Real world gas mileage for 3.2L

orttauq · 12-06-2005, 06:12 PM

Has anyone tracked gas mileage on a 3.2 yet?

LavaGrau_A3 · 12-06-2005, 06:43 PM

cpurick · 12-07-2005, 04:56 AM

It's a heavier, wider car with wider tires, more displacement, more drivetrain friction, and a wagonesque drag coefficient.

I'd be surprised if the A3 3.2 gets 21 in mixed driving. Look for 19-20mpg around town, and don't expect to beat 25mpg on the highway unless your speed's in the fifties.

I'm not just making this stuff up -- I tinker with energy-management driving techniques for entertainment when I drive. I've gotten 35.5 mpg (mixed driving, measured at the pump) out of my A4 2.0T -- that's over 600 miles on a tank.

The VR6 is less fuel efficient than many larger engines. The Acura TL 3.2 gets better mileage, even with a conventional slushbox automatic.

LavaGrau_A3 · 12-07-2005, 05:22 PM

cpurick · 12-07-2005, 06:50 PM

LavaGrau_A3 · 12-07-2005, 07:09 PM

which is the second fill up (on me).

I used the same pump at the same station. The nozzle was inserted exactly the same 4.78 inches and the gallons noted at the moment of first shutoff. Nozzle was tended manually to prevent flow problems from compromising the results. Alas, I made no adjustments for fuel density changes over the four day period.

My point is, this is hardly scientific and the exact mix of driving and speeds can alter the results greatly. The computer says 21.7. Believe me, post break in, when I start driving it the way God & Audi intended, I could easily see sub 20. I am not impressed.

Edit: Just went to the garage to check. Computer shows 21.5 not 21.7.

orttauq · 12-07-2005, 08:55 PM

...we signed the papers today for a 3.2 after driving both.

yam · 12-07-2005, 10:15 PM

cpurick · 12-08-2005, 03:11 AM

But you're right; your driving style -- and your definition of 'mixed' -- are probably different from mine.

I was very disappointed in the VR6 mileage. But the real frustration was the car's short legs. With a 14 gallon tank, my GLI rarely got more than 300 miles between fill-ups.

CWK_Marin · 12-12-2005, 11:10 PM

22.65 mpg 3.2 TTQC commute to and from Marin to Oakland on 101, I-580, I-80 and some city streets. Average speed for weekly commute is 28 mph. Average weekly distance is 276.5 miles.

12-06-2005, 06:43 PM	#2
LavaGrau_A3 AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 410	Not likin it so far...but engine's tight. Probably improve to 22-23 mixed driving. __________________ 13' allroad Glacier, Prestige, Sport Interior Package

12-07-2005, 04:56 AM	#3
cpurick AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 3,008	I doubt it. I got 22-23 in a VR6 Jetta - that was a 2.8 and FWD. You're gonna burn a bit more. It's a heavier, wider car with wider tires, more displacement, more drivetrain friction, and a wagonesque drag coefficient. I'd be surprised if the A3 3.2 gets 21 in mixed driving. Look for 19-20mpg around town, and don't expect to beat 25mpg on the highway unless your speed's in the fifties. I'm not just making this stuff up -- I tinker with energy-management driving techniques for entertainment when I drive. I've gotten 35.5 mpg (mixed driving, measured at the pump) out of my A4 2.0T -- that's over 600 miles on a tank. The VR6 is less fuel efficient than many larger engines. The Acura TL 3.2 gets better mileage, even with a conventional slushbox automatic. __________________ The key to reliable German car ownership is to own at least two. Fortunately, German car enthusiasts see this as a plus.

12-07-2005, 05:22 PM	#4
LavaGrau_A3 AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 410	Second tank just came in at 21.6 (mixed, with occasional outbursts). I'll stick with my projection. __________________ 13' allroad Glacier, Prestige, Sport Interior Package

12-07-2005, 06:50 PM	#5
cpurick AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 3,008	Measured at the pump, or with the trip computer? __________________ The key to reliable German car ownership is to own at least two. Fortunately, German car enthusiasts see this as a plus.

12-07-2005, 07:09 PM	#6
LavaGrau_A3 AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 410	If it was the computer, I wouldn't have had to wait for "the second tank"... which is the second fill up (on me). I used the same pump at the same station. The nozzle was inserted exactly the same 4.78 inches and the gallons noted at the moment of first shutoff. Nozzle was tended manually to prevent flow problems from compromising the results. Alas, I made no adjustments for fuel density changes over the four day period. My point is, this is hardly scientific and the exact mix of driving and speeds can alter the results greatly. The computer says 21.7. Believe me, post break in, when I start driving it the way God & Audi intended, I could easily see sub 20. I am not impressed. Edit: Just went to the garage to check. Computer shows 21.5 not 21.7. __________________ 13' allroad Glacier, Prestige, Sport Interior Package

Welcome to AudiWorld!
		Welcome to AudiWorld.com. You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join AudiWorld.com today!

12-07-2005, 08:55 PM	#7
orttauq AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 100	Thanks for your replies ...we signed the papers today for a 3.2 after driving both. __________________ orttauq 2012 A7 Moonlight/Nougat 2011 A4 Avant (GONE-Too much LAG) 2007 Touareg V10tdi 2005 Carrera S

12-07-2005, 10:15 PM	#8
yam AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 541	4.78"?!?. Next time use calipers. :-p

12-08-2005, 03:11 AM	#9
cpurick AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 3,008	I asked about the computer because (at least in the A4) it can be pretty optimistic. But you're right; your driving style -- and your definition of 'mixed' -- are probably different from mine. I was very disappointed in the VR6 mileage. But the real frustration was the car's short legs. With a 14 gallon tank, my GLI rarely got more than 300 miles between fill-ups. __________________ The key to reliable German car ownership is to own at least two. Fortunately, German car enthusiasts see this as a plus.

12-12-2005, 11:10 PM	#10
CWK_Marin Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,334	Re: Real world gas mileage for 3.2L 22.65 mpg 3.2 TTQC commute to and from Marin to Oakland on 101, I-580, I-80 and some city streets. Average speed for weekly commute is 28 mph. Average weekly distance is 276.5 miles. __________________

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode