b7 vs b8

**bala1** · 11-14-2015 10:37 AM

I havea 2006 a4 with 200k miles on it. Recently I brought it into the shop for some work and the dealership gave me a loaner new B8 to drive for the week. While it was nice i felt my 2006 handled better and the steering wheel was heavier and feels better. Anyone have any thoughts as to the comparison between the b7 vs b8 a4. I was mildly impressed with the B8 but all in all i was more wow'ed with my car (2006) when it was new. Anyone feel the same way? I think the B8 is a litle more sluggigsh and feels more like a boat.

**4ringnut** · 11-14-2015 10:40 AM

Yes, yes, yes.

**TDIaholic** · 11-14-2015 12:30 PM

I like all the features and the look of the B8 over the B7, but the interior quality in the B7 is better IMO.

**4ringnut** · 11-14-2015 02:17 PM

The interior of the B7 is shit compared to the B8.

**b6Hate4** · 11-14-2015 02:28 PM

I really, really dislike the b7 so I am bias, as it is really just a b6 with a new front end and a cam follower situation.

Oh wait it actually has 1 more cupholder.

The b6 has a smaller more cozy interior, quality of materials is the same in my experiance.
B8 is larger making it feel not quite as sporty inside, but the improved performance everywhere else more than makes up for it.

**dropshadow** · 11-14-2015 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by TDIaholic

I like all the features and the look of the B8 over the B7, but the interior quality in the B7 is better IMO.

Yep. They really cheaped out on the interior materials for the B8 compared to the B6/7. Plus, the B8 interior has always looked more like a Japanese car than German to me.

**b6Hate4** · 11-14-2015 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by dropshadow

Yep. They really cheaped out on the interior materials for the B8 compared to the B6/7. Plus, the B8 interior has always looked more like a Japanese car than German to me.

For me, all that matters is the touch points (steering wheel, manual shift knob, ect) if the dash trim is slightly cheesey than thats not the end of the world. Remember how much the stock b6 brakes SUCKED? Well I do. This car is an entry level luxury car so you need to expect some shortcomings...id rather it be my dash trim/ cluster surround than my stock handling/ brakes/ engine power.

**Darksol80** · 11-14-2015 02:51 PM

B8 is quicker, handles better with its 40/60 split f/r with quattro not the the 50/50 of the slightly more nose heavy B7 and to my eyes, looks more stylish than the B7 too. I like the layout of the B8's interior more. So, I would have to disagree. Stock for stock the B8 stops faster too.
http://media.caranddriver.com/files/...ttro-specs.pdf
http://media.caranddriver.com/files/...ison-tests.pdf

**LINDW4LL** · 11-14-2015 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by 4ringnut

The interior of the B7 is shit compared to the B8.

It's pretty well accepted that the overall quality of the B7 interior is better. Overall I do still prefer the B8's interior though, given the newer tech, center console design, and the one-piece seats (S4).

**4ringnut** · 11-14-2015 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by Darksol80

B8 is quicker, handles better with its 40/60 split f/r with quattro not the the 50/50 of the slightly more nose heavy B7 and to my eyes, looks more stylish than the B7 too. I like the layout of the B8's interior more. So, I would have to disagree. Stock for stock the B8 stops faster too.
http://media.caranddriver.com/files/...ttro-specs.pdf
http://media.caranddriver.com/files/...ison-tests.pdf

My B7 3.2 was way faster than my 2.0 B8. It handled way better. It felt light, and nimble. The B8 is a fucking tank compared to it. I don't know what the hell youre talking about.

**Marko S** · 11-14-2015 03:34 PM

IMO the b8 sline looks better than the b7 in all aspects. Not sure about performance as I've never driven a b7

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**booost** · 11-14-2015 03:36 PM

The B7 interior might be better quality but it's very dated compared to the B8. The B7 dual exhaust for the 2.0's is nice also.

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**b6Hate4** · 11-14-2015 03:42 PM

B7 does look dated. B5 and B6 both are timeless IMO.

**SWONER** · 11-14-2015 05:22 PM

Although I do miss the B7 S4 Avant as an option, across the board the B8 is a quantum leap. The MMI system is vastly superior to the old audio system. The whole center stack of is more intuitive. In my opinion, the biggest step was getting away from that crappy rubberized paint Audi used to use on all of its interior surfaces. No more accidental nail gouges in the interior.

Also, if you want to compare a 3.2 v6 to a 4 cylinder, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. The v6 isn't an option anymore so just get the S4 and stop complaining.

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**blbroo** · 11-14-2015 05:40 PM

Can't tune that 3.2 though and have an A4 with near S4 power.

**Darksol80** · 11-14-2015 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by 4ringnut

My B7 3.2 was way faster than my 2.0 B8. It handled way better. It felt light, and nimble. The B8 is a fucking tank compared to it. I don't know what the hell youre talking about.

I was comparing 2.0 to 2.0. Not 2.0 to 3.2. And handling is subjective to some extent. Numbers wise I always see a advantage going to the B8 when its a apples to apples comparison. I am fine with you not agreeing with me.

And weight wise the two cars are about the same. The B8 didn't gain a huge amount of weight when it grew up from the B7.

**Project Quattro** · 11-15-2015 04:16 AM

Originally Posted by Darksol80

I was comparing 2.0 to 2.0. Not 2.0 to 3.2. And handling is subjective to some extent. Numbers wise I always see a advantage going to the B8 when its a apples to apples comparison. I am fine with you not agreeing with me.

And weight wise the two cars are about the same. The B8 didn't gain a huge amount of weight when it grew up from the B7.

Which is impressive considering all the safety crap they're mandated to have. Also, one thing that I don't think has been mentioned in this thread is rear seat legroom... The B8 beats the pants off the older models in that area.

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**blbroo** · 11-15-2015 05:21 AM

Originally Posted by Project Quattro

Which is impressive considering all the safety crap they're mandated to have. Also, one thing that I don't think has been mentioned in this thread is rear seat legroom... The B8 beats the pants off the older models in that area.

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More room to get pants off is probably helpful for older models too.

**Project Quattro** · 11-15-2015 05:41 AM

Originally Posted by blbroo

More room to get pants off is probably helpful for older models too.

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**blbroo** · 11-15-2015 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by Project Quattro

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**doug97gxe** · 11-15-2015 07:08 AM

b8>b7

/thread

**b6Hate4** · 11-15-2015 07:27 AM

Anything is better than a b7.

B7 was never supposed to exist. B6 was supposed to go all the way up to what would be the b8 body style...though obviously it would have been called the b7.

The b7 as we know it literally exists because BMW were getting ready to release their new hot 3 series body style that same year and Audi had to do something too. So they literally kept the same interior, threw on a new front fascia and a set of taillights, and then rummaged threw the VW parts bin and tossed the 2.0t from the new coming GTI into it but of course mounted it longitudinal.