder of the maintenance is the same in terms of intervals and costs between 330/340.

Performance:
Your S4 is a peppy car man, the 330 won't come close to giving you that excitement the S4 did when you hammer the gas.

Point of view:
I'd go with a loaded M Performance 340. I don't pay attention to fuel myself and the 330 would feel like too much of a downgrade.

Overall I agree, but your point about fuel economy is very loaded. It really depends on how you drive and use the car. My wagon has 21mpg over 3 years. My 335 has 19mpg over 2.5 years. The cost difference there is really minimal.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by BimmerBoomer

The newer Audi S models even integrate the Sport Diff, Dynamic Steering and Adaptive Sport Suspension into a system that intervenes far more quickly than brake-based stability control can. But I'd gladly trade all of that for BMW's 50/50 weight distribution if only the xDrive cars had a proper sports suspension. Looking forward to the G2x and G8x variants.

It's amazing that BMW even offers an AWD "performance" sedan without a proper sport diff, never mind the atrocious xdrive suspension.

[7iM3less]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

Overall I agree, but your point about fuel economy is very loaded. It really depends on how you drive and use the car. My wagon has 21mpg over 3 years. My 335 has 19mpg over 2.5 years. The cost difference there is really minimal.

Yeah that's why I tried to keep my driving "stats" high level. The way one drives is a big factor to consider.

General stats appear to illustrate you get mid to high 20's mpg with the 340. If you want a petrol car that delivers decent performance but will still delivers mid to high 30's mpg then get the 330.

[CoopersF15]

The current 330 B48 is absolutely no match for either S4 or 340- you will wring it's neck to get it to move and even then every Nissan Maxima on the road and cooking Honda will still be quicker : and by doing so your gas mileage will drop

Wait for the G20 330 which is reported to have 300hp (300tq??). That will be the best balance and probably the better drivers car for you

[JimBean2014]

I drove 2017 340xi M sport for a day this week and what I found out was:
Transmission:
I think both are great but probably DCT as it feels sportier and more fun
Suspension:
S4.. stiffer but not as bumpy as 340
X drive vs Quattro:
Quattro, I feel safer in my Audi
Turns and twists:
S4( limited differential in full effect)
steering feel and feedback:
340xi (I don't have dynamic steering in my S4)
Cabin, comfort and noise:
S4
Surround system:
B&O in my S4, harman kardon sucks..its been the same since my e90.
With G20 not due until next year, my options for this year fall between F30 and B9. Another issue is Audi is out of their damn minds with the new S4 leases ..will wait and see..