Short AutoWeek write-up on B8 3.2 A4
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From: Redondo Beach, CA
Short AutoWeek write-up on B8 3.2 A4
Hopefully the 2.0T will get more than the existing B7's 200 horses. I might consider coming back to Audi with a 2.0T quattro if the 4-banger gets at least a 30 hp bump. The 3.2 V6 option looks hopeless (lowest V6 engine power among the competition, lousy lease residuals).<ul><li><a href="http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071205/FREE/71130012/1528/newsletter01">AutoWeek drives the new 2009 A4 3.2</a></li></ul>
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Very happy with it but I miss my nice Audi interior and get lousy gas mileage
I am just one of those people who look forward to my next vehicle the minute I get a new car. My BMW is fantastic and with the European Delivery savings, I am paying what I would have to pay to lease a comparably equipped B7 2.0T. What I really miss the most is the Audi interior lit up nicely at night. The BMW orange lighting scheme just hasn't grown on me. I do like the fact that I was able to get a choice of 2 wood trims and 4 leather colors on a sport package model (Audi's S-line takes away any interior color and trim option).
I am averaging 15-16 mpg in mostly congested LA city drving (average speed of less than 20 mph). I was getting 20-21 mpg for the same commute with my FWD 2.0T. I guess that's the price for having 50% more horsepower. The gas mileage improves quite a bit with higher average speeds. I averaged over 22 mpg driving 1600 miles in Europe during our ED trip.
I am averaging 15-16 mpg in mostly congested LA city drving (average speed of less than 20 mph). I was getting 20-21 mpg for the same commute with my FWD 2.0T. I guess that's the price for having 50% more horsepower. The gas mileage improves quite a bit with higher average speeds. I averaged over 22 mpg driving 1600 miles in Europe during our ED trip.
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Re: Short AutoWeek write-up on B8 3.2 A4
kinda doubt it ... if the 3.2 produces 265 hp... the 2.0T will at most produce 220 if at all.
else the gap between the two will be so less that the 2.0T will start canibalizing the 3.2 sales.
nonetheless i agree with you and your hint of frustation that the 3.2 is weak when compared to its competitors... my ideal scenario would be 2.0T with 225-230hp ... 3.2 with 290-295hp ... S4 with 355-360hp...and RS4 with 425hp. and torque numbers to match the HPs
else the gap between the two will be so less that the 2.0T will start canibalizing the 3.2 sales.
nonetheless i agree with you and your hint of frustation that the 3.2 is weak when compared to its competitors... my ideal scenario would be 2.0T with 225-230hp ... 3.2 with 290-295hp ... S4 with 355-360hp...and RS4 with 425hp. and torque numbers to match the HPs
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The B7 2.0T already cannibalizes 3.2 sales
The ratio of 1.8T/2.8 or 1.8T/3.0 on the B5/B6 was much smaller than the B7 ratio of 2.0T/3.2. If I were to guess, I would say 85-90% of B7 A4's I see on the road are 2.0T's. One main reason for this is that the 3.2 doesn't offer a compelling performance advantage. If you look at BMW's 335i/328i split, I would guess that at least 30% of 3-series sales in SoCal are 335's.
It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Audi offers a mediocre V6 engine and most people opt for the 4-cylinder turbo which offers nearly the same perforamnce for less money and better fuel efficiency. Then they can claim that people don't really want the V6 model all that much. The truth is that if they offered a killer V6 engine, more enthusiasts will pony up for the more expensive model. It doesn't have to a turbocharged V6, just one with competitive hp and torque rating.
It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Audi offers a mediocre V6 engine and most people opt for the 4-cylinder turbo which offers nearly the same perforamnce for less money and better fuel efficiency. Then they can claim that people don't really want the V6 model all that much. The truth is that if they offered a killer V6 engine, more enthusiasts will pony up for the more expensive model. It doesn't have to a turbocharged V6, just one with competitive hp and torque rating.
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That and the change in available options B6 vs B7
You can get every option on the B7 2.0T that you can get on the 3.2 and could from day 1.
That was not the case with the B6 1.8T vs 3.0. At least not on the earlier B6s.
That was not the case with the B6 1.8T vs 3.0. At least not on the earlier B6s.
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I guess, well guess you need to decide what's important to you, thought you already had.
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Since you haven't drove an A4 3.2, etc ... I don't really think you can claim how it will perform, but never the less I'm happy with my S5 order, can't wait to get it. Couldn't care less that 335 has turbo's whatever, or M3 is faster, S5 = uber luxury and much faster than most anything else. Sure, you can buy for the same price a car that is wee bit faster, but whatever, you could by a corvette that is faster and handles better than most exotics for a 4th of the price also.
Since you haven't drove an A4 3.2, etc ... I don't really think you can claim how it will perform, but never the less I'm happy with my S5 order, can't wait to get it. Couldn't care less that 335 has turbo's whatever, or M3 is faster, S5 = uber luxury and much faster than most anything else. Sure, you can buy for the same price a car that is wee bit faster, but whatever, you could by a corvette that is faster and handles better than most exotics for a 4th of the price also.
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Re: I guess, well guess you need to decide what's important to you, thought you already had.
Since you haven't drove an A4 3.2, etc ... I don't really think you can claim how it will perform, but never the less I'm happy with my S5 order, can't wait to get it. Couldn't care less that 335 has turbo's whatever, or M3 is faster, S5 = uber luxury and much faster than most anything else. Sure, you can buy for the same price a car that is wee bit faster, but whatever, you could by a corvette that is faster and handles better than most exotics for a 4th of the price also.