I have seen answers ranging from 5.9-6.5 for 0-60 for thestock A3 3.2 Q.If its closer to 6.5, whats the point? I could just buy a A4 3.2 tiptronic Q, and that 0-60 is listed as 6.7 from the manufacturers website. What is your opinion of the two cars and the cost to speed benefit? Of course the A4 is heavier. Wrestling with which one to get. If the stock A3 can in fact do 5.9, then that will be the clear winner if I want the quicker car. What do you think?

 

A3 should be lighter, and therefore faster with a virtually identical engine (performance-wise). Plus the DSG transmission shifts faster (not to mention is much more fun) than the A4's tiptronic.

Aside from that, I think the A3 is a much more unique car. The A4 is probably the most common Audi -- how often do you see another A3?

Cargo space, A3 > A4

Need more reasons?

 

Depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for 0-60 time, then you are looking at the wrong cars. Plenty of cars out there that are cheaper and faster. Even a chipped 2.0T is faster than the 3.2 in a straight line. Launch control is not an option in NA. (Standard in Euro). You can retro fit it for around $2000. (No you cannot just flash your ECU) The A3 will be faster than the A4 3.2, due to reasons stated by BAMF, but not by a lot. The reason I picked the A3 over an A4 is due to it's appearance. I like hatch backs. If you are not "in love" with the A3, my suggestion is to go with an A4 2.0TQ.

 

for a A3 3.2 DSG Audi Italy gives a 0-100kmh a 6.3sec. manual 6.4 sec. do not think that 0-60mile(=96.54kmh)will give a diff of about half a sec.and if the 3.2 would be capable of a below 6.0sec time.imho Audi would scream aboutit because its to important commercially to throw away.it would place the 3.2 in another league.and what about the S3 how fast will she go? (that is stock!!)poss conflict S3_3.2?(Audi Italy gives a 0-100kmh of 5.7sec)thinking of it 15hp more gives 0.6 faster????

 

I believe in Italy, A3s are equiped with LC. As for the S3 going 0.6 faster, that's quite believeable. Lighter engine, lighter car, turbo... will do that.

 

True, plenty of cars out there are cheaper and faster, but I enjoy the Audi experience. I agree that the A4 2.0T Q is a great suggestion, I would recommend that as well, as that is what I drive now! I am looking to try a different engine, and the 3.2 looks appealing. I have heard amazing things about the DSG. I have a lease deal through work, so not interested in mods. First choice would be an S4, but the newer ones are pretty expensive, and $$$ with the gas for V8. It will probably come down to the A4 3.2Qv. A3 3.2 DSG Q. There have been alot of good points on this thread regarding the individuality and hatchback/utility characteristics of the A3 v. A4.

 

I'm definitely in the minority here by not having the 2.0T, but overall I've been perfectly happy with the 3.2 drivetrain.

 

I love my A3, but you sacrifice cargo space with the A3. Hatchback doesn't mean more room, so if you have a family and need space for luggage then I would opt for the A4. The trunk on the A4 is huge in comparison. If the car is just for you then definitely go for the A3.

 

I like the appearance of the A3 more than the A4 sedan or wagon...i also like the pricetag of the A3 more. But yeah, A4 and A6 Avant are much more 'family' and the A4 has got to be the tightest feeling vehicle I've ever driven...truly built like a tank.

 

S4 B9 3.0TT.