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Thinking about buying an Audi A5? Compare it to a BMW 328i Convertible first!
The BMW 328i Convertible Overview
BMW's 3 Series Convertible, like every other 3 Series, has won more comparison tests than any other luxury compact. Many of these have pitted the 230-hp 328i against more powerful – and more expensive – competitors. Likewise, the 335i remains the standard for performance convertibles, and its new 300-horsepower TwinPower Turbo represents the ultimate in no-excuses response.
As with any 3 Series, the reason for that acclaim is easily explained. The 328i and 335i Convertibles have none of the typical convertible compromises of slow reflexes, sluggish acceleration, or softly sprung suspensions. These two are still, first and foremost, BMWs, and as such still offer all the performance expected of the Ultimate Driving Machines – they just add a dash of al fresco appeal. Combined with the standard power-driven retractable hard-top, the 328i and 335i truly do offer the best of both worlds.
And this year, the 320-hp 335is ups the ante for performance even further, ensuring even fewer challenges for drop-top supremacy. Thereby keeping the rest of the competition in its traditional place – right behind BMW's 3 Series.
The Audi A5 Overview
Like BMW's 3 Series, Audi's striking A5 Cabriolet is derived from the company's coupe, but that aside the two German 4-seaters are very different from one another. Audi's drop-top begins with a front-drive chassis, and the handsome bodywork is capped by a traditional cloth top. All-wheel-drive quattro is included as part of the up-level Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.
In the base A5 Premium, that attractive sheetmetal covers a surprisingly pedestrian drivetrain: the company's 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder driving through Audi's Multitronic continuously variable transmission. Moving up to the quattro version nets a change to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic, but the same 2.0-liter turbo-4. Sport drivers looking for a manual transmission are simply out of luck with the Cabrio. Audi's direct-injected 2.0-liter TFSI (shared with VW) boasts only 211 horsepower but a respectable 258 lb-ft of torque (more, in fact, than the 3.2-liter V-6's 243 lb-ft). Despite the DFI and turbocharging, the engine still features an older-generation, cast-iron cylinder block.
BMW vs. Audi A5
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What BMW offers…
- The base 328i includes several features that are simply not available on the base A5 Premium, such as Xenon Adaptive headlights, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and HD radio.
- Features such as Comfort Access, auto-dimming mirrors with interior compass and retractable headlight washers are all available across the board on the 328i.
- Active Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams and Park Distance Control are all optional features not available on the A5 Cabriolet.
- The standard 328i Convertible provides a choice of either 6-speed manual or STEPTRONIC automatic.
- The 328i's 3.0-liter inline-6 is inherently smoother than Audi's turbo inline-4, and has received nothing but praise for its response and power.
- For those who prefer more performance, BMW also offers the 300-hp 335i with either 6-speed manual or STEPTRONIC.
- The 328i Convertible sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds with manual transmission, 7.2 with STEPTRONIC automatic.
- BMW includes a 4-year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Warranty
What Audi doesn’t…
- Halogen headlights, 18-inch wheels and a single-zone climate control are the standard features on the Premium A5; anything more requires a move up to the Premium Plus or Prestige models.
- Keyless entry and starting, auto-dimming mirror with compass and retractable headlight washers are only available on the $44,925 A5 Prestige.
- The A5 offers fewer driver assistance features, and does not include anything like Active Cruise control or Automatic High Beams.
- The A5 Cabriolet offers no manual gearbox, only a FrontTrak CVT or 6-speed Tiptronic with quattro AWD.
- Audi's turbocharged inline-4 can't match BMW's inline-6 for smoothness, and it still raises criticism about turbo-lag.
- Unlike the Coupe, the A5 Convertible offers no 6-cylinder option; improved performance requires a move up to the $59,025 S5.
- The quattro A5 Cabriolet manages 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, but the FrontTrak takes 7.5 seconds to hit 60 mph.
- Audi offers the same warranty period, but includes no maintenance.
"The current 3 Series... remains the target of every automaker looking to make
a name for itself in the mid-size luxury segment – and it's the standard by which they are measured." – Motor Trend
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Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
