nt

dump the squashed bug and bring the S3 over

Just because they share the same platform doesn't mean they are the same cars. I driven both in Europe and I would choose the A3 for looks alone- Any day!!!!

I agree with "Peters" post.

Although the Golf has been around for years, and was probably the car that started the whole Gti/Hot Hatch genre of cars. In terms of the new Golf (mk IV ??), *it* is using the A3's platform, running gear and engine. Not the other way around.

I picked the A3 because everything I read said it was lighter than the golf, had better handling and was quicker. PLUS it does look nicer than the Golf.

But it's all brand/badge marketing anyway.

A3=Golf=Octavia=Toledo

Alan.

A3 1.8T Ambition Wett 1.0 K&N

I would rather have the S4 Avant here, but it is too large a car for Europe. If I spend a couple of years in Europe then I hope to get an S3. If I stay only a short while then I will get an S4 Avant and bring it back here. If I don't go at all then I will get the S4 Avant.

Todd W

I am a regular reader of Car Magazine(British) and they state the A3/S3 is too similiar to the Golf to justify price difference, I happen to agree.

Give me the new 6-speed 204hp(?) Golf Synchro instead:)

Jeff R.

Jeff,

I also read Car Mag, Autocar, Top Gear etc. in the UK.

You are right, it is hard to justify the price differences between A3 and Golf, S3 and Golf4Motion, for what are basically the same cars.

My personal preference was for Audi. I'd sooner look at 4 rings than VW. :)

Alan.
'99.5 A3 1.8T MS Silver\Blue Onyx Cloth

Marko,

I bet that car of yours is quick?

What sort of performance do get from the car with the Wett chip? Bhp, Torque, 0-60mph (or 0-100kph).

Do you swap the OEM chip back in when the car goes for a service at the Audi dealer?

Alan
'99.5 A3 1.8T MS Silver\Blue Onyx Cloth

it will be the company car and the price limit restrains me from going to an A3.

I think there are enough differences to justify a price differential between these two cars. Assembly and materials quality should go first, the sport seats in the A3 are hard to beat, the sound system in the Golf is near crap levels, and they really drive very differently.

I had my brother's A3 for a month while he was on vacation, now....I want one!

I think it would be the perfect companion to my A4, but, going back to reality, the Golf is as close as I can get. Not bad either.

Carlos

Oh yes it it quick. I have to admit it is lot quicker than I am: If I cruise on 2nd gear at about 30-40km/h and kick the pedal acceleration/g-force's makes my eyesight foggy and I'm forced to lift my foot ... if there is enough traction ... on 3rd it is almost as "bad". My personal limits slow down my car. I could perhaps say that this car is FAST ENOUGH for me.

Factory reports 0-100km/h to be 8.1sek (A4 8.3sek, Passat 8.7sek). I think in experienced hands it is quit truth. I would estimate this chip takes about 1 sek off the time. This time is hindered because of the wheelspin on 1st and 2nd gear on stock 195/65/15 tires. In practice it is a GREAT boost to the performance, especially on high gear passing.

The Wett chip is just like in any other Wett 1.8T giving 200hp and 260Nm (reported). Mine has a PLCC44 -chip. Present models tend to have PSOP44 flashable chip.

Beta -version is available for my ECU. I have a 2-program chip with stock program and tuned program and a switch on the dashboard to select between them. I can do it ANY time. When I go to dealer I switch it to stock. This is not to hide it. They know it is there. This is because there is a risk someone would start to "fix" it because it gives too much power ...
The ECU in A3 is a bit difficult to reach. You have to remove both wipers and the plastic below it. It's inside the dashboard but is accessible only from the front. This makes it unpractical to swap them offen.

Marko Litmanen
Wetterauer Finland Oy
A3 1.8T Wett 1.0 Beta K&N
Wider tires needed

Marko,

Thanks for the info on your Wett chip. It sounds fantastic! Pity there isn't a Wett dealer in the UK. :(

I would put money on it being faster than 7.1 secs 0-100km/h. Providing you manage to get off to a good start.

I have done (with G-tech pro) a 0-60mph of 7.6secs in my stock A3 1.8T (150hp), and I've seen reports of even quicker times.

But to all you A3 1.8T (150) drivers out there, you may have more power than you think. I had mine dyno'd, and it actually had 162hp (flywheel) and 125hp @ the wheels. Which was nice!

For you guys in the UK, I took the car to Well Lane Turbos, Batley, near Leeds for the rolling road test. It's a good setup.

Alan.
'99.5 A3 1.8T MS Silver\Blue Onyx Cloth

It's not exactly like it, but it has the similar boxy, hatchback styling....which in general is perceived as an "econobox"

The TT is completely different in terms of styling. Very unique and attention getting.

I have cash in hand and would buy today. Much nicer than a Golf 4Motion. I prefer a more compact car and would take it over a S4 anytime. Let's petition Audi to get their act together. What do you say folks?

Patty

If you don't have Wetterauer dealer in UK then perhaps you might want to consider the way I did it:
I took the ECU off and sent it to Wetterauer Germany. My A3 sat still for 7 days and then bursted into life ;)

Getting acceleration times is very difficult. You may be very right.

I know many 1.8T:s that have more that 150hp measured in dyno. It seems it should say "atleast 150hp".

Marko Litmanen

Marko,

Your chip is a "Beta" isn't it? So if you sent your ECU to Wett Germany, how did you fit the switch to change between ECU programs?

As you know, my car is still in stock form. But I am interested in the chipping options available. How difficult is it to take out the ECU and swap the chips?

This is a must for me, because it is a new-ish car and it must be serviced at an Audi dealer. Warranty considerations etc.

I'd appreciate some instructions if you have the time to write them. If not it's okay, it's not urgent.

Thanks,

Alan.
'99.5 A3 1.8T MS Silver\Blue Onyx Cloth

The ECU arrived copleted with a pair of wires with a switch at the end of them already installed to it. So the only difference to alpha -version is that the wires come out of the ECU In this case from the backside of the ECU. It's rather easy to plot the wire through to the dashboard. No drilling necessary but for the place for the switch itself, but one can also choose to hide it somewhere so drilling is not necessary at all.

It's very easy to swap the chips. Opening the ECU with torx driver and you have access to chip. It depends what tiype of ECU one has. Some chips can be switched with fingers, some need a screwdriver with a very careful and sensitive hand in order not to do damage. Overall this is not a problem. Just dont do it in a hurry and in a carage with poor light.

In A3 the hardest thing is to get the ECU out. It's not very difficult but the first time I did it I took the car to a local Audi dealer and asked them to take the wipers and the car-wide plastic below it off. I told them I wanted to take a look in there so I could deside how to do my car-hifi installation ;) They were glad to help. I took some 5 mins and I learned how to do it. Also don't do this in a hurry.

I can give you a very detailed description. Please e-mail me.

Marko Litmanen
marko.litmanen@tietoenator.com
A3 1.8T Wett 1.0 K&N

The cash in my hand is burning for the S3. I have
no idea why Audi of America is sitting on their
ass and not bringing the A3/S3 to the U.S.. It
would be an instant hot seller, especially for
someone like me who wants a two-door sports car
and can't afford a TT coupe.

Audi of America must be crazy by not bringing the
A3/S3 to the U.S.. I know so many peoople who
would run out today and buy and S3 if it were
available. I want 2 doors....can't afford the
TT!!!