Hey guys just a little insight into my experience thus far with Audis.

I purchased a 06 A3 sport and took it into service and recieved a brand new (literally less than 1000 miles on it) A4 premium loaner. Before I purchased the A3 I did not even drive the A4, but was definately considering it.

But after driving 3 hours today in it, I realize that the car is not even close to as nice as the A3:
1. Interior seems cheaper for some reason, and more dated

2. handling although not s-line, is defineately bad, switching lanes at 80mph is dangerous compared to the A3

3. accleration is much slower

4. engine gurgles as it revs, doesnt rev clear and sharp like the a3

5. transmission is not bad, but the shifts arent nearly as nice as the DSG

6. Sunroof is of poor quality

7. steering wheel feel is horrible

8. car feels tubby

list goes on....

I for one am glad I bought the A3 after driving the A4 for an extended period of time through traffic. Has anyone else had the same feelings between A3 and A4? I wonder why Audi would make the A3 so much more nicer at a similar price ( I know its smaller, but honestly, the difference in performance and quality to me is alot)?

Now, Im sure a A4 sports, loaded, quattrowould be much better, but thats like 4x,xxx$.

 

You're not alone in feeling this way; that's why we're A3 enthusiasts - the few, the proud, the knowledgeable, and the insane who pay 30k for a hatchback.

 

Is your loaner a Quattro?

Perhaps part of the feeling comes from you driving the 2.0T with only front wheel drive... and not liking the Quattro... anyone with an A3 3.2 care to comment?

Personally I never even drove the A4 before I purchased my A3... I needed the hatch so my comparison was b/t the Mazda 3-Speed and WRX wagon... and there wasn't even anything to compare!!!

 

I totally agree. I've driven each A3 version, the A4 in 3.2, 2.0T - with and without Quattro, and the S4. The A3 has the A4 beat, hands down in every category. Now the S4 is very sweet and the interior gets some very nice touches and upgrades over the A3, but at double the price!

Hands down, the A3 is the best car Audi makes at the moment, if you factor in fun, ride, looks, sportiness, and value.

Cheers!

 

Its actually front wheel drive.

I actually prefer Quattro over FWD, My past 2 cars have been all time 4 wheel drive.

but ya, werid thing, I thought I was going to regret buying the A3 when I was given the A4 keys today, but its 100% the other way around. Cant wait to get my car back. This thing feels like a upgraded honda accord (my first car back in 99)

 

Two main problems w/ your loaner:

1. CVT

2. Non "sport" suspension

 

true, but even with those 2 fixed. It still is slow, and muddy sounding. and the interior seems dated.

 

I always loved the A4, but after having my A3 the A4 just seems too big and unwieldy. One of the few advantages I see to the A4 is the 2.0T coupled with Quattro, but I would imagine the A4 is a bit heavier than the A3 and it's just gotta be so much slower!

I don't have any complaints about the S4 or RS4 though

 

soo whats the update on your a3 ? mechatronic borked ?

 

hey ya, thanks for all of your help man, couldnt have got it fixed without you, it should be in the shop for a while