Hello!

I've decided to buy Audi again. My last Audi was an S4 (B5). My last cars have been diesels, but now I want something a bit faster.

I still want something practical, but still tunable and fun to drive. Would you chose an A4 or A3 sportsback?

The cars I have to choose between are:

2007 A3 2.0 quattro TFSI Sportsback Sportsline ($50.000)
2007 A4 2.0 quattro TFSI Multitronic Sportsline exterior ($52.000)
2007 A4 1.8T quattro. ($32.000)

All cars have been driven 50.000 miles.

Don't mind the norwegians prices, they are crazy, but so are our wages..

 

I prefer the A4, but the A3 is definitely cool, too.

 

I agree. The A4 is a more practical car. What I can't find out is if there is any significant difference in handling between a4 sedan and a3 sportsback (sline)...

 

I had an A3 for a few days as a loaner, but it was either a 2010 or 2011. It was actually pretty cool. I never had much love for hatchbacks, but after driving that, I could consider it. It felt a little quicker, but it was also a newer model than my '06 A4. Other than that, they handle pretty similarly.

I think in the end, I still prefer the A4 (I'd go with the 2.0T, personally), but the A3 grew on me and given the decision again, it would be a tough one.

 

A3 and A4's are both excellent cars. The current A3 has been around since 2003/04 and is do to be replaced this year. The A4 B7 ended 2007/2008. Both models shared the same engines until 2008/2009. The A3 got the newer 1.8TFSI 160hp version in '08. Later it got a slight upgrade to the 2.0TFSI (still 200hp/280nm). As far as performance the A3 2.0TFSI 200hp is quicker, the A4 2.0TFSI 200hp is faster (6sp manual). The A4 had more options in it than the A3 had. Both models can be tuned very easily.

All in all I would go for the A4 2.0T (true Sline) or an A3 2.0T SLine. I would not want the A4 1.8T as the engine is the older type and is weak in the torque area (163hp, 225nm) If you find an A3 (2008+) 1.8TFSI those are not too bad (160hp, 250nm).

Good luck!

 

We have an A3 (2011) and an A4 (2009). Both are great cars, but there are some significant differences between them. The A3 drives much more like a sports car and really hugs the road (both of our cars are quattro). It has very comfortable front seats, but the rear seats not so much so. What is amazing is the ease of putting stuff in back because of the hatch and the amount of stuff that the car can carry. It is much more practical than you would think. The A4 is very comfortable and just a wonderful sedan. Seating is very nice and it is quiet. Both cars are averaging 27.3 mpg overall. In the US, A3's are holding their high prices because of the impending model change to a sedan. Few of these have ever been brought in here and dealers sell them before they arrive.

 

the a3 is more versatile with storage in the trunk. you can fit alot more in it and much more easily. so if that matters i'd get the a3.

 

I had the GTI MK5 which is bacially an A3.

A3 will be lighter by 2-300 pounds and is noticably quicker.
A3 will handle better
A3 will have the DSG tranny (best Auto by far) if you want an automatic
A3 superior hauling and storage

I had my GTI and A4 at the same time and loved the hatch much more.

 

My preference is for the A4. It has the permanently engaged Torsen center diff quattro powering all four wheels at all times. The A3's quattro is of the Haldex variety. Basically it runs in front drive unless wheel spin is detected and a hydraulic clutch engages the rear wheels. The system has improved over earlier ones, but still doesn't engage all wheels at all times still making it more reactive than proactive. It's actually more complex than the simple Torsen system making the potential for more possible problems.