r32 or a3 3.2?

[weirdo]

bout to buy my 1st proper car, hav been using my transporter for work and play!! ive got a budget of upto 13k, hav test driven both, but would appreciate some informed oppinions from people who hav owned and driven them both.

cheers

[somouk]

I've driven both, then bought a GTi.

Which versions are you looking at, the MK4 based ones?

It all depends on what you want from the car. If its a weekend toy then the R32 would be the one, if you want something to cruise up and down motorways and generally look a bit more mature then the A3.

Either way im not a massive fan of the 3.2 engine, does sound nice though!

Your probably best looking out for an A3 based on the MK5 chassis, you won't get a MK5 R32 for that money yet but the difference in drive between the MK4 and MK5 is astounding!

Mart

[Gropes]

Have you looked at a mk4 Anniversary? You could get a top notch one for that money and have still have change for a good re-map.

[weirdo]

i know this is something i should know about already perhaps, but what is a remap?

[brisel]

A remap is a new piece of software installed via laptop that improves BHP & sharpens up performance. Sometimes erroneously called chipping - no need to replace the ECU unit, just reprogramme it.

I own a mk IV R32 & have been a passenger in an A3, plus I have mates who have owned both.

You should be able to find plenty of R32s for that budget but I suggest you allow for a BIG fuel bill - the gorgeous sounding V6 is quite thirsty

Expect 22 - 28 mpg whichever version you get. I can manage 15 - 18 mpg on a good hoon

The V6 can be tweaked but is natrually aspirated which makes major power gains pricey.

R32:

Looks & sounds the business. Expect lots of positive comments from Chavs!
Tuneable with exhausts etc. More R32s tweaked that A3s
Hard ride but very chuckable (MK IV only)
Not a very good long distance (250 miles+) cruiser. The seats do grip you well.
Very high spec as standard - Xenons, leather, heated seats, 6CD changer etc
Good demand ensures better residual values than A3 3.2
Very good weekend car & sensible enough as a daily driver

A3 3.2:

Difficult to distinguish from any other A3 at a glance. True wolf-in-sheeps-clothing
Better finished interior
Slightly less feedback from brakes & steering
Quieter
EVERYTHING is an optional extra, so be careful when comparing one with an R32
Less likely to have had the nuts thrashed off it by the previous owner...
Depreciates faster than a politician's promise

Would I buy an A3? Hell no!
S3? Maybe
New MK V R32? Probably
Golf GTI? Only an ED30

Have you considered an older (8L) Audi S3 1.8T?

Edited by brisel on Tuesday 4th December 19:52

[weirdo]

exactly the answers i was after, and in lamans turms too!!! cheers dude. i hav thought bout the a3 1.8 T, but wasnt sure bout the suspension, brakes, gear box, etc compared to the a3 3.2. is it the same running gear or is it a lower spec?