nicknageli

I would definitely go with the turbo if you're at any sort of elevation. Helps a ton. Elevation just kills naturally aspirated engines.

The only drawback (for me anyway) to the 2.0 turbo is the TDI sound and feel at idle and low RPM starting off. It's not nearly as quiet and smooth at idle and low RPM as the old 1.8T for some reason. My 2 cents.

Tones92

im no more than 100 feet above sea level but thanks everyone for you input

LighthouseJ

I test drove both cars when I was buying new, I didn't really see a big difference, and the salesman let me open them up.

Some advice I got from the buying community at the time:
If you want the predictable power band of a V6, go for the 3.2.
If you want the turbo 2L (nimble driving, uses less gas) and possibility for engine upgrades, go for the 2.0. There's only turbo lag if you can't get the turbo spooling properly.

2.5 years later, the 2L is still fun to drive.

NEProwler

Ya, it's 3/4ths of a RS4 engine. Don't believe me? Check the compression ratios - both 12.5:1. The only diff is 2 more cyl and some light weight components that let the RS4 rev higher.

Dude, you just need to run it in higher gears and minimize braking. It's amazing how early you can get into 6th. Throw it in neutral and you're into some hypermiling ish.

I get 20-21 mpg in light urban driving. 22-25 mpg in suburban driving.

Of course, if I'm feeling like a leadfoot, I'll get 18-19 mpg in suburban / light urban.

NEProwler

Yup. I'm pretty sure there aren't any besides intake & exhaust (neither of which will do much for output).

I quite like the 3.2's sound - even stock. All summer, I've been driving with my windows down, just to hear that engine.

Uh, I thought the spec was 6.7s for the 2.0T and 6.2s for the 3.2. Check the PDFs in the resources section of this site.

NEProwler

Exactly.

Upgrade your rear antisway bar. If you're still not satisfied, upgrade the suspension.

I used to have problems w/ understeer. After upgrading the suspension, rear antisway bar, wheels, and tires, handling is razor sharp and turn-in is fantastic! The car is simply on another level, now.

copperbeech1

I installed the rear RS4 sway-bar in mine; most worth-while cheap suspension upgrade IMO. Also, according to an email I received from PES, a supercharger is in the works for the 3.2L V6.

aaron1085

2.0 is the way to go. but then again, thats what I have so I'm a bit biased.