MKV Aaron

To make this easy, it all depends on the Transmission you are getting. If you intend on going auto on the B7, then get the A3. Its that simple. DSG is worlds better than Tip.

However if you will get a 6mt in the A4, this makes the decision much harder.

The feel of the cars will be similar, with the A3 being more fun to drive. It weighs 300lbs less than the A4, with the same engine this will be noticable. The engine is a gem in any car they put it in, so that is always a plus. I personally think the B7 looks better than the A3 both inside and out. It is also larger with the Avant version than the A3, so more cargo space.

As for the AWD systems, you will not notice much difference in daily driving. However if you are an experienced track driver you will be able to tell they are different systems. This is not to say that Haldex will be worse than Torsen. The Haldex is FWD until slip, Torsen is 50/50. They behaved the same in normal situations such as turning right 90 degrees onto another street while having the pedal to the floor, you get no tire spin, just a nice pull out of the corner. Some say they can tell a difference in the snow, but I haven't driven a haldex car in the snow.

You have to understand that the Haldex is used in a large number of cars. A3, TT, Passat, Tiguan, R32 etc. The R32 and TTS are very capable cars that use this system. The new TTS is said to handle better and be more fun to drive and produce faster lap times than an S5. That might give you an example of how the difference in AWD systems won't matter.

To sum this up:

Comparing Auto A4 to DSG A3: A3 2.0T Quattro DSG wins because of the fabulous DSG transmission and lighter weight.

Comparing Manual A4 to DSG A3: A4 2.0T Quattro 6mt wins because of better looks inside and out, good manual gearbox and still fun to drive.

Let me know if you want more detailed info, you can send me your email address or something.

MKV Aaron

The Tip coupled with the 2.0T in the A4 had some wierdness. Vibrations at idle, lag upon acceleration etc. They did not pair well together in my opionio. The DSG goes great with either the 2.0T or the 3.2.

I think my FWD GTI DSG (stock) is more fun to drive than my old A4 2.0T Quattro 6mt with GIAC 93 flash. But I miss AWD, being able to put power down in any situation is great.

I am interested in getting another B7 and going BT next year. Should solve all of the fun to drive issues. lol

powder11s

Thanks very much Aaron, this is very helpful and it does answer my question. FYI i'm only considering a manual in the Avant. If the A3 were available with a manual and quattro, i would have gone that route.

I, too, prefer the looks of the A4, not to say the A3 is a bad-looking car. I'm most definitely not a racer, and don't plan on taking my car to the track at any point.

Coming from a BMW, however, I do appreciate the sensation of a car rotating neutrally through the apex of a turn. My main concern with Haldex was that the car would continue to act like a FWD until the last moment, but this does not seem to be the case, based on your description.

Thanks again,

Powder11s

MKV Aaron

I don't think you would have any problems in a Haldex car. I just think the A3 is packaged all wrong.

I would buy a VW if I was looking into an A3, or step up to an A4.

Good luck with the hunt for a MT Avant.

Craig3Q

Yes, true, good points. And this whole thread is mixing up 2.0T/3.2Q R32/A4/A3, etc.

powder11s

I tend to agree; the A3 is a good car that could have been great. Too bad it wasn't available with a 6mt quattro from day 1. I am a fan of VW's - used to have a MkIII jetta for many years, and am really liking the looks of the new MkVI Golf. Who knows, if the hunt for the elusive 6-speed B7 avant proves too difficult, I may settle for a next-gen GTI.

MKV Aaron

I am having trouble remembering that, but I think that is the reason for the power difference right?

Both engines provide great power delivery and amazing sounds.

MikeSS

one's longitudinal mount (A4) and the others are transverse. The A4 3.2 is the FSI and the A3/R32 3.2 is a VR6 design.

Bezor

agent for a quote with all with the same coverages and deductables.

For instance, it was cheaper for me to insure an A3 than it was a GTi. I never considered an A4 because we already have a 3-series in excellent condition, and I wasn't willing to go hunting down a R32 - tho hindsight, as much a toll as it took to get my A3, I probably could have located an R32.

Insurance is often left out of the equation when considering the "cost" of a car.

AJN334

for me the R32 is nearly double the A3 to insure ;-/ Makes no sense i know....agent said its because the A3 is classified as a wagon and the R32 is a sports car