Ok, I am thinking about getting a used A3 and can't decide on the 2.0T or the 3.2. A lot of what I read says the 3.2 is not that much faster and not too waste the extra money. Is this really true? I find it hard to believe the 3.2 is not a faster car. Also, I would think the Quattro would be an advantage over the FWD. What are the real 0-60 numbers for the 3.2? My online search has given me everything from 5.8 - 6.9.

 

I have heard that there is very little difference between the two due to the increased weight of the quattro and the engine. Get the new 2.0L quattro, then you get it chipped and outrun the 3.2 for a lot cheaper.

 

The 2.0T people thinks their car has some speed because of the sudden surge in acceleration when the turbo kicks in, but that is because before the turbo kicks in, the car is practically standing still.

3.2's 0-60 is more or less 5.9, vs the 2.0T's 6.8.

If the S3 required to beef up the stock 2.0T's engine with stronger pistons, stronger connecting rods, stronger bearings and a beefed up engine block to handle its 260 hp with the reliability that could pass off as something that came from a auto manufacturer. Audi didn't add all those changes just for the heck of it, it obviously thought those were the weak spots in their 2.0 engine when pushed to 260hp. You can be sure that a stock 2.0T with 270-280hp will not nearly have the reliability of the stock car.

 

The 2.0T gets better gas milage A 200hp A3 with manual is plenty fast enough to make it fun. If it's not fast enough get it chipped. If 0-60 is all that matters a hot rod Ford Mustang may be more to your liking.

 

Do keep in mind also that the 3.2 has now been discontinued. The 2.0t community seems to be QUITE a lot larger, so if you're looking for a good internet-based support community, the 2.0t wins out in that respect. Quattro is definitely an advantage in the safety and cornering worlds and should be seriously considered as well.

 

Not really sure what you are getting at here. What I was really interested in is an opinion from people who have driven both cars and how they would compare acceleration and handling of each. I am sure the 2.0 is plenty fast for some, and although 0-60 is not the most important factor, 7 seconds is not exactly earth shattering for a car with the A3's respective price tag.

I was also leaning toward a Quattro because I thought it may eliminate the under-steer and torque steer of the front FWD A3.

 

the 3.2 is only discontinued in the a3 and is a very proven engine compared the the 2.0 which is new on the block.
I'd recommend my 3.2, its faster and sounds better than the 2.0T and the gas mileage is pretty much the same with quattro (actually better in my experience).
But if you want to mod it, get the 2.0T, its much easier and cheaper to do.

With regards to the drive, i found the 2.0T is fun as the turbo gives that rush, but the 3.2 feels alot faster as soon as you get going. You can quiet easily go far too fast with the 3.2 as its power takes you to high speeds quickly and feels like it just wants to go faster.
I would warn you though the quattro is more of a necessity on the 3.2, it does under-steer still at times and the 2.0T quattro does feel more agile through corners.

 

I will recommend u for 2.OT. Personall experience. My father has one.

 

I am the new proud owner of a 2006 A3 3.2L S-Line Quattro
i have driven a 3.2 a4 RWD, a3 2.0t, a4 2.0t, a4 3.0 6sp quattro, a4 3.0 DSG.
and then there is my A3...........
I LOVE it the Quattro is a must on this car. i drove the 2.0 and the guy told me to "open it up and warm up the tires" no........ this was on a rainy day and i took a corner in a parking lot and the overstear was horrible......... flipped a right turn and was very hard to control. then i take my car in that waether or worse and flip that same right and look im sideways and under control!

i think if you have the money and can find a 3.2 ... go for it.!!!!!

 

I have the 3.2 quattro and love it. It is great in the snow and good in the rain.