tires/brakes on A3
03-06-2006, 09:39 PM
#1
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tires/brakes on A3
I love the A3, but I am having a hard time with the fact that the brakes don't seem up to par. I think braking is very important and it may be the only reason not to get the A3 3.2
1) I undertand tires play a major roll in how well a car stops (and overall braking ability)and I know most people here hate the stock P6's
2) I've driven several other cars (not A3's) recently that have the P6's on them and they all performed really well under emergency braking conditions
3) This brings me to the conclusion that the A3's brakes are just not up to par and I don't think it just a function of the tires.
Can anyone offer me some objective thought/insights on this subject?
1) I undertand tires play a major roll in how well a car stops (and overall braking ability)and I know most people here hate the stock P6's
2) I've driven several other cars (not A3's) recently that have the P6's on them and they all performed really well under emergency braking conditions
3) This brings me to the conclusion that the A3's brakes are just not up to par and I don't think it just a function of the tires.
Can anyone offer me some objective thought/insights on this subject?
03-07-2006, 03:38 AM
#2
are you referring to the 3.2 or the 2.0t?
The 3.2 gained 400lbs and still uses the same size brakes in the front as the 2.0t. That is just not right. Stock pad compounds suck anyways.
Dave
Dave
03-07-2006, 04:16 AM
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Re: tires/brakes on A3
Can you get into the ABS with the current tires? If so, the tires need to be upgraded as they are the weak point.
Good tires, fresh fluid, and a high-performance pad will do much more for stopping distances than big rotors and calipers. Not to mentioned the cost difference.
/bill
Good tires, fresh fluid, and a high-performance pad will do much more for stopping distances than big rotors and calipers. Not to mentioned the cost difference.
/bill
03-07-2006, 07:41 AM
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Then I guess I should buy a different car then....
because a 35k car should have great brakes and if it doesn't then it is not the car for me.
Furthermore, it makes me wonder what other aspects of the car are not up to par. Brakes that are so clearly mis-engineered are surely a sign that I should stay away.
Furthermore, it makes me wonder what other aspects of the car are not up to par. Brakes that are so clearly mis-engineered are surely a sign that I should stay away.
03-07-2006, 08:29 AM
#6
What is your definition of good brakes? Most people don't hit the brakes soon enough or hard enough
in an emergency situation as it is, which is why we have Brake Assist to help recognize a panic situation and apply full braking power immediately. So although brakes are very important, the driver is equally if not more important.
As for brake fade, I haven't encountered that, even on a very tight and technical race track.
It sounds like you haven't driven the A3, and are depending on 3rd party reports to draw the conclusion for you. Until you've identified the other cars and driven the A3, it's hard for us or you to draw a comparison to the other cars you've tried.
Oh, and if you regularly find yourself having to go into full panic stops, then I suggest you modify your driving style ;-)
As for brake fade, I haven't encountered that, even on a very tight and technical race track.
It sounds like you haven't driven the A3, and are depending on 3rd party reports to draw the conclusion for you. Until you've identified the other cars and driven the A3, it's hard for us or you to draw a comparison to the other cars you've tried.
Oh, and if you regularly find yourself having to go into full panic stops, then I suggest you modify your driving style ;-)
03-07-2006, 08:31 AM
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Re: Then I guess I should buy a different car then....
Did you read what I said? Tires, pads, and fluid impact braking distances most.
Car manufacturers use low rolling resistance tires to help them meet CAFE requirements. Low rolling resistance means long stopping distances.
/bill
Car manufacturers use low rolling resistance tires to help them meet CAFE requirements. Low rolling resistance means long stopping distances.
/bill
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03-07-2006, 09:04 AM
#8
NA market really got shafted when it came to the 3.2 brakes
EU market has 345mm front brakes with the same calipers that are used on the S4.
No love over here and the rotors are not avail over here with the current parts inventory.
Dave
No love over here and the rotors are not avail over here with the current parts inventory.
Dave