matt777

Me too.

nile13

I know the numbers. However, I drive them, I don't care about numbers.

95 C4 993

I probably wouldnt have a problem with FWD until I come across a road that says "RESTRICTED TO 4WD/AWD" This happens a good 1/2 dozen to a dozen times a year where I live.

I've been in enough Outbacks to know I will have no issues getting around in Utah in any conditions. I've never been restricted to drive anywhere because I have AWD/4WD--all it takes is 1x to get stuck someplace because of FWD and that little voice saying "I told you so". Plus, Im not buying a 2nd set of tires (it would be on my dime) to change out in the winter to accomodate my failure to understand I need AWD.

My C4 will allow me more access to roads than the Audi A3 TDI. If it were the Quattro gas version on the Audi A3, I wouldnt hesitate but its not an option.

2Many Cars

Besides having to put on chains occasionally due to 2wd restrictions, I believe the Audi won't actually take chains. It requires the hub mounted spyders which are a non starter for me. I think the Subie is a good choice.

matt777

We don't need chains around here so its not an issue for me. However, I tell everyone who will listen that once you run winter tires you'll never go back to A/S. Winter tires over A/S tires are a much bigger improvement in performance than FWD to AWD. A second set of tires is an up front cost but just delays the replacement of your summer tires so you are really not spending more in the long run. Traction on acceleration is important and somewhat better with AWD but won't help you with braking. Does the Outback have better ground clearance? This might be important for you.

ps my only complaint on the A3 is the computer controlled throttle. Its a guessing game as to how the engine will respond in certain situations. I wish the German engineers would let the driver decide. My X3 had this issue too. The DSG is just fine.

95 C4 993

Outback has 8.7" of ground clearance.
Audi A3 has 4.3" of ground clearance.
Outback clear winner

Outback---71.3 cubic feet of cargo space
A3--39.0 cubic feet of cargo space
**back seats layed down on both vehicles
**Outback winner
Cramped back seats in the A3
Plenty of room in the Outback.
**Outback winner

Overall, the Outback is a roomier vehicle.

To top it off, the Subaru Outback is the #1 prefered car driven by lesbians.

matt777

I'm a lesbian .

The interior size was the first thing I noticed about the Outback when I first sat in it. That and it was much more upscale in materials over the Impreza. The Outback has grown and is just bigger all around. The A3 certainly is not.

95 C4 993

Who would have thought there would be a study on what people drive for vehicles, based on their sexual orientation. Yet again, nothing suprises me these days.

Men who drive Porsche's are more likely to cheat on their spouse where as men who drive BMW's are more likely to be beat up by their spouse.

solomonschris

Are we off the rails here or what. I bought a 2009 Jetta TDI wagon for my boat yard. I drove it fair amount. It was fun in warm weather. It got 40-45mpg. It handled great. It had one serious flaw....when stopped it was a guessing game as to whether you were going to move when you stepped on the accelerator, sometimes the brain had to think for a couple of seemingly endless seconds and sometimes not. This made crossing highways a sweaty palms affair. Driving in snow is not my forte but the boost would hit and spin the wheels if you were not careful. On the other hand, 2.5 Subie would bore me to tears...still though it is free.......Chris

ble2011

I bought a 2011 Outback 2.5 premium. Never had a Subaru before, but so far I have been very pleased. Wife wanted something different and fell in love with it when we looked at AWD vehicles at the Chicago auto show. Thought I would hate the CVT, but really never notice it. We have gone on 2 longer trips with it already. Very comfortable on the highway and has been getting 31.8 mpg highway. Wife drives it 99% of the time. We have not driven it in the snow yet, but have been told by countless Outback owners they are great in the snow.

95 C4 993

Ordering the 2012 Subaru Outback. It will be the 5th car in the household and it may not be the fastest, sexiest, eye catching vehicle out there but Im cool with it. The next time I see a sign (which I will at least 1/2 dozen times this year) that says "THERE IS NO WAY YOUR DUMB *** IN A FWD IS GOING ON THIS ROAD..."

helmet993

I think you had your decision made up already to get the Subie when you asked which car you should order?

95 C4 993

Got the Outback about a week ago. Not a bad ride and pulls through the mountains just fine. The paddle shifter makes for a nice option when needing a little extra boost. The cold winter package (fog lights, heated seats, heated mirrors) keeps my rear warm on these cold mornings/days and the moon roof and back up camera are nice.

The graphite gray metallic on black is a good color combo.

You cant drive a mile without spotting an Outback in the SLC Valley or Park City. I dont feel like the Maytag repairman, as I do in my 95 C4.

Now we have 5 cars....something has to give and thinking about selling my 77 Bronco in the spring.

Rinty

Oh, no...that's got to be the best Utah back road machine around....

cgfen

[QUOTE=95 C4 993;8938425]Ordering the 2012 Subaru Outback. QUOTE]

enjoy the new car.
I've heard nothing but good things about the new OB mechanicals / drivability.
Aesthetics are challenging IMO, but then most Subies are not pretty.

i'm in similar position where company would provide free A3, (and fuel ), but then i'd most likely end up selling my 06 Outback.
Not enough room to keep the OB and the A3, but the A3 is just too small to haul the stuff i tend to haul.

Other option is to keep the OB and just get paid for mileage, but i really want an Audi.
Twould be a no-brainer if they offered an A4 Avant!
sigh

Craig