The True "version" of a car

[Wolfe]

Isn't the A3 available with the 2.0T and quattro in other markets? That would be the version to get.

 

[Philly]

To be honest, I don't really understand the Audi A3 at all. At least, the 2.0T version. All it really is is a rebodied and heavier GTI. I can't say I've spent any time driving an A3, but I would also guess that it isn't as good a car to be in either, or if it is, it isn't better enough to warrant whatever the premium is. Even the 3.2 is slower than the GTI to 60. And the 3.2 doesn't appear to be much but a rebodied R32 also.

Does the S-line package add anything either?

 

[Thatman]

@ JCE

Now what I don't get JCE, is why you keep giving examples of cars that have the smaller motor in them. I would still tell that person that is shoulda had a V8. Props to them that its amazingly fast and could murder one of its V8 brethren but two things. 1.How many other people have V8 F bodies that run those times or close. 2.Its still my opinion that for its heritage, a V8 should be under the hood.

@ Troux

Okay I can see where you are coming from on the supra. But id still say its and "upgraded" version.

I can also see your point on the viper but since this is still just a matter of opinion i think that the GTS and RT/10 are the same-ish and are both a "true" version of the car. just one has a top one doesn't. But I dont think you can call the RT/10 a drop top since you had to remove the top itself.

 

[buickgnx88]

To be honest, I believe society as a whole decided on what the "true version" of a vehicle is.

What Camaro seems to be most popular and most wanted? The V8 SS/Z28.
What Porsche 911 is the one that everyone knows? The Turbo.
What Mustang would people think of most? GT.
What 3-Series does everyone crave? The M3.

Basically if you have a vehicle, then of course you're going to think it's the best. But when you wish to have another vehicle, you want the high-performance version. I couldn't imagine myself hearing the Mustang name and saying "hell yes, I want the base V6!".

 

[Thatman]

To be honest, I believe society as a whole decided on what the "true version" of a vehicle is.

What Camaro seems to be most popular and most wanted? The V8 SS/Z28.
What Porsche 911 is the one that everyone knows? The Turbo.
What Mustang would people think of most? GT.
What 3-Series does everyone crave? The M3.

Basically if you have a vehicle, then of course you're going to think it's the best. But when you wish to have another vehicle, you want the high-performance version. I couldn't imagine myself hearing the Mustang name and saying "hell yes, I want the base V6!".

See, you get what Im sayin'.

 

[buickgnx88]

I do. Another example would be the tuner crowd. It's been engraved in people's minds that the best Skyline is the GT-R 2dr, just like the Type-R is the best Integra, and the Si is the best Civic. Of course you have people that see the lesser models as awesome and can make something of them, but the top-of-the-line performance models have been used the most in movies, and shown the most in magazines.

 

[Troux]

@ Troux

Okay I can see where you are coming from on the supra. But id still say its and "upgraded" version.

I can also see your point on the viper but since this is still just a matter of opinion i think that the GTS and RT/10 are the same-ish and are both a "true" version of the car. just one has a top one doesn't. But I dont think you can call the RT/10 a drop top since you had to remove the top itself.

GTS has more power, is lighter, and stiffer. I think there are a couple other more race-oriented changes, but basically, the RT/10 is the cruiser, not the racer that enthusiasts wanted. Not drastically different, but it would be like the difference between a base Integra/Civic and the GS-R/Si versions.

The Supra Turbo is NOT the upgraded version. If it's not boosted, it's NOT a Supra. Trust me on this one.

 

[Thatman]

Idk, Ill agree with you on a MK4 turbo but, I still say a MK3 doesn't have to have a turbo to be a true one.

 

[YSSMAN]

To be honest, I don't really understand the Audi A3 at all.

Same here. But then again, I'm one of the crazy people who prefer VW to Audi anyway.

Does the S-line package add anything either?

I believe it is a slight body kit, different wheel/tire combo, and a slightly stiffened suspension. Problem is, I think the S-Line package has now become standard on some models. I don't remember where I read that, however.

 

[niky]

bloody hockey sticks, this is starting to sound ridiculous. like the fight over (in the US) a ford with a Chevy crate motor in it or something. for Pete's sakes, people...

I wouldn't worry about the "right" engine or form unless I was selling the bloody thing at Barrett-Jackson or Pebble Beach. it's a car, it's supposed to be driven. and as long as it runs, I'm fine.

Heresy! Unless it's a purple Hemi-equipped one, a purple Barracuda convertible is worthless!

Oh... and bonus points for being completely unrestored or restored only with NOS (new old stock) replacement parts... and extra bonus points if the chassis number matches the engine... and if the tires are original... and if the little squigglies that the original workmen wrote under the carpets are still there... and...

If it's got four wheels, looks good and runs, I don't care if it's a Nissan-powered Mustang (or Mercedes) or if it's a Honda Civic with a Corvette engine in it... they're still a Mustang and a Civic to me.

What Porsche 911 is the one that everyone knows? The Turbo.

GT3RS. If you value being a Porsche-snob... there is no subsitute. Or maybe the GT2.

What 3-Series does everyone crave? The M3.

I dunno... the 335i seems rather nice for a lot less money... and you can have it in coupe form, too... though I'd love to get the 320is (sadly, limited edition)... sporty set-up, keen balance, probably one of the lightest of the line.

----

Skyline? The Skyline's a taxi special. The GT-R is almost a completely different car. I see imported Skylines almost every day, and think to myself: for that much money, the guy could have just gotten an A31 Cefiro and swapped in a GT-R or GTS-T motor.

 

[buickgnx88]

GT3RS. If you value being a Porsche-snob... there is no subsitute. Or maybe the GT2.

Those are good cars, but most people who don't know much about 911's think the Turbo is the best model.

I dunno... the 335i seems rather nice for a lot less money... and you can have it in coupe form, too... though I'd love to get the 320is (sadly, limited edition)... sporty set-up, keen balance, probably one of the lightest of the line.

Once again, for someone like you that knows about what a good balance between those factors, you know the good models. But ask someone who doesn't know all the stats and they'd just say M3, since it's the most powerful version.

Skyline? The Skyline's a taxi special. The GT-R is almost a completely different car. I see imported Skylines almost every day, and think to myself: for that much money, the guy could have just gotten an A31 Cefiro and swapped in a GT-R or GTS-T motor.

It could pretty much well be a different car, but if you live outside of Japan you would most likely think of the GT-R as the best Skyline (which GT doesn't help with since 98% of the Skylines are GT-R's).

 

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

Isn't the A3 available with the 2.0T and quattro in other markets? That would be the version to get.

Other wise known as the S3

 

[Wolfe]

265hp S3 != 200hp A3 2.0T

I'm talking about something a little more affordable. But it turns out the point is moot anyway because I did a little digging and found out not only are there no plans to bring the S3 to the states, but there's also been a change in the lineup for 2009:

A3

MSRP
A3 2.0T Front Manual $26,920
A3 2.0T quattro S tronic $30,500
A3 2.0T Front S tronic $28,400
A3 3.2 quattro S tronic $36,975

The new 2.0T quattro saves you $6000 and sheds nearly 400lbs. (3300) versus the 3.2 quattro (3660), and weighs only a smidgen more than the front-wheel-drive version (3260). I would probably prefer a manual, but S tronic is DSG, so it's still good.

Not that it really matters, because I'd personally take a TT over an A3 anyday.