2.0 TDI (177) vs 3.0 TDI (204)

**belly buster** · 14-10-2012,03:55 PM

I've test driven both the 2.0 TDI (177) and 3.0 TDI (204) in manual form. I have to say that both were good drives but the 3.0TDI seemed a lot smoother and even a little quieter.

There's a big price difference - £6,600 In S-Line trim for only an extra 27PS. Of course it's not just power, the 3.0 has more torque and delivers it more smoothly over a greater rev range.

If anyone has real life experience of these engine options, either individually or side-by-side, I'd be interested to hear them.

Thanks.

**robbyg** · 14-10-2012,05:18 PM

I have a feeling (based on my experience and other forums on here) that the 3.0 might actually give better economy on long journeys. Its always going to be a much more relaxing drive with all that torque and more pleasant to travel in. Probably a higher top gear too. Power is all about revs, torque is what you really feel in normal driving. If you can afford it and plan to keep the car for a few years its £6k well spent.
Down side, the 3.0 is heavier so wont handle as well on the bends.

**a8toa6convert** · 14-10-2012,05:31 PM

Price difference, at list, is just over £5k. Heading down towards £4k once you take into account the massive discounts on A6's at the moment (£8k off the 3.0 at drivethedeal for example). Worth the extra, at that level, IMHO.

Official extra urban consumption for the 3.0 in manual form is 64.2mpg, which is better than the 62.8mpg for the 2.0. And in the real world I'd expect that difference to be borne out.

Weight of the 3.0 is an extra 50kg. Don't know if that's all engine, or whether it gets slightly beefier brakes or driveline components.

**belly buster** · 14-10-2012,05:39 PM

Originally Posted by robbyg

I have a feeling (based on my experience and other forums on here) that the 3.0 might actually give better economy on long journeys. Its always going to be a much more relaxing drive with all that torque and more pleasant to travel in. Probably a higher top gear too. Power is all about revs, torque is what you really feel in normal driving. If you can afford it and plan to keep the car for a few years its £6k well spent.
Down side, the 3.0 is heavier so wont handle as well on the bends.

Thanks again. Maybe if I lose the LED lights, I can put the cash towards the 3.0

**belly buster** · 14-10-2012,06:08 PM

Originally Posted by a8toa6convert

Price difference, at list, is just over £5k. Heading down towards £4k once you take into account the massive discounts on A6's at the moment (£8k off the 3.0 at drivethedeal for example). Worth the extra, at that level, IMHO.

Official extra urban consumption for the 3.0 in manual form is 64.2mpg, which is better than the 62.8mpg for the 2.0. And in the real world I'd expect that difference to be borne out.

Weight of the 3.0 is an extra 50kg. Don't know if that's all engine, or whether it gets slightly beefier brakes or driveline components.

Thanks for the tip on drivethedeal. £39k list (with options) is coming out at £30.5k, £8.5k off list price.

**Timothy Nathan** · 15-10-2012,12:20 AM

There has been a lot of discussion here about the 2.0 delivering much worse than book economy, whereas the 3.0 appears to be close to book (which, additionally, is better than the 2.0 book.)

I love the smoothness and power of the 3.0. I rarely need the power, but when I do want it, it's very reassuring.

**fernar** · 15-10-2012,06:29 AM

I love the way my 3.0TDI drives - as mentioned, extra grunt when needed and good MPG as well. When I test drove the 2.0TDi back to back with the 3.0TDi, I have to say for most drive situations, I didnt think there was much in it - fully loaded up with 4 passengers, the 3.0TDi was better - less engine noise on acceleration, better MPG... but with only one or two people in the car - there was not much difference - yes the 2.0TDi was less smooth - but you would only notice if driving back to back

BTW - dont loose the Xenon lights - even in basic form they are streets ahead of the standard headlights

**a8toa6convert** · 15-10-2012,09:02 AM

Originally Posted by belly buster

Thanks for the tip on drivethedeal. £39k list (with options) is coming out at £30.5k, £8.5k off list price.

No worries. I should have pointed out though that their discounts build in (i) the Audi finance bonus and (ii) the premium car trade-in bonus, so those discounts are "best case" figures.

I've bought a few times from drivethedeal. Always found them easy to deal with. They have to show the best possible discount figures to catch your attention, but they're very straightforward once they know you're a serious customer.

**mikenott** · 15-10-2012,09:46 AM

I have posted a separate thread about the premium trade in offer, as I believe it has finished and was only for cars delivered before the end of September 2012.

Michael.

**thehorse** · 15-10-2012,11:45 AM

I pick my 3.0TDI 204bhp A6 up this week, so will let you know. I thought the power in the 2.0TDI I test drove was adequate, but nothing more. As Timothy mentioned the anecdotal evidence is the 3.0TDI is more economical.

If you don't think the extra 27BHP is enough you can give Superchips a few hundred quid and they'll unleash another 49, and claim to improve the economy further.

http://www.superchips.co.uk/curves/3...DI%20204PS.pdf