Devius

If you get the manual tranny, it seems to remain somewhat reasonably priced. But if you get automatic with quattro and some options, it gets really close to 40K. Personally if I spend about $40K on a car, its gonna be bigger and faster than A4. Or it has to be special like the S4 or M3. just my .02. =)

MP

3.0 = $5k (+/-) for 50 hp.

Gandalf The Silver

If cost is not an issue...go with the 1.8T and tune it to the max!

Goldy

#1. I'm not into chipping and the 3.0 is more powerful. I didn't like that the engine had to work so hard to maintain my normal cruising speeds.

#2. Power Seats. I hate to admit this, but this was a huge factor. This has nothing to do with convenience either. I felt that the seats in the 1.8t were tilted downward. Instead of feeling like I was snug in the seat, I felt like I was this close to sliding into the steering wheel. It was an annoying feeling, and one that has no way of being corrected.

#3. Option of leather. I detest vinyl(leatherette). The smell, the feel, and the idea just makes me cringe. Cloth would be fine asthetically, but with a 6 month old girl leather makes the most sense. Plus it is beautiful.


If it were possible to get a 1.8t with leather and power seats, my decision would have been a lot more difficult. I may have opened my mind a bit more to chipping, and wound up with a 1.8t.



My ride, coming soon, is a Dolphin Gray 3.0QMS.

Good luck in your decision-making process.

Gandalf The Silver

Good points, but remember that there are some aftermarket seat options, if cost is not an issue.

CH Chang

I've drove the A4 1.8T and 3.0 back to back at a local dealer. The A4 1.8T feels sportier, it has less weight to throw around so it's a little more nimble in the corners.

But, the 3.0 is more luxurious. It's a good combo of luxury and sportiness. Even though there's less mods, there are some, but they are more expensive. PES supercharger for $5000 vs $500 chip. But, you will end up with more...

Although, with the 3.0 QMS, I'd feel less compelled to mod the car. The stock 1.8T just doesn't have the power that I want and I'd definitely have to chip it.

A close friend of mine has a chipped '00 1.8T, it performs as well as the 3.0. But, the 3.0 is a much smoother engine. I also like the throaty growl of the 3.0 vs the turbo-whine of the 1.8T.

I'd get a 3.0. As the saying goes "There's no substitute for cubic inches."

Cheers.

Gandalf The Silver

pretty much even.

Supercharger = better low end toruqe
Stage III = better maintained HP at high RPM's

As for the engine note...exhaust upgrades can rectify that satisfactorily.

But in terms of smoothness, you're right on the money...the 3.0 in stock form is a cooler customer.

old a4 pat

I had the 1.8 chipped (APR). My previous car before that was a V6 and I loved it. Although the chipped 1.8 proved faster and more powerful. I also loved the 1.8t. After ~400 miels on the 3.0, I have no regrets on engine choice alone. I like the sound, feel, and power of the 3.0. I would probably still get it even without the power and luxury stuff, although the power lumbar is great on my abnormally flat spine. I also like the power/memory seats/mirrors and chrome trim. I also wanted real leather this time around.
I would not even consider the 1.8 an option in the future...although I had a blast with it for 2 years and think that it is a work of art...just personal preference....drive both and make your own decision...you will be happy either way, for sure...its an Audi!

CH Chang

I'm aware of the Stage III turbos, I just meant to commenting that you can get an inexpensive mod to get the 1.8T to the same level or above of a stock 3.0. While, I haven't seen any mods for the 3.0 that give the same price/performance gains.

I'm still waffling between a 1.8T and a 3.0, I know I can mod the 1.8T to perform as well/better than a 3.0. But, I think things will get expensive fast. If I get APR Stage 3, I'm thinking the gear ratios in the stock tranny wouldn't be well suited for 300hp.

A friend of mine has a chipped 1.8T and he "complains" about 1st gear now. I don't know, I may buy a 3.0 QMS and just try to be happy with it stock...

AggregatVier

The 1.8T, with a chip, is fast when you need it and economical when you're just cruising.