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[Audi A3/S3] A3 3.2 V6 quattro or 2.0T FSi quattro?


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Hi, I was just after a little advice, I'm thinking of getting an A3 sportback DSG and looking into two different engine options.

I'm not sure which engine to go for, as I have noticed 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, 3.2 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 sounding V6 engine?

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

Cheers +++

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On the smaller cars (e.g. A3, TT etc) the weight of the V6 definately affects the handling. Having the extra weight at the front of the car obviously means it's more prone to understeer.

The advantage of course if the noise and the torque.

I've actually been pondering a similar thing on the A4. Handling wise I don't think it will affect it as much but is the extra money worth the performance difference. I think I've come to the conclusion that 2.0T is the way to go.

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2.0T is definitely the way to go. The 3.2 is no R32 when it comes to handling and just felt front heavy when I drove one. I never really clicked with my 2.0T Sportback either to be honest, even with a remap it just felt completely soulless after my Leon Cupra R despite being a nicer place to be in.

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was in an A4 Cab so I know a much heaver car but had the 2.0 for a few days test drive and was touching the floor between gears 1- 4, and knew I would hate it after a month or kill it driving flat out all the time, opted for the 3.2 in the end (:roflmao:so I wouldn't wrinkle the points in my shoes) which keeps me happy ...;)

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I had a 2.0T Cab while mine was in for a service recently, I thought it went quite well without the weight of the 4wd gubbins mine has, you certainly didn't have to thrash it to get it going. The 3.2 does seem to suit the Cab better than any other cars in the range though.

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I'm currently running a 2.0T Skoda Octavia which is the same engine. It doesn't set the world alight but has loads of low down grunt and it quite quick when pushed.

I test drove a 3.2 A3 once and I really liked it and the noise is great, but I think I'd still have the 2.0T for handling and economy reasons.

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I've not driven a 2.0 with DSG, however I will say that DSG clutch release can be a little on/off and would think that a FWD only car with DSG (AFAIK there is no Quattro/DSG option on 2.0?) and reasonable power output would have a high tendency to wheelspin, also the only FWD A3 I have driven (TD courtesy car) was very torque-steery.

Personally I think for DSG with decent power output you need 4WD, which AFAIK rules out anything except the 3.2 (is S3 available with DSG?).

I might be biased but I would definitely advise the 3.2 if you want a quick DSG car, the torque and noise are also very nice. The only downsides are the extra weight (not a huge issue IMO), and the fact that it is a 'tax-guzzler' with respect to MPG and potential VED increases.

+++

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I've not driven a 2.0 with DSG, however I will say that DSG clutch release can be a little on/off and would think that a FWD only car with DSG (AFAIK there is no Quattro/DSG option on 2.0?) and reasonable power output would have a high tendency to wheelspin, also the only FWD A3 I have driven (TD courtesy car) was very torque-steery.

Personally I think for DSG with decent power output you need 4WD, which AFAIK rules out anything except the 3.2 (is S3 available with DSG?).

I might be biased but I would definitely advise the 3.2 if you want a quick DSG car, the torque and noise are also very nice. The only downsides are the extra weight (not a huge issue IMO), and the fact that it is a 'tax-guzzler' with respect to MPG and potential VED increases.

+++

interesting, I didn't realise that there is no DSG option on the 2.0T and I was after a car with a DSG box! guess I would have to drive a manual 2.0 and 3.2 DSG car to see how they compare.

My local Audi deal is getting a 2.0T in next week to drive, its a 3 door quattro car, will see how it is, then I will need to find a 3.2 DSG to drive

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unsure if you understood you can get the 2.0T with DSG just not both DSG and Quattro, personally drove both and prefered the 2.0T

yeh, my mate has a 2.0T with DSG but at the moment was keen on a quattro + DSG car, lets see how the drives go.

What were you reasons for preferring the 2.0T after you drove it?

cheers

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Go 2.0T if your going to tinker with it. So much easier and a hell of a lot cheaper.

I miss the noise of the V6 but the noises of the turbo out weight the V6 roar.

Get the Milltek and stage 2 Revo and ur looking at 330+ bhp, fuel pump and intake and your looking at 360bhp. You can't go wrong!

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Go 2.0T if your going to tinker with it. So much easier and a hell of a lot cheaper.

I miss the noise of the V6 but the noises of the turbo out weight the V6 roar.

Get the Milltek and stage 2 Revo and ur looking at 330+ bhp, fuel pump and intake and your looking at 360bhp. You can't go wrong!

that was the plan but will see how the DSG is after the test drives, before thinking about a 2.0T quattro again.

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Main reason was money, being only 21 the insurance for the 3.2 was a bit of a killer, worked out cheaper for me to remap a 2.0T and have similar performance and better mpg.

Other reasons were - loved the DSG and couldn't find many 3.2s with DSG in the condition I wanted

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A few of you have mentioned that you can`t have both the quattro and DSG options on the A3 2.0T FSi.....but you can....check out the Audi site...This combination is available on the S3; and the A3 in sport or s-line spec.

yeah, Cupramax mentioned this about the recent S3 and I also noticed this on 08 & 58 plate A3s.

at the mo I'm looking at 55, 06 plate cars, wish they decided to make the sportback, 2.0T, quattro & auto back then as the recent cars are out of my budget of 15K.

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We are possibly taking in an 06 plate 3.2 Sportback DSG with all the trimmings, I'll find out on monday and post back if its deffo coming in.

Have the 3.2 in a new shape TT and its great. I have a manual box but either are fine. If the car is pre 23/03/06 then it will be the lower car tax.

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