A3 2.0T Quattro Sportback v BMW 130i

A3 2.0T Quattro Sportback v BMW 130i

Author
Discussion

aussieal

Original Poster:

479 posts

162 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
Will keep it short guys, and bear in mind PH's fondness of the 130i, but what would you go for?

Budget will be £12k max, looking to buy in June once back in the UK.

Want something enjoyable to drive, practical and with a quality feel. Had a MkV GTI previuosly so know the 2.0T well and enjoyed in the golf. Mrs Aussieal isn't keen on the 130i looks wise but I think it's quite handsome.

What are your thoughts and experiences?

Cheers

Al

RossP

2,523 posts

284 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
Audis are boring, get the beemer. HTH.

SWoll

18,466 posts

259 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
RossP said:
Audis are boring, get the beemer. HTH.
rolleyes

I think you know which way this is going to go OP, but for me it would be the 130i everyday of the week and twice on Sunday's. If you liked the 2.0T engine in the VW then the 3.0 will blow you away, it's an absolute beauty.

For me the only questions around the 130i are practicality (not the most room in the back) and looks, but if you are OK with both then there's nothing else to discuss.

monthefish

20,443 posts

232 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
I have owned the exact car (A3 2.0T Quattro Sportback) and it was superb.
Secure (rather than thrilling) handling, but in reality that is exactly what I wanted from it. Nice cabin, comfortable seats - all in all, very happy with it. (Only got rid of it as we needed a bigger car, so bought an A4 avant quattro with the same engine!)

I think the 130i is an ugly beast, but could probably be the more thrilling car to own, but in reality it's never going to be a sports car.

Sonofabeesting

599 posts

184 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
I like the 130i but as far as practicality goes is not the boot a bit small on the 1301 (of course that statement is dependent on your needs and ideas of practicality!)

VidalBaboon

9,074 posts

216 months

aussieal

Original Poster:

479 posts

162 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
Yet to drive either, but familiar with the great rep the 130 has for a hatch.

Suppose question on both for practicality is how would they handle a new arrival in the family? Just he two of us at the moment but expect that during my ownership of this car it'll need to accommodate a new arrival and maybe another in time as a second car. Is the A3 that much more practical?

Lots of accolades for the 130i's ability, but would be keen to hear more about the A3's capability. Does the haldex weigh it down? Worth getting something like the Koni FSD's?

aussieal

Original Poster:

479 posts

162 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
VidalBaboon said:
That's great, cheers mate.

monthefish

20,443 posts

232 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
SWoll said:
I think you know which way this is going to go OP, but for me it would be the 130i everyday of the week and twice on Sunday's. If you liked the 2.0T engine in the VW then the 3.0 will blow you away, it's an absolute beauty.

For me the only questions around the 130i are practicality (not the most room in the back) and looks, but if you are OK with both then there's nothing else to discuss.
Which one did you own first?

Madmatt74

273 posts

158 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
3.0 + RWD = Correct choice. biggrin

Looks nicer inside than the Audi too.

aussieal

Original Poster:

479 posts

162 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
Think both interiors are quite nice, certainly plusher than the expanse of grey plastic you get in a MkV GTI.

monthefish

20,443 posts

232 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
Madmatt74 said:
3.0 + RWD = Correct choice. biggrin
'Correct choice' for what exactly?

SWoll

18,466 posts

259 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
monthefish said:
SWoll said:
I think you know which way this is going to go OP, but for me it would be the 130i everyday of the week and twice on Sunday's. If you liked the 2.0T engine in the VW then the 3.0 will blow you away, it's an absolute beauty.

For me the only questions around the 130i are practicality (not the most room in the back) and looks, but if you are OK with both then there's nothing else to discuss.
Which one did you own first?
Owned 3 different generations of the BMW 3.0 engine and driven Golf/A4/A6 with the 2.0T in various states of tune. Not a bad engine but not a patch on the 3.0 IMO.

Madmatt74

273 posts

158 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
monthefish said:
Madmatt74 said:
3.0 + RWD = Correct choice. biggrin
'Correct choice' for what exactly?
Out of the BMW or Audi. smile


monthefish

20,443 posts

232 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
Madmatt74 said:
monthefish said:
Madmatt74 said:
3.0 + RWD = Correct choice. biggrin
'Correct choice' for what exactly?
Out of the BMW or Audi. smile
But for what?