A3 - 3.2 V6 or S3

[turbo-ww]

I'm looking at around 2003/4 models and would appreciate feedback on the in's and out's of the 250BHP 3.2 or the 225BHP S3.

Thank you.

[Rich VRS]

i didnt think they put a 3.2 in the old A3? only in the new shape?

could be very wrong though.

[Podie]

My old man had both... prefered the S3.

V6 sounded nice, but seems more of a GT.

[Rich VRS]

I've only experienced the S3 and would describe it as more of a hot hatch which is quicker than a lot of people give credit to them for and is extremely capable cross country, and would say that from what I've read about the new v6 a3 is that as said its more of a cruiser and the extra weight kills some of the handling and it also has softer suspension as its not the sports model.

id say drive both and see how you feel as they will have very different characteristics.

[turbo-ww]

In terms of the 3.2 I was thinking something like this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/890346.htm

Forgive my ignorance, is this an old one or new one?

[Rich VRS]

turbo-ww said:

In terms of the 3.2 I was thinking something like this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/890346.htm

Forgive my ignorance, is this an old one or new one?

new one that be!

[catso]

turbo-ww said:

In terms of the 3.2 I was thinking something like this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/890346.htm

Forgive my ignorance, is this an old one or new one?

This is the new shape but pre-facelift (the grill was changed a couple of years ago), I have one like this but with DSG. The S3 would be the old shape as the new shape S3 only came out last year, so for a while there was no S3.

I like the 3.2, it is quick, handling is good although nose heavy, well built, very 'stealthy', nice exhaust note and quite good in the snow the only downside is that it is thirsty - 23-26mpg average and that Brown/Darling would/will hit it with a £400 VED if or when they can get away with it.

That one in the ad is cheap, considering it would have cost £25k (ish) new.

[A - W]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/851618.htm

Not mine but still cheap motoring.

[va1o]

I'd go for the new one. In terms of the electronics and handling etc, its leauges better than the old shape A3/S3.

[turbo-ww]

Thanks for the responses Guys, very helpful

Martyn.

[Auditdi]

It would be the S3 for me. Watch out, the brakes are nowhere near good enough. I don't think there would be a lot of difference in the mpg, I had use of one for a month or so and get sick of putting fuel in it. So much fun.

[Colonial]

Auditdi said:

It would be the S3 for me. Watch out, the brakes are nowhere near good enough. I don't think there would be a lot of difference in the mpg, I had use of one for a month or so and get sick of putting fuel in it. So much fun.

I keep on hearing how bad the fuel economy is but I don't find it that bad. Yes, it's higher than a Micra, but for an awd turbo it isn't too bad at all.

S3 for me. But I'm biased. Very underated car imo. Especially if you want a car that is both a relaxed cruiser as well as a bit of fun on twisty roads. I've done small mods to mine, mainly in the suspension and it is now a very good car to drive.

[catso]

Auditdi said:

Watch out, the brakes are nowhere near good enough.

Not sure which you're referring to but the brakes on the 3.2 are very strong.

[Auditdi]

catso said:

Auditdi said:

Watch out, the brakes are nowhere near good enough.

Not sure which you're referring to but the brakes on the 3.2 are very strong.

The brakes on the S3 aren't good enough

[marctwo]

Auditdi said:

catso said:

Auditdi said:

Watch out, the brakes are nowhere near good enough.

Not sure which you're referring to but the brakes on the 3.2 are very strong.

The brakes on the S3 aren't good enough

Depends how hard you drive it I guess. I've never had any problem with mine.

[turbo-ww]

catso said:

Brown/Darling would/will hit it with a £400 VED if or when they can get away with it.

Fortunately he/they can't - Band F = £210

[A - W]

turbo-ww said:

catso said:

Brown/Darling would/will hit it with a £400 VED if or when they can get away with it.

Fortunately he/they can't - Band F = £210

http://www.pistonheads.com/GASSING/topic.asp?h=0&t=508653

The 3.2 A3 is over the magical 225 figure.

[paoloh]

I am about to sell my 2004 53 3.2 DSG at a very reasonable price if anyone is interested.

[Hedski]

Paoloh, let me know the details. I could be tempted.... Now that there's a reprieve on the tax issue.

Edited by Hedski on Monday 16th February 21:46

[turbo-ww]

A - W said:

turbo-ww said:

catso said:

Brown/Darling would/will hit it with a £400 VED if or when they can get away with it.

Fortunately he/they can't - Band F = £210

http://www.pistonheads.com/GASSING/topic.asp?h=0&t=508653

The 3.2 A3 is over the magical 225 figure.

The link seems to be out of date

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicl...

Registered before 23.03.06 = Band F - As i see it......

M