Help! 3.2 FSI quattro or 3.0 TDI quattro

[MeAudi]

Hello dmahon,

Have you tried the 2.0TFSI. I know it's not quattro but the engine is good fun and easily remapped.

I was initially disappointed with the setup on the auto but after a remap, the car is a different beast.

[toff]

Although the Golf 3.2 engine is a completely different design in all respects.

Oh, is the 3.2 in the A4 a proper 90 degree V6 then? or is it just the head(s) / ancillaries etc that are different?

Al.

[Crasher]

Yes it is a proper wide angle (90 degree) dual head conventional V engine rather than a narrow angle (15 degree) common head V, the R in VR6 means Reihen or “rows”, so V in a row so to speak.

[toff]

Yes it is a proper wide angle (90 degree) dual head conventional V engine rather than a narrow angle (15 degree) common head V, the R in VR6 means Reihen or “rows”, so V in a row so to speak.

Ah thanks for explaining.

So I imagine it's a stronger and less troublesome block than the V6 lump they put in the Golf & A3? (but heavier no doubt?)

Al.

[Crasher]

I wouldn't say either is more trouble than the other, both have painful cam chain issues.

[dmahon]

Thanks all.

Have gone with the 3.0 TDI. The 3.2 petrol felt a little nippier, but it seemed a tad hesitant when pulling away for some reason (I guess it might have been just that car or even in my imagination).

Managed to get a second year of Audi warranty thrown in.

[Road Rocket]

I do wonder whether any of the guys saying no to the cabriolet and 3.0 TDI have actually listened to the engine when it's spinning at around 80mph (just purring at 2000rpm), let alone drive it. Its V6 super smooth engine bares no comparison to 2.0 litre 4 pot diesels. Even at low speeds around town you'll not be able to believe it is a diesel. The 3.0 TDI is exceptionally good because of its massive torque and when remapped it becomes really awesome, especially at motorway speeds where it will pull away at middle to high speeds at a surprising rate leaving most other vehicles well behind.

But they are both excellent engines so in the end it just comes down to personal choice.

[ALF_A4]

In my last job I worked with someone who had an A5 3.0TDi and spent a fair bit of time in/around it. I had an Alfa 3.2V6 (petrol!) at the time. While I agree the 3.0TDi makes a reasonably acceptable noise when underway, it is absolutely obvious at all times that it is a diesel unit and from outside the car it still sounds very diesel and very loud, especially on startup. Nothing like the wonderful sound of a good petrol engine. I know the Audi 3.2 is not a classic but I had a run in a V6 TT recently and was pleasantly suprised - I'd go petrol...

[Road Rocket]

I must be blessed with an exceptional 3.0TDI because the engine noise inside is extremely quiet and from the outside it doesn't sound like a diesel at all. All passengers I have carried have remarked on this.

However, everybody to their own but I still love the massive torque on this diesel engine which is simply awesome in mid to high range speeds and leaves many similar sized petrol engines well behind. Although of course that could be down to the excellent remapping (SharkPerformance).

[toff]

Firstly:
Congrats on your choice dmahon!

Sure, they sound awesome but a 3.2 V6 petrol engine is bound to be juicy and return mediocre mpg figures.

I think you have made the grown-up choice, best of both worlds with only the Diesel noise & stigma as the down-side! (depending upon your point of view - I share Road Rocket's sentiments!)


Secondly:
Shut-up you lot, you are making me miss my 3.0

I have to say though, VAG 4 cylinder diesels do seem reasonably refined compared to their French counterparts!!

Supposedly BMW make the smoothest 4 cylinder petrols & Diesels - anybody got an opinion on this?

Al.