Octavia VRS TDI vs BMW 320d/i Xdrive vs A4 Quattro Avant (vs Superb 4x4)

Looking to replace my much beloved Subaru Legacy Spec.b

I think I'm going to need two cars, and one of them is going to have to have a nice petrol engine with at least 6 cylindes, and probably only two seats.

Which leaves me with a relatively tight budget to buy an estate, one of the options I'm looking at the mk3 Octavia VRS, either in economical TDI form, or in petrol form with the performance pack, both with the manual, rather than the DSG.

I'm also considering a Superb, in 2.0 TDI 170 4x4 guise, and an F31 BMW 320 Xdrive, B8 Audi A4 Quattro Avant, 2.0 manual, in either petrol or diesel.

I know that the petrol VRS is the most fun and the most powerful and the lightest, and so quickest in the dry, and the diesel is the most economical. I intend to tow occasionally, so I'm considering the Superb 4x4 too, given that I'll have the sportscar for thrills.

How do they compare to the BMWs and Audis? My experience with Haldex (admittedly the older generation) wasn't impressive, and so I'm leaning towards the diesel VRS, at least of the Skodas. It has nearly identical power to the BMWs, it's a bit lighter, but of course it's only FWD. I know the Skoda is hands down the more practical of the two, but which is the best to drive? And by that I mean, which is most fun? (I know, a 2.0L diesel estate car isn't designed for thrills, but hey)

Note that I'm aware there is a VRS TDI 4x4, but that it is DSG only. Likewise the 3.0L BMWs/Audis, they are automatic only too, I insist on a manual)

I'm also considering getting only one car, in which case it'll be an Audi S4 avant, in manual, 3.0L supercharged V6 form)

So, anyone who's driven these cars, particularly the diesel VRS and the 320d xdrive, as those are the two I'm currently favouring, I'd be keen to hear from you

Edited 17 December, 202517 Dec by Reeky