DHS

I am in the market for a new ride and the A3 seems to be the ticket. If not for the introduction of the 2.0 Q this year, the choise would be easier. A bit of background.
First Audi was a 99.4 A4 1.8tq with sport that I drove for 150k trouble free miles. Five years ago I bought a used 01' S4 6spd that remains my daily drive. Has 160k and in Nogaro with limo tint still turns heads. As between the two, I liked the A4 for its nimble, athletic handling. But it was a dog with the 150hp and Q. Forget passing with any confidence unless your target is stopped. And worse with any passengers. The S4 has plenty of juice in that department, but just not as fun to drive. More ponderous. Not clumsy but lacks the handling elegance of the A4. I am sure there is an aftermarket solution. But I live in Maine. In winter I run four dedicated snows on 16" rims. Clearance not traction is the issue. So lowering is out of the question.
I see and A3 in my future. Like I said, if not for the introduction of the 2.0 Quattro, I would have gone for the 3.2. Here are the trade-offs:
1.Handling: I suspect the 2.0 is more nimble given less weight in the nose. Makes me wonder if this is the A4 vs. S4 dilemma reincarnated.

2.Power: With the auto/Quattro, will the 2.0 have the juice to pass, especially if carrying passengers. Again, A4 vs. S4?

3. Mods: Ya, I know I can add a chip and boost the 2.0 to 3.2 range. Probably a more realistic option with quattro. But then all those "chip/warranty" issues. Do people mod the 3.2?

4. Price: I buy used when I can. Got the two year old S4 with 16k babied miles with Milltech exhaust for about 16k less than new. Just bought my wife '06 530xit with 26k miles for about 60% of retail. I spec'd out an '09 2.0 quattro with S Line, Convenience, 18" Sport Pkg and Cold pkg for $36,200 retail, or $33,670 invoice. So something like $34,200 plus a grand or so for destination/advertising and that other BS. Then add chip on that. Not cheap with around $36 in it. Dare I say, an '09 WRX which is repowered goes for about $10k less. Or more likely, I have seen 07 3.2's in the mid to high $20k's fully decked out - some certified as well. Mileage in the mid 20k's as well. That is hard to pass up.
Guess my heart may be with the 2.0 A3 as it was with the A4, but but the used 3.2 seems too good to pass up. Since I drive my cars till they pooch, resale is not so important - initial outlay is. Suppose I could wait a year unitl the '09 2.0's come onto the used market. But that means another 30k on the S4. Getting close to 200k makes me a bit nervous. Looking at new ball joints and the dreaded unexpected. I blown turbo may mean a quick trip to the parts graveyard.
Appreciate your thoughts.
David

JimV

If I had the 2.0T option I wouldve taken it but I didnt then.

That said, I love my A3 and the 3.2 is quite powerful.

JimR

Yes, I stick my foot in it a lot.

JimV

I got 24 on the highway yesterday doing a lot of 80.

DHS

I mean, I have run the S4 6spd for five years and get about 30mpg consistently from reg gas. OK, so I drive like and old woman (or at least like and old woman who drives like I do).

SpeedTriple

although the gap between the 2.0TQ and the 3.2 is much smaller than the gap was for the 1.8TQ and the 2.8. Because you prefer the A4 over the S4, the 2.0TQ might make you happier. The 3.2 is nice but it's for the more "mature" driver who looks for an all-round performer that doesn't need to be modded.

The A3's chassis drives very differently from the B5 chassis, so it's no good to use the A4/S4 as a reference point for the A3. I recommend getting seat time in both A3s, and I'm pretty sure you'll quickly make your decision afterwards. Good luck.

JimR

That's what I typically see.

johnz

on the autobahn and 2 lanes.

Rudy H

Reason being the power loss is going to be my biggest problem, and buying new + sticking a K04 or GT series from VAST is not going to be a good idea when asking for warranty work to be done

I can't stand the size of what the B8 has become I want a sport sedan not a tourer!!

DHS

When you are under 50 it is "immature." Over 50 its "really immature." Kinda like that