memphis10

OK, I had my car at the dealer for the rear sunshade fix. They gave me a 2008 A4 (S-Line) as a loaner for 3 days because they got the wrong parts in.

Negatives:
How can these two cars be sooooo different? First thing I noticed was the throttle tip-in on the A4 was much harder than my A3. I had to almost stomp on the A4 gas pedal just to get it rolling. Next, the steering felt heavy in the A4 vs the lighter steering feel in the A3. The handling in the A4 wasn't as crisp as the A3. Also, you can tell the extra length of the A4. I tried every possible combination with the CVT; sport mode, +/- autostick, +/- steering wheel paddles, etc...it never came close to performing like my 6-speed manual. Power: hands down...my car.
Oh yeh, the brakes were very sensitive/grabby.

Positives:
The A4 has more usable trunk space than the A3. I was able to put my golfbag in the trunk without taking out the driver & 3-wood. The ride was more luxurious than the A3; it absorbed bumps rather nicely. Oh yeh, the sunroof with the dial opener and solid sunshade was nice too.

Badger278

The A4 (2008.5) SE is more freely reving. The steering isn't as quick, and the car isn't as fast off the line, but pulls better from a rolling start and is certainly more comfortable (both with sport suspension). I think you can't compare a MT with an automatic, the engine behaves much differently with the MT.

Only thing I miss in the A3 is opensky and the more heavily bolstered sport seats.

memphis10

Those A4 Avants are really sweet. You plan on doing anymore mods besides the chip?

NealcpSoCal

but you just pegged one of the things i LOVE about my A3. When you step on the pedal it GOES...you know like on a golf cart, right? or my Vespa. That is so nice and useable in every day driving. One of my FAVORITE features of my A3.

AofC_RR

That's due to the different steering systems in the car. The A3 is electric and the A4 has a hydraulic with electric assist. Servotronic.

dlmil

Which is better? Although I love my A3, I've always loved the way a BMW 3-series "feels" when you turn the wheel -- very solid, connected. Is the "looser" A3 steering a result of the full electric system?

memphis10

But it can get real light, real quick if I stomp on it off the line

Badger278

more road feel. However the A3 did have a bit of bump steer and the A4 doesn't also, when entering a turn (under hard cornering) on the A3 on bumpy pavement (under braking) the front would get a little light and activate the ABS. All together, the A4 feels a little over dampened and disconnected, but is easier to drive quickly and with comfort. IMO

Bezor

I've been caught out a few times by how easy it's been to activate ABS into a turn.