[Psychwarlord]

We will get a 2010 XC70, but want some info on T6 - who has driven both and can give a fair comparo? Is it worth the extra, in your oipinion?

Also, I hear the 3.2 has a timing chain - is that true?

Does the 3.0T6 have a timing chain as well - or not?

Thanks for any input!

 

[sonoma99]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (Psychwarlord)

We just bought a 2010 XC70 3.2 yesterday and test drove both cars. We decided to go with the 3.2 because we didn't feel it was worth the extra $4K to $5K. Plus, the car will primarily be driven by the other half who felt the 3.2 had enough power.

You can get a good bit of options for an extra $4K-$5K on a 3.2.

I already miss the zip of my S60R though. If you really need the extra zip, I would recommend the T6.

Jason

 

[Surf NH]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (sonoma99)

oh god yes, the T6 is a blast to drive. It really depends on whether you don't mind spending extra for it. Cars are always like that, the base stuff is good enough and the fun stuff costs more and you have to weigh the priorities.

if the money isn't a big deal you definitely won't regret it. If you're on a budget, then your priorities are different and the 3.2 will get you around fine.

but wow, my wife drives this all the time, I'm into Audi's....but I love getting to drive her car, it's really an awesome engine! http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

JF

 

[Surf NH]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (Surf NH)

By the way.....just to add some more.....sorry to write so much....

this topic of paying for extra stuff comes up all the time on the Audi forums. You have half the people saying the base car is good enough, gets you around fine, and there is no payback to investing in all the extra optional items like bigger rims, better stereo, aerodynamic kits, etc, etc. The other half of the people say they wouldn't consider buying the base model because they are so boring. The issue is that if you're leasing a car, the residuals are often lower on cars with more options. The theory behind this is that the used car market doesn't value options as much as new car buyers.

It really comes down to, do you view your car more on financial terms or more on emotional terms. My wife and I spend so much time in our vehicles that we view them emotionally. I can't help but smile everytime I press the accelerator on that T6. I know I probably won't get my money out of the extra cost, but I don't care. I could die tomorrow, and I want to go down with that smile on my face. Others might say that's short sighted, all depends on your perspective.

best of luck....live for today!

JF

 

[GrecianVolvo]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (Psychwarlord)

Quote, originally posted by Psychwarlord »

Also, I hear the 3.2 has a timing chain - is that true? Does the 3.0T6 have a timing chain as well - or not?

Both engines have a timing chain.

 

[Lotus99]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (Psychwarlord)

I'd say definitely get a T6 if you can afford it and value having a zippier car. It's a 4200 lb car or so, so not exactly light, and 230 HP is just average power for it. It's supposed to have the same mileage as the 3.2, so it was a no brainer for me. Definitely try to drive both, since it's based on your personal preference for the power to weight ratio you'd be happy with. Most here though who had a choice (2009 on - only 3.2 was available in 2008) got the T6 from what I've been reading, but that could just be because they didn't like driving slowish wagons...

 

[GrecianVolvo]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (Lotus99)

Quote, originally posted by Lotus99 »

and 230 HP is just average power for it.

235 hp.

Quote »

It's supposed to have the same mileage as the 3.2, so it was a no brainer for me.

MY10s (as I have noted many times before) are more responsive and their fuel mileage is also improved.

 

[rovermark]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (Psychwarlord)

Quote, originally posted by Psychwarlord »

We will get a 2010 XC70, but want some info on T6 - who has driven both and can give a fair comparo? Is it worth the extra, in your oipinion? Thanks for any input!

I have a 2009 XC70 T6 which I have driven for over 35,000 KM, and I recently had a 2010 XC70 3.2 which I drove for 500km.

The T6 is the engine to get if you want a refined car - the car feels like a luxury car with that engine. The 3.2 is more utilitarian - OK if you regard your car as a hauler for groceries, stuff from Home Depot, ferrying the babies around. The engine can be quite loud when accelarating rapidly, but despite the car's weight is feels adaquate. I know an underpowered engine when I drive one (case in point the 168hp Subaru Outback), and the 3.2 is not underpowered for this car. It just feels much less refined - slower, louder, rougher, less enjoyable to drive - but completley adequate. Remember in Europe, they make do with with much smaller engines and no one complains.

If I had to buy the XC70, I would pick the T6; if I were leasing, I would probably go for the 3.2. If the XC70 were my primary car I would get the T6, if it were my secondary car I would get the 3.2. If you travel a lot, you may be happier with the T6.

In some cars (the new E-Class 350 vs 550) the difference between the engines is not great, but in my opinion, the difference between the 3.2 and T6 is large enough to make it easy to decide.

 

[GrecianVolvo]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (rovermark)

Quote, originally posted by rovermark »

In some cars (the new E-Class 350 vs 550) the difference between the engines is not great, but in my opinion, the difference between the 3.2 and T6 is large enough to make it easy to decide.

Really? Not to go off topic but you don't think there difference between an E350 (268 hp) and E550 (385 hp) is great? My experience with having been and driven those cars for almost one year was that the difference was huge...there was little difference up to MY06,when there was an E500 (302 hp). The difference between the E350 and E500 was not great, indeed.

 

[Dbone]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (Psychwarlord)

I personally found the 3.2 way underpowered, unrefined, and that a lot of engine noise was transferred back into the cab with it. In comparison the T6 is quiet, smooth, and powerful...

I guess at the end of the day whether or not the 3.2 is considered "adequate" is subjective. I am in the crowd that considers it inadequate but that's measured against my criteria. The way I see it, if I I was looking for a less refined experience then I would just go with a cheaper car all around. That's just me. The T6 was an absolute must after test driving both. My wife agreed and she doesn't usually have much to say about that kind of thing.

Cheers

 

[GrecianVolvo]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (Dbone)

Quote, originally posted by Dbone »

I personally found the 3.2 way underpowered, unrefined, and that a lot of engine noise was transferred back into the cab with it. In comparison the T6 is quiet, smooth, and powerful... I guess at the end of the day whether or not the 3.2 is considered "adequate" is subjective. I am in the crowd that considers it inadequate but that's measured against my criteria. The way I see it, if I I was looking for a less refined experience then I would just go with a cheaper car all around. That's just me. The T6 was an absolute must after test driving both. My wife agreed and she doesn't usually have much to say about that kind of thing. Cheers

Did you drive a MY10 3.2 or a MY09 3.2?

 

[Lunchman]

Refinement is one thing, then there is the whole maintenance issue with a T6 (oil, startup and possible shutdown times). But there are so many times when I am driving the spouse's V70 I would prefer the turbo drive. Also, no choice since they did not have the T6 in for V70, and only arrived for the XC70 in 2009.

 

[BarentsBlueV50]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (Psychwarlord)

Quote, originally posted by Psychwarlord »

We will get a 2010 XC70, but want some info on T6 - who has driven both and can give a fair comparo? Is it worth the extra, in your oipinion?

You will get varying opinions based on varying priorities. I drove both and purchased the T6. I love this car. I love that there is always power available when I need it on the SoCal freeways. I love that there is still a ton of power when I drive up in the mountains.

I never seem to regret the options/upgrades that I purchase. I always seem to regret not getting the options/upgrades that I didn't purchase.

YMMV

 

[Dbone]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (GrecianVolvo)

I just purchased a 2010 T6 a few weeks ago. At time of purchase I drove a 2010 T6 and 2010 3.2 back to back...

If this 2010 3.2 is much improved over an 09 then an 09 would definitely not be for me.

Everybody has a different idea of what they need or want. I'm sure for some the 3.2 is perfectly fine. I personally always look for refinement first and foremost, particularly when I'm purchasing a premium vehicle. That's me.

I get the whole utilitarian angle though...for sure...3.2 would fit the bill...no doubt....

Cheers

 

[Lotus99]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (Dbone)

Quote, originally posted by Dbone »

Everybody has a different idea of what they need or want. I'm sure for some the 3.2 is perfectly fine. I personally always look for refinement first and foremost, particularly when I'm purchasing a premium vehicle. That's me. I get the whole utilitarian angle though...for sure...3.2 would fit the bill...no doubt.... Cheers

Exactly, why else would there be tons of people buying diesel engines? They are happy with the trade off of performance vs. mileage. It's totally subjective.

Why not try to read some reviews of it done by car critics, if you can find any?

Modified by Lotus99 at 8:58 PM 3-2-2010

 

[Needsdecaf]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (GrecianVolvo)

Quote, originally posted by GrecianVolvo »

Did you drive a MY10 3.2 or a MY09 3.2?

I drove a MY 3.2 V70. An R Design, no less.

While it was definitely peppier than the '09, it was still very underwhelming. But that's just me. After a purchase a long time ago, I vowed never to buy a car with an "adequate" engine again. It just doesn't suit my driving style.

However, if you just need a car that gets out of it's own way, and is not underpowered, it'll work.

 

[Surf NH]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (Lotus99)

I'm not sure about that statement, the turbo diesels I've driven in Europe are outstanding engines.....just as much fun to drive as my T6.

 

[Lotus99]

Re: 3.2 vs. 3.0 T6 (Surf NH)

Some of the newer diesels, you're right. I'm thinking of the one in the 3 series BMW for example. But generally, diesels aren't known for their performance. It's mainly over here that to compete with the big HP gas engines they've had to put out some nice diesels.

Look at the XC70 sold in the UK. It comes with a 2.4 liter diesel engine that makes 175 HP! And we're complaining about 235 HP being underpowered... Imagine driving the car with THAT engine!

At least it has 300 lbs of torque though... But it still takes 10.2 seconds to get to 62 MPH (100 km/h) compared to the T6's 7.6 second time. That's like 50% slower!

 

[Lunchman]

The 3.2 engine is no slouch; it is apparently about 3 secs slower than the older 850 T5 models. Granted it is not as powerful as the newer T6 engine, but you can get a speeding ticket with either engine quite easily. I was very surprised to get a ticket for 84 mph since it arrived at that speed without much effort.

 

[Lotus99]

Re: (Lunchman)

Quote, originally posted by Lunchman »

Granted it is not as powerful as the newer T6 engine, but you can get a speeding ticket with either engine quite easily.

You can also get a speeding ticket in an 18 wheeler tractor easily on the highway I bet!

Modified by Lotus99 at 6:17 PM 3-3-2010