A3 3.2 V6 quattro or 2.0T FSi quattro?

[Consultant]

Hi, I'm looking into getting an A3 sportback and looking at a few engine options.

I'm not sure which engine to go for as one can tune the 2.0T at AMD to return almost 45-55bhp extra along with 60-80lbs of torque which makes it as quick as the 3.2 V6.

This would mean I can get a newer 2.0T compared to an older 3.2 for a similar price. (pre 06 cars have better VED rates)

Would it be better to go for the tuned 2.0 turbo, for the better mpg, insurance (after declaring all mods), VED & re-sale potential or go for the 3.2 for the smooth V6 engine with no turbo lag?

Also would there be any difference in the handling of the car when comparing both engine sizes considering they are both quattros?

Cheers

[Kane_]

Looks like you will be going manual.

I'd go for the 2.0T Q because of; better fuel economy, less tax, better resale value. As you're remapping a good remap will get rid of the turbo lag so the only reason I would say the 3.2 is because of the sound.

Having said that there are some bargain 3.2s about with a lot of spec.

[brisel]

I'd go for the 2 litre - the A3 3.2s depreciate very quickly and will be much more thirsty.

The 4 pot won't sound nearly as good but will be much more nimble and will have way better performance if you go for a stage 2 tuning package.

For tuners look up AMD/Big Boys Toys, Awesome GTI or Jabbasport to name but a few.

[Consultant]

thanks for the replies

would Miltek's on the 2.0T improve the sound anymore but guessing it will never be good as the 3.2 V6?

[J400uk]

2.0T every day of the week. Its a much better all-round engine, the only thing it lacks is the sound of that V6.

[Consultant]

brisel said:

I'd go for the 2 litre - the A3 3.2s depreciate very quickly and will be much more thirsty.

The 4 pot won't sound nearly as good but will be much more nimble and will have way better performance if you go for a stage 2 tuning package.

For tuners look up AMD/Big Boys Toys, Awesome GTI or Jabbasport to name but a few.

cheers for the tuners, one is very close to where I live

[GaryST220]

Would be the V6 for me

[Dr G]

Consultant said:

thanks for the replies

would Miltek's on the 2.0T improve the sound anymore but guessing it will never be good as the 3.2 V6?

Slightly - but it's never what you'd call musical. Plenty of vids on youtube of MKV GTIs with various Milltek setups on.

[baz1985]

3.2.....but I'm biased.....if you thrash them both there's not much in it fuel wise imo......but you get a better throttle response and a nice noise with the 3.2 imo

[Consultant]

baz1985 said:

3.2.....but I'm biased.....if you thrash them both there's not much in it fuel wise imo......but you get a better throttle response and a nice noise with the 3.2 imo

I'm swaying towards the 3.2 now as I am keen on a car with quattro and an autobox.

I've got a testdrive booked for a 2.0T, quattro Manual next week and have also booked a test drive with a 3.2 DSG a few days later.

Will see how they compare and will decide.

[GaryST220]

Consultant said:

baz1985 said:

3.2.....but I'm biased.....if you thrash them both there's not much in it fuel wise imo......but you get a better throttle response and a nice noise with the 3.2 imo

I'm swaying towards the 3.2 now as I am keen on a car with quattro and an autobox.

I've got a testdrive booked for a 2.0T, quattro Manual next week and have also booked a test drive with a 3.2 DSG a few days later.

Will see how they compare and will decide.

The V6 will be a lot smoother running, and probably more reliable. With a V6 people say "give it a blip lets hear it", with a 4 pot people say "quieten down please".

[brisel]

Would you consider a Golf R32? It has an exhaust specially designed to sound good & there are some cheap ones about as VW UK are trying to clear out unsold ones from the system, knocking second hand values back a fair bit.

The A3 3.2 just won't sound the same IMHO.

[Consultant]

I looked into a R32 but was after something a little understated hence the audi.

[Kane_]

Now you want a DSG? What's your budget...

[Consultant]

Kane_ said:

Now you want a DSG? What's your budget...

after thinking about it, I'm keen on a DSG + quattro car. Budget is 15K tops.

Will see how the DSG box is after the test drive next week.

I've seen some good sportbacks on audi.co.uk but out of the few cars they have on sale they don't have the specs I am looking for.

I'm in no rush to buy so can wait for the right car, unless its a bargain.

Hopefully some more will be available when the new reg comes out.

Edited by Consultant on Thursday 15th January 09:18

[ChasW]

I have driven both (3.2 twice and 2.0 once both DSG) as loan cars while my A4 has been in for service. I'd go for 3.2 as it felt a totally better match between engine and gearbox and was very responsive. Looking at a previous long running post about 2.0 fuel consumption I doubt whether the difference is that great.

[baz1985]

3.2 avec DSG/S-tronic is a brilliant combination......beautiful linear power delivery and a good sharp throttle response.

[SMB]

baz1985 said:

3.2 avec DSG/S-tronic is a brilliant combination......beautiful linear power delivery and a good sharp throttle response.

Don't disagree with the above, but having nearly gone for the 3.2 , what put be off came in the test drive, handling was compromised severely at the limit by the heavier engine hanging out front.

[baz1985]

SMB said:

baz1985 said:

3.2 avec DSG/S-tronic is a brilliant combination......beautiful linear power delivery and a good sharp throttle response.

Don't disagree with the above, but having nearly gone for the 3.2 , what put be off came in the test drive, handling was compromised severely at the limit by the heavier engine hanging out front.

Outright handling and agility is definately compromised by the 6 pot up front.....but it brings excellent high speed stability (its better than my Gayman in this regard imo) and when you're on high speed sweeping Scottish Highland roads it all begins to make sense. Of course it's always going to understeer......but shed a little more speed on entry using the excellent brakes (I love the over-servo'd feel)....and floor it mid apex then as the power goes to the rear it'll do a slight drift (nothing spectacular) but better than nothing......and you're exit speed will be remarkable......not as rewarding as pure RWD BMW for sure, but engaging nonetheless.

[Relaxitscool]

I agree. I have a 3.2 and I often hear the heavy front engine causes it to understeer. Personally I've never had understeer, you just add a little throttle and let the rear take you round. I've had oversteer more than understeer.

The noise is nice and it revs without effort right to 7000rpm. Its an amazing Q car. I also get 30mpg taking it easy on my run to work, this can drop to about 24 if I hammer it though.

Downsides? Forthcoming tax laws, depreciation, having to pay for two extra spark plugs at service time, oh and the rush you get from feeling a turbo kick in

Regards

Rob

Edited by Relaxitscool on Sunday 18th January 11:21