I drove both when I was car shopping, the Turbo 3 felt underwhelming and just “numb”, nowhere remotely near as fun as my 2011 Speed3 (was also FBO/e30, now stock) which is still in the family. My friend actually ended up buying the Turbo 3 instead of me. I’m a huge fan of the interiors and exteriors of these cars but that’s about it.
The regular AWD 3 that I also test drove was actually fine, but I didn’t fall in love with it when I drove it so I ended up in an Audi A4 lol. Not as reliable but much more “fun” to drive because of the low end torque, even though it’s probably the most boring Audi out right now, I’ll freely admit that.
Perhaps the Manual 3 is better because the Auto I drove just wasn’t it. In any case, I don’t think you’d be missing much by going with the Turbo 3, save your money and if anything just get the regular 3 with AWD if you want AWD.
Exactly! It was my top choice when I was looking because I love my speed, but it definitely lacks engagement as you said.