A5 3.2 or A5 2.0T?

[BLarche]

In speaking with the dealership, it sounds like the 2010 A5's will come equiped with the 2.0T engine. I found a used 2009 3.2 A5 over the weekend that I really like. I just got out of a 2005.5 A4 2.0T, however, the engine ran like shit (horrible vibrations after 35K miles). Should I wait for the 2010 2.0T A5 or get the used 2009 A5? I am leaning towards getting the used 2009 3.2 engine. Thoughts?

[JGreen76]

IF you want to mod it, the 2.0t is the way to go. As far as the 3.2, I don't know why it would have a vibration after 35k. I have the 3.2 with ~36K on it and no vibration... I think the 3.2 is a fine engine and has a good sound as well.

[BLarche]

IF you want to mod it, the 2.0t is the way to go. As far as the 3.2, I don't know why it would have a vibration after 35k. I have the 3.2 with ~36K on it and no vibration... I think the 3.2 is a fine engine and has a good sound as well.

The 2.0T had the vibration (that was my old A4). I am not looking to mod. I like Audi's engines the way they are.

[fazda]

i would have to agree if you dont plan to modify the car go wit a 3.2, more power out of the box.

[Maverick]

and more reliable than the 2.0T. get the 3.2

[b6onboost]

If you don't plan to mod, the 3.2 is the more powerful, better performing, motor.

However, the 2.0TFSI has more torque, 258ft/lbs and it is available over a wider RPM range than the 3.2 and the prior 2.0T. Driving around town the 2.0T will get better mileage and feel quicker. The 2.0T makes peak torque at a very low RPM, while the 3.2 must be revved. The result is the 2.0T seems to require less effort in daily driving tasks.

So in a race, the 3.2 will win. But in terms of around-town driveablily the 2.0T is going to feel like a more powerful engine. Its all about torque curve.

[BLarche]

I always enjoyed the torque of the 2.0T, however, with the vibration problems I had with it, I am very skeptical to get back into another one. It was a 2005.5 2.0T, which was the first of the 2.0T's released. I just have that sour taste in my mouth that leads me to not want to venture out to the 2.0T again. Like I said, I don't plan on making any modifications to the engine, so I think the 3.2 will be the better fit.

[JGreen76]

thumbs up on the 3.2

[KareemA4]

3.2 is a good engine and is very responsive
and with an exhaust it sounds sooo sweet

[b6onboost]

I would atleast test drive both, find a new A4 2.0T to test if the A5 2.0T isn't out yet. The new 2.0T is much improved and it's worth trying it out so you can compare it to the 3.2.

I always enjoyed the torque of the 2.0T, however, with the vibration problems I had with it, I am very skeptical to get back into another one. It was a 2005.5 2.0T, which was the first of the 2.0T's released. I just have that sour taste in my mouth that leads me to not want to venture out to the 2.0T again. Like I said, I don't plan on making any modifications to the engine, so I think the 3.2 will be the better fit.

[HobbesA5]

In preparation for buying my A5 I had lengthy test drives of the A5 with the 3.2 and an A4 with the 2.0T. I wanted a manual so I wanted to see if I should get the 3.2 now while I could get one with a manual or wait and order the 2.0T with the manual.

While the 2.0T was a nice engine, and dramatically improved over the 1.8T that I tested many years ago, it just didn't feel as good as the 3.2 to me. The 3.2 is silky smooth whereas the 2.0T was somewhat noisier and seemed to be working harder to get it's power. The 3.2 has a great sound, although the sound dampening in the A5 keeps it in the background. And while the 2.0T supposedly edges the 3.2 in torque, it wasn't enough to be noticable to me during my test drives. The 3.2 still felt more powerful.

The 2.0T was a nice engine, but to me it didn't seem quite "refined" enough for what I wanted in the A5.

[scottacus]

Test drive both engines and see which one you like better. Both have their advantages.

Also, the 3.2 will continue to be produced in 2010, albeit only with the tiptronic. So if you're looking for a manual your options are limited to a 2010 2.0T or 2009 3.2, but if you're looking for an automatic you can still have your pick.

[DeMOROlized]

The 2.0T had the vibration (that was my old A4). I am not looking to mod. I like Audi's engines the way they are.

This is a different 2.0T than the one in B7. The vibration isn't there anymore when I test drove the new 2.0T in th3 B8 A4.

[Audi Skate Snow]

and more reliable than the 2.0T. get the 3.2

you are high as shit if you think the 3.2 is more reliable than the 2.0T. ahah


Take my word for it, get the 2.0T. The motor hasnt won several awards for nothing.

[Black3.2]

go with the 3.2 if you are not modding it. i think i am the 1 person who actually has a 3.2 A4, everyone bought the 2.0, i am not into doing mods on my car anymore. Much better sound also, the 2.0 can not touch the exhaust note of the 3.2

[Audi Skate Snow]

go with the 3.2 if you are not modding it. i think i am the 1 person who actually has a 3.2 A4, everyone bought the 2.0, i am not into doing mods on my car anymore. Much better sound also, the 2.0 can not touch the exhaust note of the 3.2

Do you buy cars based on how they sound?

dont get me wrong the 3.2 is nice, but has nothing on the 2.0 motor.

[TapouTx914]

2.0T in my opinion because it is way more mod friendly. The new 2.0T also puts out good numbers not too far from the 3.2 and with a chip should probably be pretty dead on with the 3.2.

Also consider your personal preference. A naturally aspirated motor will have a steadier acceleration through the range while the turbo will have that kick while in boost.

Also another thing to think about is price. You said you were interested in a used 3.2 which would balance out the price differences but a 2.0T will be cheaper than a new 3.2.

[mikeinaustin]

so let me directly ask the question, 5-10 years out, which of these two engines do you believe will prove to be the most reliable, least costly to own (in regard to repair) ? lets assume 100k-175k miles.

[Kerby]

is the A5 heavier? if so I would stick to a 3.2 seriously the best engine i ever owned

[bmidd]

so let me directly ask the question, 5-10 years out, which of these two engines do you believe will prove to be the most reliable, least costly to own (in regard to repair) ? lets assume 100k-175k miles.

3.2

[kgb.audi]

2.0T is the better engine.

the 3.2 dynos at what, 218WHP and 215WTQ?

If you are concerned about 5-10 year reliability buy a lexus/acura/infiniti.

[HobbesA5]

If you are concerned about 5-10 year reliability buy a lexus/acura/infiniti.

That makes no sense.

[Wizard-of-OD]

That makes no sense.

Could be a disgrunted previous owner
I owned my B7 from new since late 2006 and no issues this far.

If I was to do it all over again I would go with the 2.0 Turbo

If you want long term reliability with 0 intention of modding then get the 3.2

If you want to build a project car for the sake of AZ then get the 2.0 A5.

I have a deposit down on a Q5 sline 3.2 but if I get the mod bug again expect to see a 2.0 project in here

[kgb.audi]

That makes no sense.

my statement that audi is less reliable than lexus/acura/infiniti doesnt make sense?

all im saying is that if reliability is your number one concern, maybe you shouldnt purchase a german car, regardless of whether it has a 2.0 or 3.2L engine.

I am happy with my b7 2.0t, no problems so far. If i were to do it again i would still buy the 2.0t over the 3.2. It is lighter, has more potential, and is more fuel efficient. The only advantage i can see in the 3.2 is the exhaust note.

[HobbesA5]

my statement that audi is less reliable than lexus/acura/infiniti doesnt make sense?

all im saying is that if reliability is your number one concern, maybe you shouldnt purchase a german car, regardless of whether it has a 2.0 or 3.2L engine.

I'm saying it makes no sense that any Audi buyer who is concerned about the reliability of his engine should just buy something else. Are we meant to accept Audi's as disposable cars not meant to be kept long-term? Plus, the guy who asked didn't say it was his number one concern, he just asked the question.

Maybe a lot of folks around here lease and don't care about the long-term view, but I bought my car with intentions of driving it for at least a decade. I drove my '97 A4 2.8 for 12+ years with nary an engine problem, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I don't think wondering about how it will hold up over the years is a silly question.

[juxsa]

Get a CTS or the genesis coupe :D

[kgb.audi]

I'm saying it makes no sense that any Audi buyer who is concerned about the reliability of his engine should just buy something else. Are we meant to accept Audi's as disposable cars not meant to be kept long-term? Plus, the guy who asked didn't say it was his number one concern, he just asked the question.

Maybe a lot of folks around here lease and don't care about the long-term view, but I bought my car with intentions of driving it for at least a decade. I drove my '97 A4 2.8 for 12+ years with nary an engine problem, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I don't think wondering about how it will hold up over the years is a silly question.

understood. in that case, the 3.2 will likely be more reliable over the long term.

[Black3.2]

In speaking with the dealership, it sounds like the 2010 A5's will come equiped with the 2.0T engine. I found a used 2009 3.2 A5 over the weekend that I really like. I just got out of a 2005.5 A4 2.0T, however, the engine ran like shit (horrible vibrations after 35K miles). Should I wait for the 2010 2.0T A5 or get the used 2009 A5? I am leaning towards getting the used 2009 3.2 engine. Thoughts?

Did you make a decision yet?

[BLarche]

Did you make a decision yet?

Yep, I decided to go with the 3.2. Such a smooth ride. I like the 3.2 much better than the 2.0T. More raw power and a smoother engine.

Thanks everyone for their input! It was very insightful. I will post pics up as soon as I have a chance to clear her up.

[jtanenbaum]

I am about to go for a a5 3.2 manual. Is yours a manual? Its been almost 18 years since my last manual car. I have leased 1.8s and 2.0s Thinking about buying this time. Thats the reason for it. Sticker at just north of 43. Came down to 37. Cin leather, b&o, ipod. Thoughts from anyone? Will the itouch 2g or 3g work?

[Keith@APR]

2.0T> 3.2

Better fuel economy, more fun, lighter. Add a Stage 1 ecu upgrade and you get much better fuel economy and more power at all points of the power band.

The 3.2 is ok if that's where you want to be and no further.

Regarding reliability, we are talking about the newly redesigned 2.0 TSI not the older generation 2.0T FSI as found in the B7 chassis. The new engine has addressed every single point of the problems associated with the 2.0T FSI and is a much, much better engine from a reliability stand point.

[mikeinaustin]

2010 epa mpg is now out for the 2010 3.2 a5, for automatics, there is VERY LITTLE difference in mpg between it and the 2009 4cyl a5. Highway mpg is now exactly the same between the two engines. the 2.0 gets 3mpg better in the city, but combined is just 2mpg better.

note: the v6 has gained 1 mpg highway and city over last year.

[DeMOROlized]

I am about to go for a a5 3.2 manual. Is yours a manual? Its been almost 18 years since my last manual car. I have leased 1.8s and 2.0s Thinking about buying this time. Thats the reason for it. Sticker at just north of 43. Came down to 37. Cin leather, b&o, ipod. Thoughts from anyone? Will the itouch 2g or 3g work?

I think for MY10 3.2 does not come in manual.

[Doc_S4]

I think for MY10 3.2 does not come in manual.

That's correct. I was just reading 2010MY changes this morning.

[jtanenbaum]

nope no v6 manual combos anymore for the a5. Huge discounts on 09 manuals at this point. Not getting nav. Didnt have mmi before. Is the 3rd gen mmi that much better?

[DeMOROlized]

nope no v6 manual combos anymore for the a5. Huge discounts on 09 manuals at this point. Not getting nav. Didnt have mmi before. Is the 3rd gen mmi that much better?

Yes, IMO it's light years ahead of MMI 2G.