12v vs 30v
#17
The 30v is a smoother engine and more technically advanced, for both good and bad. If nothing else, get the 30v because of the fact that they're newer than the 12v, probably on average they are carrying fewer miles (although that doesn't seem to be a major issue on these cars - I'm humming along smoothly and happily at 164k miles), and on average a 30v is probably therefore less likely to have age/mileage-related failures than the 12v. And it does seem to be easier to get replacement parts for the 30v.
Also, what someone else said too - forgetting about power mods, the 30v has a few nice features that weren't there on the 12v - mainly little stuff, but each year they seemed to update the car with little things here and there. If you go with a 99.5 or newer, you'll get the facelift car with one piece headlights, airdam fogs (instead of the prefacelift fogs-in-the-headlights setup), sleeker tails, full-size passenger door mirror, and a few other things. It's pretty much like any other car - buy the most recent one you can afford. And since these cars can get costly sometimes to maintain (and for the fact that they sold new in excess of $30k 10 years or more ago), don't be afraid to travel a bit to find the right one. Don't pick one nearby just because it's closer than one that is farther away but nicer - that can bite you in the *** on a premium German car.
#18
20hp is a big enough difference. and like quattro said the 30v is alot peppier. if you really dont car about that at all though than just get the one you find in the best shape and with survice records and dont worry about the engine
#19
Only 1996 model year A4's had the Euro trunk; North American trunks began in 1997, including on vehicles equipped with the 12v 2.8L engine.
The 12v isn't quick, but it's a brick. Keep up on maintenance and oil changes and it'll last forever!
The 12v isn't quick, but it's a brick. Keep up on maintenance and oil changes and it'll last forever!
#20
Although the 30v will have more mods available the main thing with more valves per cylinder is going to be better efficiency. Remember the head makes the motor. Easier to get air in and out, easier to make power. More modern technology.