2.0T vs. 3.2
 

Hello everyone.

I've lurked on here for awhile because I've gone through the stages of considering various A4/S4 options. I've mainly read FAQ's and for sale ads but I had a question which is also a matter of current opinion that I cannot seem to find a thread based on. I know the search feature on this isn't the best, so if you know of a thread I can refer to, just respond with it below!

I am now selling my SUV so I can pick up an A4 as a commuter, and have found a couple of B7's that I like. I've looked at fuel mileage, which is the main concern as my daily commute is a total 120kms of highway driving before I deal with errands around home or any sales calls while at work.

My second biggest question is performance, as I am a car enthusiast and would like something at least half decent to drive. Now I know these aren't super fast cars by any means (at least what I would deem as fast compared to previous cars/friends cars I've driven) but I'd like something half decent and entertaining.

Whatever I get has to be a manual, preferably 6-spd.

So I drove the 3.2 the other day and it felt great. Nice little bit of torque, responsive, smooth. I haven't had a chance to drive a 2.0T yet. Can anyone chime in on the benefits of the two RE: Fuel economy and performance? I figured with a chip the 2.0 might perform very similarly to the 3.2 but with the added benefits of better gas mileage... Or does the 3.2 sit lower on the RPM side of things when cruising on the highway? How about reliability, which one appears to be more bullet proof (I am used to tinkering with turbo cars but would rather not have to worry about boost leaks etc in a daily driver)?

Re: 2.0T vs. 3.2
 

A chipped 2.0T will perform the same as the 3.2, and get better mileage, and have more room to grow. V6 is limited to exhaust/intake/chip, and all 3 won't add all that much.

I'm not chipped, and only have an intake, on straight highway cruising I can see 700+ kms a tank

6speed quattro avant

you're a car enthusiast, you'll love boost

:)

And i'm sure this has been covered a bajilion times before lol

Re: 2.0T vs. 3.2
 

I owned a Skyline before I moved to Ontario... I'm no stranger to boost but I am definitely suffering from withdrawals!

Just a matter of finding a six speed, 2.0T in the area in my price range. Any particular years I should look out for? Any years where major upgrades were made for the B7?

Re: 2.0T vs. 3.2
 

B7 covered approx 2005.5 - 2008 model years here in Vancouver. Earlier years had some cam follower related probs based on posts in various Audi forums. Supposed to have been fixed in the 2008 models but I haven't checked mine to see if it has any unusual wear. I've haven't shown any of the symptoms so far so am not overly concerned.

Ref V6 vs 2.0T, I have a B6 3.0 as well as my B7 2.0T, both manual trans. Know that is an older motor but it definitely is "less buzzy" at highway speeds than the 2.0T but I love driving both on the highway (especially to/from Whistler). They just feel different but either is a great choice. Definitely make sure you drive both to decide if you have a strong preference for one or the other. I get good mileage out of both at cruising speeds but both also get very thirsty when pushing things. I have stock exhaust, so the V6 sounds much better than the 2.0T.

Good luck finding your next car... ;)

Re: 2.0T vs. 3.2
 

I drove a 3.2 V6 the other day and it felt great... But I haven't driven a 2.0T to compare. Once I have an idea I will go from there...

Also I found online that it looks as if the two engines are pretty similar on gas on the highway, which is the majority of my driving... So assuming I like the 2.0T it's just a matter of whatever I come across first. I'll keep you guys posted!

Re: 2.0T vs. 3.2
 

Greetings,

I drove both in my hunt for a car. My criteria was the same as yours with the edge going to mileage. I chose the 2.0T for a few reasons.

The first is simple, economy. If you are driving like a grandma, you can get even better that posted mileage. The cars dials in on cruise and just smooths out all the edges, even at a respectable 30 or so over the limit.

The second being, FUN. While the 3.2 has some punch and a greater top speed, you will never ever ever get to see it. The turbo on the other hand dashes about and rockets you out of corners like a fox on steroids. Its simply more engaging and exhilarating.

While the turbo may seem like this great big sword of damocles dangling above your wallet, the B7's turbo history is rock solid. You could even go so far to throw on some cheap upgrades if you want to sound like a 18 year old ponce chirping down the road with " turbo sounds"

All in all i've found the the 2.0T to be a fantastic mixture of fun and class.

Grim