What these evangelistas for turbos don't want you to know is that the 3.2 purrs like the 4 banger never will, has gobs of torque all over the place, has a much sweeter sound, a sound so sweet you'll understand why V-power plants are so sexy, a timing chain good for hundreds of thousands of miles, and it's reliable as hell. And all of that doesn't cost you an extra dime, except at the gas pump.

 

Well on that note, if you are looking for a car that "purrs" go for an S4 (4.2 V8). That was imo the sweetest "purring" non-turbo engine ever made, and is a hell of a performer unlike the 3.2.

The 2.0T FSI only has 200hp and 207lb-ft, but can be modded quite cheaply to surpass any 3.2 (modded of not) and still run cheaper than the 3.2.

If you are really looking for performance without modding, check out the A3 2.0T. As far as top speed, the 2.0T, and 3.2 are the same, 130mph or 210kmh limited.

Spec's for (US Models) A4 B7 2007 2.0T & 3.2
A4 2.0T FSI (4 banger) (belt)
200 hp @ 5100-6000 rpm
207 lb-ft @ 1800-5000 rpm (torque all over the place)
6sp manual: 22/31 mpg

A4 3.2 (chain)
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (gets max HP @ 6500rpms?)
243 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (Max torque, then drops)
6sp manual: 17/27 mpg


Also the 2009/10 A4 B8 (just for comparison)

A4 B8 2.0TFSI (chain) (4 banger)
211 hp @ 5300-6000 rpm
258 lbs. ft. @ 1500-4200 rpm (torque all over the place)
6sp manual 22/30mpg

 

I've owned a D2 A8 with the 4.2. Yes, it purrs, and it is an awesome powerplant. However, having had both, I'd say that the 3.2 in the A4 performs as well or better than the A8 with the 4.2.

Take off the guv'ner and you'll see something a bit different.

That is exactly where the highest HP will do the most good. Top speed runs.

Some people don't want to mod their cars. Get over it. Some of us are happy with our choices, regardless of what youngsters think.

 

Well not to drag this out but comparing the A8 to an A4 is like night and day. I was referring to the S4 (or RS4) when talking about the 4.2.

I had my governor removed and my performance is on par with the 3.2's here in Germany 245-250kmh.

Not sure why you would need top speed in the US, 85mph max!

And no, I have not modded my car (except suspension), not sure why I would need to except for better take off times. The German A4 2.0T book speed is 243kmh (just like mine). The A4 3.2 is 250kmh that is a whole 7kmh or 4.0mph difference. If the 3.2 has an automatic, shave that down to 240-245kmh with a .5 sec delay on take off. Add Quattro w/tiptronic to the A4 3.2 and the 1.8TFSI (A3) will own it.

Do not get me wrong, the 3.2 is a great engine, but it is a gas hog. In this day and age people (in Europe anyway) are getting away from older naturally aspired power-plants and going for smaller/cleaner but more powerful engines.
Check out Audi/VW's line up for the future and you will see what i am talking about.

And thank you for thinking I am a youngster! I have been driving here in Germany for over 25 years!

 

People in europe HAVE to use turbo charging because they pay 8 bucks a liter for petrol. Having a 4.2L S4 in germany is borderline stupid unless you're rich. I should also point out the person asking about this (jeff/admin of this site) is no stranger to 4 cylinder turbo engines. With a 500 horse EVO and a B5 1.8T with what i believe had a T3/T4 set up, he is no stranger to horsepower. I think he just really wanted to know what the 2.0T is all about, in short its an expensive ***** to get over the 350 horsepower mark compared to his old 1.8T or EVO. I recommend the 3.2L because its a bullet proof, unstopable, maintenance free engine with plenty of torque to satisfy. In addition the S4 is much more expensive, the chain driven 4.2L has a multitude of problems, some of which require removing the engine to fix, and the insurance premiums are rediculous.

 

I've already done 210. Don't tell me what the max is, sonny, never tell me the max. lol

Considering my last vehicle, a 2.5l Subaru Outback, which only got 18mpg in combined driving, I'm getting about the same, only in a much finer package.

You *are* a youngster. I've been driving for 38 years.

Anyway, it horses for courses: different strokes, etc. I like the 3.2, and it has no long term health issues. I kept the Subaru for 7 years. I might keep this A4 for longer, so that's important to me.

 

Actually the fuel costs I see for Germans around here is $3.00 per liter, not $8.00. Also there are quite a few who drive GTI's S3/S4/RS4's/S5/S6/S8/TT-S's and R8, not to mention BMW's, Porsche;s, Benz's etc. How people can afford to is beyond me. But after all these cars are designed and built here so it is fairly normal.

I have to disagree though with the 3.2 as being "bulletproof" and maintenance free. There has never been an engine made that was maintenance free. Also if jeff/admin of this site checked around, I think he would find several write ups for 3.2's and carbon build up on valve's leading to motor damage. And these had less than 10tmls.

That is not saying the 2.0T FSI is perfect, it is not. If I wanted to tune a car to 500hp+ it definitely would not be this engine nor an A4.


But of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion (and whether they want a V6 or turbo 4).

 

I stand corrected!

 

Why does everyone take everything i say so literally..... I didn't mean it "NEVER" has to be maintained, the only "real" problem i have seen is from people using low octane/crap fuel causing carbon build on the valves, but it never results in engine damage. The rear cam covers tend to leak oil, but thats an RTV silicone fix away. I always thought german cars over there cost less because they were made there, kind of like a corvette here can be bought for around 50-60k while im sure they cost quite a bit more over in germany to have one imported. Didn't fuel prices used to be around $8 a liter, or has it always been $3 a liter?

 

having had a high HP naturally aspirated muscle car before, i think the turbo has more of a fun factor too. it's spooled up on the highway so it's cool for passing/high speed. i guess there's a reason why its won best motor in its class since it was introduced.

auditech79, it's extremely confusing to me but german cars cost way more in germany compared to the US. it would be cheaper for a german to buy a german car from the states and ship it back rather than to buy it in germany. it's strange but true.