3.0 or 1.8t

[yeldarb]

hello all ! i looked for a similar thread but could not find one. as you can probably tell i am new to the forum and this is my first post. within the next week i will be purchasing my first audi (2005 a4). my problem is this - i was set on the 3.0 but then i got to reading on some other forums and they were saying how bad and unreliable they were. should i be concerned with this and just go with the 1.8? i will probably not be modding the car as it will be used as cruising vehicle, i just want to make sure when i'm on the highway going 70 and i pull out to pass i still have enough juice to get it done. any input would be greatly appreciated!!!! sorry if this posted in the wrong forum feel free to move if need be

[ABsKiLLz]

I just got my car 3 days ago, its a 1.8T. I too wanted a 3.0 but due to gas prices decided on a 1.8T. The 3.0 engine, from my research, is more reliable because it doesnt have a turbo which requires maintenance. And you don't have to worry about needing more juice with the 3.0 which has better torque and HP numbers stock than a 1.8T. If you don't plan on modding your engine definately go with the 3.0

[Siggiepop]

supercharger. 3.0 =)

[bananas]

ask anyone who does maintenance which one they'd rather work on :P (hint: it's not the 3.0)

1.8t is the winner in fuel economy, and "modability". A simple chip on a 1.8t brings it in line with the 3.0 for power.

[jackyaudi]

I had this question when deciding 3.0 or 1.8T on the A4.

I went with 1.8T at the end. If you want to drive slow and nice, the 1.8 does not consume much. Want to hit harder, the Turbo kicks in around 4000 RPM and a nice boost is there. Flash your ECU (I did mine with Revo) and u wont even notice its a 4 cyln :) I never experienced any "Turbo lag" after I flashed it.

If you can get a Sport package with it, do that.. The stability on the road is just awesome. Those 17in are really nice when driving fast on curbs, and the sport suspensions are very nice. But its kinda rough with bumps, you will get used to it :)

The quattro is very lovely in winter/snow time.

Make sure that the Turbo is healthy though (no leaks, etc) otherwise it might go bad and causes the catalytic converter to be full of oil and in need of replacement. Thats exactly what happened with me. Luckily my warranty covered it. Make SURE you have WARRANTY!! Never buy an Audi without warranty. So far Audi paid between 6 and 7K on the car just in 1 year. This is a 2002 btw. Also, do check regularly oil, tire pressure, coolant, etc etc.

Good luck!

[favianjanitra]

^^ The tiny puny KO3 spools wayyyy earlier than 4000rpm.....like 2800 i'd say or earlier
then it runs out of breath by 5K..

[Maverick]

if you search there are a lot of thread about discussions like this.
most people go with 1.8T.
if you are not a car guy who works on your own car, 1.8T can be a headache with issues here and there. 3.0 is more reliable with low mileage.

[3.0 King]

the 1.8t will nickle and dime you to death...the 3.0 is more suitable for the A4 considering how heavy these cars are. 1.8t guyz also trash the 3.0 mostly cause they want to make themselves feel better about there purchase. Don't get me wrong the 1.8t is a great motor and has a grand following. just remember how bias people are when asking this ???.

[J-jizzle]

i just want to make sure when i'm on the highway going 70 and i pull out to pass i still have enough juice to get it done.

Im stock 1.8t and pull fine around highway traffic. Unless they are ass holes and want to race you then it gets alot more difficult.

[bananas]

1.8t guyz also trash the 3.0 mostly cause they want to make themselves feel better about there purchase.

really

Or is it the other way around?

[G Men 08]

lol i have a 3.0 and i am one of the few and pround with this car, along with 3.0 king i suggest you get the 3.0 especially if your want a nice ride with plenty of power and dont plan on modding it, its alot more reliable as anyone who knows anything about audis will tell you... plus from my experience of driving both the 3.0 has better quality interior with a few more options i do believe... and as far as gas goes, yes the 1.8t is better on gas no argument there, but the 3.0 isnt terrible either, i get 23-24 mpgs mixed city and country road driving, i cannot tell you what the highway is because i am yet to go on a long trip lol but it pretty much boils down to if you want to mod it and good gas milage get the 1.8t, if you want a fun reliable naturally aspirated car thats ok on gas as long as you keep your foot out of the floor then go with the 3.0, and as for the power from a chip to the 1.8t goes, i dont care what kinda of car you have the more you modify it the less reliable it becomes... hope ive been helpful!! good luck... pssssttt my call is 3.0!!!!!!!!

[Maverick]

you can always supercharge the 3.0, if you do it right, it's far more reliable than the 1.8T as long as you do it right!

[yeldarb]

thanks for all the info and opinions it is much appreciated! as of now i am leaning toward the 3.0 with only 24,000 miles i am hoping there shouldn't be any problems.

[G Men 08]

good choice, whats the price on it boss? if you dont mind me asking...

[yeldarb]

$18,000

[swrt83]

whoa! you might want to have a good mechanic take a look at that car.. i paid 22k for my 04 A4 3.0 sport package that had about 47000 miles on it. granted i didn't get a STEAL from my dealership, but i got a pretty good deal since they wanted 27k. $18000 for an 05 with that low of mileage smells funny to me

[Molotov]

honestly these cars aren't worth much anymore..

[road_tripper]

I have a 3.0 (2003). I took a loaner 2.0T with the CVT transmission on a 450 mile road trip. My 3.0MT gets a little over 25 on the same trip, the 2.0T got about 27. This is driving 80-85 on the highway. I'll trade 2mpg for a more pleasant and luxurious ride any day.

Also, my 3.0 gets around 22 mpg at 120mph (flat road, looking at the instantaneous MPG display over 15-20 miles), not sure what the turbo models get.

I'd say drive both and pick the one you like better... I like the 3.0s torque curve. When I was younger I probably would have been more interested in the 1.8T. My driving mainly consists of super long road trips (1300miles one-way, only stopping for gas). The 3.0 works for me.

[3.0 King]

really

Or is it the other way around?

...lol
hey, there both audis so you can't go wrong

[bob12312357]

Also, my 3.0 gets around 22 mpg at 120mph (flat road, looking at the instantaneous MPG display over 15-20 miles), not sure what the turbo models get.

I call bs, my bikes don't get 22mpg at a sustained 120 mph. Do you have any idea how much more power the car must put to the wheels to sustain 120mph and overcome the wind resistance, then at 80?

TO Op the 1.8t doesn't really have a turbo charged engines usual lag, it may be the turbo the size of your fist, it may be just a great engine. I don't know. What I do know is after test driving 1.8s, 2.8's, and 3.0's, I got a 1.8 as its such a flexible engine and even stock has got pep.

[yeldarb]

actually i typed the price wrong, i have been looking at two of them,a 2004-24,000-19,000 and a 2005-27,000-19,000.i will have a 200 mile test drive on the way home and have requested records of the work done. i will also not buy anything without a carfax report. i have spent about 50hrs the last 2 weeks researching and pricing these vehicles, now granted the book values are between 24 and 27 thousand but with our economy the way it is,it is a buyers market and i have found several of these cars in this price range, now they don't last long but they can be found.

[3.0 Rider]

I was also in the crossroads of the 3.0 vs 1.8t

I tried both, love the interior of the 3.0 and the smoothness of the engine. Sounds as well. The 3.0 works better with quattro in my opinion. The 1.8t felt like you've been pulled, as the 3.0 feels like you're being pushed.

I'm not a tuner, but my decision was to get the 1.8T due to the price and put a chip on it. However I was told that if you flash it you get more chances to get trouble. The car was engineered to work as is.

The only complaint I have for the A4 is the tiny wheels we get

[G Men 08]

yeah that price is a little low but hey if the research comes out good, with no accidents and full maintenance history then damn you have yourself a steal!! i paid 18,500 for my 03 3.0 last october with 39,000 miles on it

[road_tripper]

I call bs, my bikes don't get 22mpg at a sustained 120 mph. Do you have any idea how much more power the car must put to the wheels to sustain 120mph and overcome the wind resistance, then at 80?

I'll take a movie the next time I'm out in the desert. I just recall looking at the instantaneous MPG readings, and they steadied at 22... Maybe I was on a long downhill at the time? Or the Audi computer is a bit optimistic? I admit I didn't quite believe it either! Hopefully the video will prove my point; if not, I'll get to take a big slice o' dat humble pie!

[bob12312357]

I know at the track my Liter empties its 4.49 gallon tank in just over 40 miles, leaving me coasting down VIRs back straight and into the pits in the middle of a race.
On the highway goin from Gettysburg PA to Staten Island NY in 1 hour 50 minutes including my gas stops I had to put in gas twice and had less then half a gallon left on one of the stops, with my low fuel light on the last 10 or so miles from home. That was at a steady 120-140 for most of it, with only a couple high speed moments. If your 4000lb car gets better mileage then my 440lb bike theres gotta be some award or somethin out there and it will sell like a hotcake in Germany for Autobahn driving with heated seats, room for 5 adults, Bose sound, and 22mpg at 120mph.

[jackyaudi]

I was also in the crossroads of the 3.0 vs 1.8t

I tried both, love the interior of the 3.0 and the smoothness of the engine. Sounds as well. The 3.0 works better with quattro in my opinion. The 1.8t felt like you've been pulled, as the 3.0 feels like you're being pushed.

I'm not a tuner, but my decision was to get the 1.8T due to the price and put a chip on it. However I was told that if you flash it you get more chances to get trouble. The car was engineered to work as is.

The only complaint I have for the A4 is the tiny wheels we get

Not with the Sport package, it has really nice 17" wheels that makes the car look like Sport cars.. I will take some photos and post them :)

[3.0 Rider]

Not with the Sport package, it has really nice 17" wheels that makes the car look like Sport cars.. I will take some photos and post them :)

forgot to mention that.. 17" should be the standard and 18" the sport package ;)

[jackyaudi]

forgot to mention that.. 17" should be the standard and 18" the sport package ;)

Are you sure? I though 15" is the standard and 17 is the Sport.. I am pretty sure I have 17 but they look much wider than whats on the photos.

[roo97ss]

Having driven the 1.8 I bought a 3.0..

If your goal is modding. go 1.8.

If your goal is fuel economy and are happy with 'ok' power go 1.8

The 3.0s i've seen are generally well equipped. 1.8s are hit or miss, some well equipped, others kind of plain inside.

Price wise, teh 1.8 needs a chip/reflash which if i understand is about 1000 minimun. That will just about erase the 3.0s power advantage. So if you're looking at 1.8s for price figure 1000 extra into the price.

Only thing i can say is get the sport suspension at all costs. wheels are nicer and 17s vs 16s. Ride in the non sport was down right chevy impala. I still get sea sick in the 3.0 sport package we have. My bmw 325 non sport was probably a bit more composed than the 3.0 sport....that drove me crazy and has been addressed. Not sure what to do with my audi but it's smooth on the highway but 'floats' quite a bit...(and yes my car has only 24k miles so susp is fine).

[jackyaudi]

Having driven the 1.8 I bought a 3.0..

If your goal is modding. go 1.8.

If your goal is fuel economy and are happy with 'ok' power go 1.8

The 3.0s i've seen are generally well equipped. 1.8s are hit or miss, some well equipped, others kind of plain inside.

Price wise, teh 1.8 needs a chip/reflash which if i understand is about 1000 minimun. That will just about erase the 3.0s power advantage. So if you're looking at 1.8s for price figure 1000 extra into the price.

Only thing i can say is get the sport suspension at all costs. wheels are nicer and 17s vs 16s. Ride in the non sport was down right chevy impala. I still get sea sick in the 3.0 sport package we have. My bmw 325 non sport was probably a bit more composed than the 3.0 sport....that drove me crazy and has been addressed. Not sure what to do with my audi but it's smooth on the highway but 'floats' quite a bit...(and yes my car has only 24k miles so susp is fine).

I paid about $700 or $800 (cannot remember exactly) tax included for my Revo flash. Am sure its not more than $800.

I agree, I did like the Sport package much more than the stock. I also tried the 3.0, 1.8T Quattro with no Sport package, the 1.8T CVT (did not like this one at all), then then 1.8T Quattro with Sport (I went with that one.)

[Frey7190]

lol i have a 3.0 and i am one of the few and pround with this car, along with 3.0 king i suggest you get the 3.0 especially if your want a nice ride with plenty of power and dont plan on modding it, its alot more reliable as anyone who knows anything about audis will tell you... plus from my experience of driving both the 3.0 has better quality interior with a few more options i do believe... and as far as gas goes, yes the 1.8t is better on gas no argument there, but the 3.0 isnt terrible either, i get 23-24 mpgs mixed city and country road driving, i cannot tell you what the highway is because i am yet to go on a long trip lol but it pretty much boils down to if you want to mod it and good gas milage get the 1.8t, if you want a fun reliable naturally aspirated car thats ok on gas as long as you keep your foot out of the floor then go with the 3.0, and as for the power from a chip to the 1.8t goes, i dont care what kinda of car you have the more you modify it the less reliable it becomes... hope ive been helpful!! good luck... pssssttt my call is 3.0!!!!!!!!

Yupp im a 3.0 too! I love being a part of the elite few to drive a 3.0 ... I have a friend who has the 1.8t.. ehh its alright... The 3.0 gives you so many more features (when you click unlock at night the fog lights turn on to show you the way, there is "AUTO" on the head lights so you dont have to mess with them, nice interior (wood grain not plastic), 4 position memory seats, mirrors tilt on reverse, and much more) Also the 3.0 vs a 1.8t will beat the 1.8t hands down.. We took them to an open 2 lane road and I lead the way, with the pedal half way down, and he on the other hand was pedal to the metal and still lagging! lol The 3.0 too is VERY easy to maintain, you service it every 10k, or until the engine tells the computer to notify you, it has power at all RPM's, mine is the automatic with CVT, and when you touch the pedal from a stop your zipp-id-i-doo-da outta there! on the highway when passing its amazing...Almost better than ______ (fill in the blank with something u find amazing) put your blinker on, tap the gas, and grab the wheel cuz your going to pass that slow-poke faster than you think...!!!

All in all, I love the 3.0, I drove the 1.8t when I got this one from the audi dealer and the 1.8t doesn't sync very well with the auto tranny (many auto reviewers say the same) unlike the 3.0 which auto reviewers say is the motor for the CVT! Oh also... If you plan to put exhaust on your Audi, the 1.8t is very quiet compared to the 3.0 which sounds just perfect with two Magnaflows on it. Since the 1.8 has a turbo the turbo quiets down the noise, unlike the 3.0 which sounds great! Plus I get great MPG, highway is high 20's, and city driving for me is 19-23.5. I get something like 311miles per tank! so it aint bad..

-- Have fun, just remember, think wisely of your choice b/c once you sign those papers, your stuck with it... you cant just go back, show your receipt and get the other one... lol

[A4A4A4]

if you are planning to chip it go 1.8T

if you are planning to leave it as is go 3.0

simple as that

[cloaked]

3.2 if you could find one that's the one I would buy.

[justincab]

I'm having to replace the engine in my 3.0 at just under 60k. The dealer told me the 3.0 is a good engine, but they do have some issues.

[Maverick]

yeah they do have issue when you don't change the damn engine oil.
never change the oil at 10,000 miles interval. 3000-5000 miles.

[G Men 08]

the whole engine, really? thats unfortunate man, sorry to hear that

[G Men 08]

frey, im kinda sad, my fog lights dont stay on , nor do i have an automatic headlight button thing, mine is an 03 3.0 quattro what year is yours?

[jackyaudi]

Yupp im a 3.0 too! I love being a part of the elite few to drive a 3.0 ... I have a friend who has the 1.8t.. ehh its alright... The 3.0 gives you so many more features (when you click unlock at night the fog lights turn on to show you the way, there is "AUTO" on the head lights so you dont have to mess with them, nice interior (wood grain not plastic), 4 position memory seats, mirrors tilt on reverse, and much more) Also the 3.0 vs a 1.8t will beat the 1.8t hands down.. We took them to an open 2 lane road and I lead the way, with the pedal half way down, and he on the other hand was pedal to the metal and still lagging! lol The 3.0 too is VERY easy to maintain, you service it every 10k, or until the engine tells the computer to notify you, it has power at all RPM's, mine is the automatic with CVT, and when you touch the pedal from a stop your zipp-id-i-doo-da outta there! on the highway when passing its amazing...Almost better than ______ (fill in the blank with something u find amazing) put your blinker on, tap the gas, and grab the wheel cuz your going to pass that slow-poke faster than you think...!!!

All in all, I love the 3.0, I drove the 1.8t when I got this one from the audi dealer and the 1.8t doesn't sync very well with the auto tranny (many auto reviewers say the same) unlike the 3.0 which auto reviewers say is the motor for the CVT! Oh also... If you plan to put exhaust on your Audi, the 1.8t is very quiet compared to the 3.0 which sounds just perfect with two Magnaflows on it. Since the 1.8 has a turbo the turbo quiets down the noise, unlike the 3.0 which sounds great! Plus I get great MPG, highway is high 20's, and city driving for me is 19-23.5. I get something like 311miles per tank! so it aint bad..

-- Have fun, just remember, think wisely of your choice b/c once you sign those papers, your stuck with it... you cant just go back, show your receipt and get the other one... lol

hmm, so you were racing a 1.8T Quattro with a 3.0 CVT? Of course it will be faster! I mean the CVT is so much lighter (cheaper) and quicker than a Quattro to begin with. Was that 1.8T shipped? Cannot really compare a Quattro with a non-quattro. Just does not work. Unless ur talking R8 vs. some other sport car.

[jackyaudi]

frey, im kinda sad, my fog lights dont stay on , nor do i have an automatic headlight button thing, mine is an 03 3.0 quattro what year is yours?

Weird, I have an 02 and my fog lights stay ON 24/7. Even when I turn on my headlights, I can chose to let the fog lights to turn on as well.

[akarol]

3.0 all the way. I like the extra luxury features it has (radio buttons on the steering wheel, auto-dimming mirrors, compass, etc.) My racing days are far over and these features a lot more appealing to me.