Gary

I'm considering a "new" car to replace my 10-year old B5 A4. As this is my snowboarding transportation, it's gonna need AWD. I keep looking at each of the 3 alternatives in the subject line and can't push myself over the line for one vs. another - I can't find solid reasons for one true winner. I like the idea of "new", but the $$$ savings of buying a 1 or 2 year old car is also attractive.

Looking at Vehix, the dimensions of the 3.2 2008 A3 versus the 2008 2.0 A4 Avant suprised me. It says the A3 is 77 inches wide vs. 70 for the A4. Is that right? Is the A3 a wider car? Also, the weight is identical which suprised me. Rear leg room is actually 1/2 inch more in the A3, which also was a shock. So trying to pick the A4 as the "bigger" car isn't working.

How about Torsen vs. Haldex. Love the Torsen on my B5, espeically on the wet hills of Seattle. Wheelspin is never an issue. I read Haldex slips a bit before kicking in - is that annoying if you're trying to accelerate with spirit on a wet road?

I'd chip the A3/A4 which seems to negate the 3.2 advantage.

Anything really attractive about the 2009 model year A3 that would make you want one?

I'm running out of ideas. Any real reason to choose one over the other?

GaryJ

MKV Aaron

The A3 2.0T Quattro will most likely be my next car. It will have the new TSI 2.0T with lower compression, a timing chain instead of a belt to name a few differences. It will most likely make a little more power than the current 2.0T and get better gas mileage.

The A3 is a great size, and is really fun to drive. I went from my A4 with GIAC to a MKV GTI(A3 essentially) and it is a blast to drive. Much more tossable, carries much less weight, and a bigger cabin.

Go drive the A3 2.0T compared to the A4 and you will clearly have more fun in the A3, then just imagine how much fun you will have with AWD in the snow.

Only thing I miss about the A4 vs the GTI is the AWD.

m444

The new 2009 2.0T Q DSG should have a higher static compression to have a higher fuel efficiency. This requires the careful combustion chamber design, direct injection and careful programming. Thisis where the new Audi engines are ahead of the competition.

The lower static compression allows more ultimate boost, but lower general efficiency, when not in boost mode.

Gary

Is the TFSI the same 2.0 engine the new A4 is getting (211hp 258lb/ft)???

Gary

I think I found the answer is no, but you probably knew that.

MKV Aaron

It is not the same as in the B8 A4.

Hesaputz

Same motor with different ECU program and no Valvetronic, best I can tell.

RyanS3

A3 2.0TQ

customfab

get a CPO car and save the depreciation bath