D2 0r D3. The unspeakable truth

[A8_Tony]

D2 all the way for me

The D3 is too popular. The 3.0 diesel engine ensured that it would reach into the range of company vehicle budgets that would have got you a high-specced A6. It gave another option to those lucky enough to have that kind of budget.

The D3 S8 is a lovely machine, I'd have one tomorrow, but I'd not get rid of my D2.

IMO the FL D2 hasn't aged as badly as the PF. The simple change of headlamp style is what makes the huge difference between the two there.

The D2 offers exclusivity, with few outside of the '8 fanbase really having any idea what the car is capable of.....she's a wolf in sheeps clothing, and surprises many at the traffic lights without so much as a "by your leave". And that makes me SMILE every time

[Singh]

The exclusivity of the D2 really does appeal, Audi only made 100,000 and some ended up in the US,Canada,Auz etc so even less of that 100k currently reside in England and others dare not come over for fear of A8 Parts sending them to D2 heaven!

The interior on the D3 is awesome, if I ever brought one it would be the 4.2 TDI or the D3 S8 for the noise, not for the performance as if I wanted that it would be RS 6 all the way...

[Mick]

Originally Posted by A8_Tony

The simple change of headlamp style is what makes the huge difference between the two there.

Are you serious??

I prefer the PF lights but then I would.

The PF headlights with the projector headlight and fog look loads better than the FL light. Theres just not enough going on in a FL light.

[Singh]

Mick, the facelift headlight does come as a projector. These are the standard Xenon lights. See below.



Then you have the Bi Xenons which I upgraded to and are what were on the car when it was stolen and in my sig picture.

[Simon Wallwork]

Singh

What a great photo. Good job.

Well, it's been a while since I started this thread during which absolutely nuffink, re the D2, has changed.

It's one of the most graceful yet purposeful shapes I've ever seen on the road.

A Grand Design.

Poetry in motion, beautiful when parked.

The D3 on the other hand, ugly, saved (for some) by gadgetry.

[IT]

Originally Posted by Oli18

Hey Ian,

Has your opinion of the D3 changed since these posts?

Are they still as hard to work on as once thought or has it become easier with better tools?

Love your new d3 by the way

oli

Slightly, yes. The D3 feels way more modern, especially with basic ford / renault models coming with stuff like keyless entry etc now, it makes the D2 feel a bit dated when you're parking in a corporate car park full of sub 3 year old motors.

Its tough to charge an IT day rate and turn up in a 10 year old car, at least with the private plate on, the D3 can pass as being way newer.

So, I need to be in something newer really, period, and as I know (and love) the audis, an Audi it is.

I'm still a bit concerned that if/when something breaks, its going to be a ballache/audi job to fix it, but I guess I've got to start the learning curve somewhere.

Its growing on me very quickly, the ride is brilliant, and I think a lot of it is down to the air suspension. Being able to lift it up, drop it down and firm it up really makes it more versitile.

Auto headlights, adaptive cruise, keyless go - All little things which make life just that little bit easier, and not available on the D2...

I've just had a very stress-free journey, 150 miles, 27.8 mpg and feel fresher now than when I woke up, so it cant be all bad really.....

[KPS]

Guys,

This is a very tough question!

Ummm i have an '02 d2 s8 and i absolutely love it. Also when parked alongside newer cars of any description it still stands out and looks that bit different.

The D3 S8 well i absolutely love that, i think it is beautiful! The mean aggressive front and the back (facelift - i prefer the upgraded version rear lights and a few minor updates). Also from inside it does look extremely nice and full of gadgets. Plus do i need to mention the Lamborghini derived 5.2 V10?

Even thought I will one day move onto the D3 S8, the D2 will not ever go!

So there again, I cant come to any conclusion but i think i'm slightly more inclined towards the D3 S8, simply because of more power!

[tonupkid]

OK. Six weeks ago I sold my 2002 D2 S8 after replacing it with an 2007 D3 S8. Here's my impressions for what they're worth.
D2 S8. Elegant, graceful even beautiful from some angles. Happy to pootle along in a well composed and surprisingly quiet and compliant manner.
So far its sunny day on a calm and smooth ocean. Then the naughty voice whispers 'Go for it'. And there's a shark in the water and your driving it. WOW! The noise from that glorious V8. The amazing traction from your Quattro. This is a whole other beast and it makes you grin. From ear to ear.
Apart from giving some character to the front I don't think the D2 could be improved.
D3 S8. I too at first had misgivings about the grille. But its the new Audi face, its everywhere and its grown on me. It too pootles, but suffers a little from tramlining and a fidgetyness alien to the D2, but you adapt. Comfort (never a D2 weakness) is much improved thanks to shoulder adjustment in the seat backs.
The engine. I have to confess to being massively influenced by a Lambo sourced V10. Honestly, Its enough to give a jelly baby a hard on. I have to say I prefer the V8 rumble and roar. But this V10, it doesn't half bellow. I've found myself reversing up to walls, opening the door and revving it up. It barks, coughs, splutters and snarls. Its an animal, not a sophisticated feline like the V8, but a fecking rampant animal. And does it go. As you can imagine, yes.
However, as previously noted by others, you are less involved, slightly removed. Just imagine playing the lead at some massive rock gig (D2) Or being right on stage, watching an even bigger rock gig (D3).
The toys. Well some are not really toys. The extra seat mobility, keyless go, xenons that peer round corners for you. MMI. MF Steering wheel Adaptive suspension (big plus).
I'll give you the soft close, who needs it, how does it improve your life, but you'd be mad to pass it up. Ooo! and all those sexy interior lights. Even though its quicker to press a button I find myself using the voice activated stuff, because she's so charming. I like toys. They while away the boring hours waiting outside shops, on motorways or in traffic jams.
I don't expect to own another car with which I'll connect like I did with the D2.
The D3 S8 is a great motor. It's a less complete package than the D2 S8, but its modernity (and V10 - 450bhp - 399 Lbs torque) make it rational () next step.
And for the next generation....
The D4 look is great on the A4 but just plain over stretched on the 8's bigger body. Let's hope they sort it with the facelift, hopefully due with the new D4 S8.

[christhompson]

The style's the thing. When we took our 90Quattro into the stealer all those years ago we parked it next to a new D2 and the family resemblance was so strong. We loved our 90Q for 15 years and intended to go up to an A6Q but stumbled across our 8 and have had it for 18 months and hope to keep it for many years more. I never thought I would own a car of this quality with my own money!

[Oli18]

loving the conversation this has sparked off again.

I recently got a new job and was given an option of a company car. I toyed with the idea but I opted for the cash instead as I really do absolutely love my 8.

Ian will note that I wasn't a big fan of the silver when i bought it off him after my blue 3.7 FL QS died - but it had so many options and over time, it grew on me more than i had anticipated and that grin that so many others mention getting, i can't seem to think i'll easily find that again in another car.

I've just past 90k and it's still such a joy to drive - may it continue for many more miles!