S3 or A3 3.2 V6

[euroslap]

Hi Mark,

I have been in a similar situation recently. I have owned Subaru’s in the past and although an A3 will never handle like a Subaru I have been more than happy to trade this in for the build quality and looks of the Audi.

Have you driven an S3 hard, it's been quoted as the best handling car Audi have produced since the UR Quattro, absolutely unreal! The 3.2's suffer a touch due do to the heavy V6 upfront but still not bad by any stretch of the imagination.

[markmarkmark01]

loving all the replies.

Im in a similiar situation as yourself. Not wanting to spend more than 10k. Was after S3 but you would only get an 02/03 where as you can get the 3.2 V6 on a 03/04...

Was originally after an S4 but for 10K your looking for about a T reg and with silly milleage. I would not buy a car with more than 60k on the clock.

Like you said Semky, what I noticed online when youtubing videos the sound of the V6 is really nice.

Looking for the noise thingy as well.

What is the difference with regards to looks, interior. Is is basically a matter that with the S3 you get the bucket seats, body kit, S3 badging.

[euroslap]

Looking for the noise thingy as well.

What is the difference with regards to looks, interior. Is is basically a matter that with the S3 you get the bucket seats, body kit, S3 badging.

The 3.2's do sound awesome whereas the 4pot 20valves tend to sound a bit quiet. If you've got the money you could always get a pair of S3 front seats.

[biggar]

Mark

The seats in the 3.2 are not bad at all both the half and full leather one's hold you in the bends very well.

It is true that just the standard 3.2 sport is lacking styling (it could be any A3). So go for one with S-line styling or like I did the factory fitted areo kit (which could also be added later). Both include bigger wheels Front/side skirts and the s-line one comes with loads of badges and a s-line steering wheel.

Guy

[dod1e]

The 3.2 will be quite a lot less ecconomical, something to bear in mind if you do a lot of miles.

[viceroy]

I've just been through the same exercise as yourself, except I was trying to decide whether to get a 2005 A3 3.2 Quattro 3dr or a 2006 A3 2.0T.

My situation is also slightly different to yours as I live in johannesburg which is at a power sapping 1500m above sealevel (NA cars lose about 17% of their power).

I had everyone trying to get me to get the 2.0T, because it was faster up here, but you know what, I'm not buying to car to race, and in the end I picked the 3.2...You just can't beat the growl of that V6, and as far as consumption goes, it's not too bad compared to either the S3 or 2.0T, or even the direct competitors like the BMW 130i or 147 GTA.

Also, as far as power sapping goes...I'm quite happy with the performance of the car

Anyway, you must pick which everone makes you happiest when driving

[paul b]

I've never driven one myself, but I know people who say the S3 is so nimble and great to drive. People who own a 3.2 will tell you whether they are as nimble or not, but I can imagine the S3 being better on the handling.

Then again, the 3.2 probably comes with much more luxury, whereas the S3 will be very sporty, so maybe the amount of toys the car has will sway you?

Paul