Audi A3: Exhaust Reviews

It's no secret that an aftermarket exhaust will increase your Audi A3's performance, but which one is the right one for you?

By Bassem Girgis - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A3 (2003-Present).

Installing an aftermarket exhaust system in your Audi A3 allows the gases leaving the engine to flow better, which causes less restriction. The less your engine works, the more power it will give you. And, since the engine doesn't work too hard to get the harmful gases out, it uses less fuel in the process. Purchasing the right exhaust for your Audi can be confusing, this guide will go over everything you need to know to purchase the right part for you and your needs.

Exhaust Reviews


AWE Touring
Magnaflow
Armytrix
APR
Price
$995-1,800 $849-1,095 $882-2,399 $995-2,767
Diameter

2.5"

2.5"

2.5"

3"

Gains
8 HP 5-8 HP 7-10 HP 10 HP
Bolt-On or Welding
Bolt-On Bolt-On Bolt-On Bolt-On
Warranty
Lifetime Lifetime Limited Lifetime Lifetime
Best Quality: Magnaflow

Best Value: APR

AWE Touring

AWE Touring Exhaust

Price – $995-1,800

Diameter – 2.5"

Gains – 8 HP

Bolt-On or Welding – Bolt-On

Warranty – Lifetime

This exhaust has been praised to be one of the easiest exhausts to install. It comes specifically made for your Audi, which means it has all the parts necessary to fit perfectly on your car. Some enthusiasts fear this product doesn't add much to the feel of the car; however, they do claim that this is due to how quiet it is. So if you don't want to wake up the whole neighborhood each night, this might be your best bet. Although this exhaust will ensure your neighbors get a goodnight sleep, make no mistake about its tone when you really step on the pedal. If you're looking for a nice upgrade in performance, this is a good product to have. Recommended if you want a smooth toned exhaust.

Magnaflow

Magnaflow exhaust

Price – $849-1,095

Diameter – 2.5"

Gains – 5-8 HP

Bolt-On or Welding – Bolt-On

Warranty – Lifetime

This American-made exhaust will ensure you get the most out of it. It is designed to be the least restrictive, which pays off in gas savings. This exhaust is usually accompanied with a deep tone, and a cheerful increase in performance. This stainless steel product is designed to last a lifetime, and the company sure can stand behind that based on their warranty. This is one of the few exhausts that balances the interior and exterior sound, so you get to enjoy the deep tone without hating life. Some buyers claim the sound is a bit steady for their taste, so if you want a throatier sound, rather than a deeper, steady tone, you may want to keep looking somewhere else. However, if you decide this is the one for you, expect an easy installation, as simple as swapping the stock one with this one. Recommended if you're looking for a deep tone, and a decent increase in performance.

Armytrix

Armytrix exhaust

Price – $882-2,399

Diameter – 2.5"

Gains – 7-10 HP

Bolt-On or Welding – Bolt-On

Warranty – Limited Lifetime

This exhaust is famous for its sound. In fact, some enthusiasts purchase this just because of the sound; they don't care about the performance increase that comes with it. Along with one of the best sounds you will find on the market, this product can make a noticeable difference in performance, as much as 10 HP. Even though the quality of this exhaust is as good as it gets, installation takes a bit longer than its competitors. It comes in a lot of pieces, so free up five hours to get this going. This product comes with a resonator, which allows you to control the sound. If you like to wake up early or come home late, your neighbors will thank you for letting them sleep a little longer. Some Audi drivers claim they felt a restriction in their cars, so you may experience some back pressure. However, a lot claim all of that goes out of the window as soon as you step on the gas pedal. So this might be great for track, but it could be a bit of an over-kill for normal street use. Recommended if you're looking for a great sounding exhaust.

APR

APR exhaust

Price – $995-2,767

Diameter – 3"

Gains – 10 HP

Bolt-On or Welding – Bolt-On

Warranty – Lifetime

The APR features a 3" pipe, which means more air flow and less restriction. If you think your Audi is fast, wait until this exhaust is attached to it. This exhaust will sure save you money on gas, and give you an immediate increase in horsepower. It's mellow sounding, but don't let that fool you, it will add 10 HP to your Audi, making it an absolute beast. Most of the buyers noticed a much more responsive throttle, so when you say "GO," it will go. There has been some complaints about the packaging. Some buyers, not a lot, claim their exhausts came with dents on them. This exhaust will give you the best of all worlds. It will give you a good, mellow sound, a higher performance, better fuel consumption, and a quick throttle response. Recommended if you want a high increase in power, while maintaining a mellow tone.

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