SQ5 SQ5 TDI engine 313 vs 326 & 340 what's the difference?

[gratifi.me]

Hi All,

My SQ5 pot is slowly but surely growing.. I'm up to €5K now since last December and hope to add another €3K - €4K by the time I'm hoping to buy (end of the summer). I'll have the sale of 2 cars to add maybe €5K and will borrow the rest from my/our business account (interest free and no term, well.. except that imposed by my sensible other half).

As is my nature (hobby), despite not yet having driven an SQ5, I'll no doubt be interested in modifying it a little with all the usual good stuff like wheels, ARB and of course engine tuning. The latter of which leads me to the title of this thread.

So, I've been researching remapping and tuning boxes. I'm fully aware of the pros and cons of each, but one thing I have noticed (certainly when looking at tuning boxes), is a difference in attainable figures between a 313PS model and the later 326PS & 340PS models.

One notable UK tuning box provider has apparently achieved a 410PS+/810NM result from an SQ5+ (a 366PS/721NM result from a 313PS model) and a Sweedish provider offers a 348PS/717NM result from the 313PS model and a 406PS/755NM result from the 326PS & 340PS models.

Sorry for all the figures, but (and while I don't care too much for the precision of those numbers) there is the suggestion that while the stock performance stats show no difference across the 3 outputs, the 326PS & 340PS models are more tuneable.

Up until now, my research hasn't revealed any information about differences in the engine hardware that would enable the higher output models from 2016 onwards to be more tuning-friendly.

So... can anyone here possible shed any light on these alleged differences. I've had great insight from John (@45bvtc – hope all is well with you both mate) and I know he loves his 326PS. I’m sure I’d be happy with a 313PS model, but if I can get my hands on a higher output model with “seemingly” greater potential, then why not.

If anyone can give me any pointers as to any specific differences between these engines, I’m all ears.

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

 

[NevMan]

Hi All,

My SQ5 pot is slowly but surely growing.. I'm up to €5K now since last December and hope to add another €3K - €4K by the time I'm hoping to buy (end of the summer). I'll have the sale of 2 cars to add maybe €5K and will borrow the rest from my/our business account (interest free and no term, well.. except that imposed by my sensible other half).

As is my nature (hobby), despite not yet having driven an SQ5, I'll no doubt be interested in modifying it a little with all the usual good stuff like wheels, ARB and of course engine tuning. The latter of which leads me to the title of this thread.

So, I've been researching remapping and tuning boxes. I'm fully aware of the pros and cons of each, but one thing I have noticed (certainly when looking at tuning boxes), is a difference in attainable figures between a 313PS model and the later 326PS & 340PS models.

One notable UK tuning box provider has apparently achieved a 410PS+/810NM result from an SQ5+ (a 366PS/721NM result from a 313PS model) and a Sweedish provider offers a 348PS/717NM result from the 313PS model and a 406PS/755NM result from the 326PS & 340PS models.

Sorry for all the figures, but (and while I don't care too much for the precision of those numbers) there is the suggestion that while the stock performance stats show no difference across the 3 outputs, the 326PS & 340PS models are more tuneable.

Up until now, my research hasn't revealed any information about differences in the engine hardware that would enable the higher output models from 2016 onwards to be more tuning-friendly.

So... can anyone here possible shed any light on these alleged differences. I've had great insight from John (@45bvtc – hope all is well with you both mate) and I know he loves his 326PS. I’m sure I’d be happy with a 313PS model, but if I can get my hands on a higher output model with “seemingly” greater potential, then why not.

If anyone can give me any pointers as to any specific differences between these engines, I’m all ears.

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

If you ping @45bvtc, Brian knows these motors pretty well and is a big advocate for them owning one himself

 

[gratifi.me]

If you ping @45bvtc, Brian knows these motors pretty well and is a big advocate for them owning one himself

Thanks @NevMan, I did already tag him as we've spoken at length via messenger re the car in general, just not specifically about my recent findings.

I'm sure he'll pipe in when he has a free moment.

 

[desertstorm]

If you ping @45bvtc, Brian knows these motors pretty well and is a big advocate for them owning one himself

Who's Brian ???
Don't believe half the figures you see quoted for tuning boxes. some of these companies seem to use quite optomistic dynos. If you are anywhere near London @bobby singh is your man. Know these engines inside and out .

 

[gratifi.me]

Who's Brian ???
Don't believe half the figures you see quoted for tuning boxes. some of these companies seem to use quite optomistic dynos. If you are anywhere near London @bobby singh is your man. Know these engines inside and out .

Hi @desertstorm,

I think he meant John.

As you say (and I alluded to in my post) the figures could be taken lightly, but when taken as a point of reference there seems to be this gap between the 313 and the higher power models. I'm just wondering why and if it's something to take into consideration.

I've seen Bobby Singh mentioned during my research. I'm actually based in south west France, but getting to London is no biggie really (at least once the Covid nonsense calms down).

I obviously don't have the car yet - perhaps by the time I do Covid will be history.. or indeed less of a distraction. And I'm not sure/decided what route I'd go tuning-wise, but speaking to Bobby would no doubt be useful.

Cheers

 

[desertstorm]

Some of these tuning box companies say they can get more out of an engine than a remap can.

 

[45bvtc]

Stuff like this is what makes ASN soo good

Plus Sandra of course

Take care, stay safe all, and enjoy...

PS: I'd trust Karl (desertstorm) as a source for honest information here, seems to have had his hands on and around the 3-litre lump for some time...

 

[gratifi.me]

Some of these tuning box companies say they can get more out of an engine than a remap can.

@desertstorm yeah, I think I've seen this video while trawling YT, it's on my list to watch

 

[gratifi.me]

Stuff like this is what makes ASN soo good

Plus Sandra of course

Take care, stay safe all, and enjoy...

@45bvtc How's things John?

 

[desertstorm]

Bi TDI hybrid turbo upgrade on an A6 30 TDI and they only got just over 410bhp with no DPF's and loads of other mods.

 

[45bvtc]

@45bvtc How's things John?

Perfectly OK here, Kevin, thank you: spent an hour or so earlier polishing our SQ5's recently refurbished and re-shod summer Rotors - though hoping for a tad more of the white stuff to come if only to enjoy the SQ5 on winter-rubber a little more through this month and next...

 

[gratifi.me]

Bi TDI hybrid turbo upgrade on an A6 30 TDI and they only got just over 410bhp with no DPF's and loads of other mods.

Please remember, I wasn't comparing tuning boxes to remaps.. I'm comparing the proposed gains between the different models and obviously wondering why there appears to be a significant difference.

 

[gratifi.me]

Perfectly OK here, gratifi, thank you: spent an hour or so earlier polishing our SQ5's recently refurbished and re-shod summer Rotors - though hoping for a tad more of the white stuff to come if only to enjoy the SQ5 on winter-rubber a little more through this month and next...

Yeah.. my mum told me it had been coming down relatively thick over there (she's not a million miles from you).

 

[45bvtc]

Yeah.. my mum told me it had been coming down relatively thick over there (she's not a million miles from you).

Yep, and this just a light dusting...

 

[gratifi.me]

Yep, and this just a light dusting...

View attachment 216072

Still looks immaculately clean...

 

[gratifi.me]

So anyway @45bvtc can you think of any reason why the 326PS & 340PS models would respond better to tuning than a 313PS?

 

[45bvtc]

Hi All,

My SQ5 pot is slowly but surely growing.. I'm up to €5K now since last December and hope to add another €3K - €4K by the time I'm hoping to buy (end of the summer). I'll have the sale of 2 cars to add maybe €5K and will borrow the rest from my/our business account (interest free and no term, well.. except that imposed by my sensible other half).

As is my nature (hobby), despite not yet having driven an SQ5, I'll no doubt be interested in modifying it a little with all the usual good stuff like wheels, ARB and of course engine tuning. The latter of which leads me to the title of this thread.

So, I've been researching remapping and tuning boxes. I'm fully aware of the pros and cons of each, but one thing I have noticed (certainly when looking at tuning boxes), is a difference in attainable figures between a 313PS model and the later 326PS & 340PS models.

One notable UK tuning box provider has apparently achieved a 410PS+/810NM result from an SQ5+ (a 366PS/721NM result from a 313PS model) and a Sweedish provider offers a 348PS/717NM result from the 313PS model and a 406PS/755NM result from the 326PS & 340PS models.

Sorry for all the figures, but (and while I don't care too much for the precision of those numbers) there is the suggestion that while the stock performance stats show no difference across the 3 outputs, the 326PS & 340PS models are more tuneable.

Up until now, my research hasn't revealed any information about differences in the engine hardware that would enable the higher output models from 2016 onwards to be more tuning-friendly.

So... can anyone here possible shed any light on these alleged differences. I've had great insight from John (@45bvtc – hope all is well with you both mate) and I know he loves his 326PS. I’m sure I’d be happy with a 313PS model, but if I can get my hands on a higher output model with “seemingly” greater potential, then why not.

If anyone can give me any pointers as to any specific differences between these engines, I’m all ears.

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

My own view is to leave the 'power' lump as STD and just drive the darn thing harder!!!

For sure, 2-years on, I have never found our 2106 SQ5 with 326 PS @ 4000-4500 rpm and 650 Nm @ 1400-2800 rpm 'wanting' ANYWHERE!!!

Back-to-back with our RS3 (or TT) over the same typical/usual journey we find neither 'much' quicker and/or faster, and neither more 'fun' but just 'different' so I'd suggest leave the 'motor' well alone.

For the SQ5 an 034 ARB, Ferodo Eco-Friction Green brake pads, and 9J Rotors have been my/oura "improvements" - though I am now awaiting a set of MTEC front and rear dimple/drilled brake discs: aesthetics and to match our RS3 only, sad but true...

STOPPING for me has always been way more important than speed/ power increase - we don't get over-taken much...

 

[gratifi.me]

My own view is to leave the 'power' lump as STD and just drive the darn thing harder!!!

For sure, 2-years on, I have never found our 2106 SQ5 with 326 PS @ 4000-4500 rpm and 650 Nm @ 1400-2800 rpm 'wanting' ANYWHERE!!!

Back-to-back with our RS3 (or TT) over the same typical/usual journey we find neither 'much' quicker and/or faster, and neither more 'fun' but just 'different' so I'd suggest leave the 'motor' well alone.

For the SQ5 an 034 ARB, Ferodo Eco-Friction Green brake pads, and 9J Rotors have been my/oura "improvements" - though I am now awaiting a set of MTEC front and rear dimple/drilled brake discs: aesthetics and to match our RS3 only, sad but true...

STOPPING for me has always been way more important than speed/ power increase - we don't get over-taken much...

Thanks for the feedback/input John..

Tuning has always been a part of my "hobby" (took the Scooby from 260 to 350hp), so it's a bit of a naughty habit

Over here, we generally are not allowed to do anything modification-wise (vehicle has to be re-classified or re-homologated or whatever they call it), but.. I kinda do have some plans re YouTube that might force my hand a bit.

For the moment it's just research.. I'd like to be a little more in the know.

 

[45bvtc]

So anyway @45bvtc can you think of any reason why the 326PS & 340PS models would respond better to tuning than a 313PS?

I think you need to consider the power/torque curves and where and when the power/torque is available.

I/we did not purchase an SQ5 plus (more power/torque but more weight) as I/we felt the STD 2016 SQ5 suited my/our driving needs better.

Ditto for the TFSI SQ5.

We were fortunate (a massive thanks to Stafford Audi) to be able to evaluate each over several days using our typical/usual roads and driving styles and found/purchased a vehicle that best suited our needs - and it still does!!!

I'd still purchase something like one of those 2016 SQ5's we reviewed earlier Kevin, for sure we cannot fault ours and I think it would suit your 'needs' without 'engine' modification.
BUT each to their own - I love our own current balance of petrol and diesel if only for their difference to each other

 

[gratifi.me]

Cheers John... I'll see what's available when the money is, but I can see you're hot on the 326 (they seem to be a touch more expensive than the 313s on this side of the channel).

For us, unless I buy something else for the missus, it's go to be a one car fits all (tourer, sports car, grocery shopper) - all things to "this" man.

If for starters, it can re-ignite the passion I had for my Scooby, I'll be happy. And if it doesn't immediately, you know I'll make it so.

 

[45bvtc]

it's go to be a one car fits all (tourer, sports car, grocery shopper) - all things to "this" man.

Now that sounds like a "2016 Audi SQ5 Bi-TDi" Kevin - with a pano-roof of course...

 

[gratifi.me]

Now that sounds like a "2016 Audi SQ5 Bi-TDi" Kevin - with a pano-roof of course...

==> A lowly 313 here <==

 

[gratifi.me]

Oh, just to clarify.. the Sweedish company offers a flash tune via their device and is as such is NOT a tuning box.

However this is where I noticed the most significant difference in gains/results when stepping up from the 313PS to either of the 326PS and 340PS models.

I will perhaps contact them to get some clarification.

 

[NevMan]

Who's Brian ???
Don't believe half the figures you see quoted for tuning boxes. some of these companies seem to use quite optomistic dynos. If you are anywhere near London @bobby singh is your man. Know these engines inside and out .

Haha, I did indeed mean John

 

[cosmicblue]

Having had two SQ5s (2013 and 2014) in 313 format my overriding memory was more performance than the brakes could cope with. Discovered GSM the other day - (have a Cobra Daytona office chair seat coming from them), I see they do big brake kits for the Q5 https://www.bigbrakes4u.co.uk/produ...ance-conversion-brake-kits/audi-q5-brake-kit/

 

[gratifi.me]

That's interesting @cosmicblue, most reviews suggest that the brakes are more than adequate. Perhaps something else to add to my list

 

[cosmicblue]

Brakes - here in UK we have a town called Milton Keynes (MK) - where the road system was laid out in a grid like system with a circular traffic island at the intersections of the grid roughly at 1km intervals - the speed limit is 70mph (113 km/h). So the memory I have is driving across MK, reaching the legal limit easily with the torquey punch in the back that the SQ5 is so good at and then braking for the next intersection - after doing that 3 or 4 times the brakes were hot and nowhere near as sharp, (read scary here)....time to back off.

The truth is the Audi gave the SQ5 a very powerful engine without a chassis to match it hence there being roll-bar upgrades available and it desperately needs the brakes sorting too.

Alternatively you could consider an RSQ3 - it maybe big enough. The 2014-2017 version (8U) has a slightly narrower cabin and smaller boot space for sure but has a chassis that can cope with a lot of power (310/340/367 PS) from a 5 pot engine and the most amazing brakes - 8 pot Brembo calipers gripping enormous wavy discs and it is fabulous fun to drive with a soundtrack that will make your spine tingle!

 

[SteveMcB]

I'm a big fan of the SQ5 bitdi as well, best car I've ever owned and the only one that can do the 0-60 dash in 7 seconds - with a 1800kg caravan on the back , the torque shove is addictive.

As other have mentioned the brakes could be better (those green pads are on my to do list) but they are miles better than the 2 scoobies I owned (a WRX prodrive and GB270 - both wagons and both mapped).

The headlights are a bit disappointing as well but the Osram laser bulbs improve things, still nowhere near modern LEDs (or the GB270's for that matter).

Only other moan I have is Audi/google dropping support for satnav satellite imaging (I paid over £300 for 'connect' purely for that feature) but that's across the range.

I don't have experience of 313s but test drove 2 different 326s, it was probably bad luck but they both had slight throttle lag from standstill. I could have lived with it but it was annoying and I started researching pedal boxes.

I was about to push the button on a 326 but noticed the plus model was in the pipeline, sports diff, extra 50Nm, quilted leather and a few extra bells and whistles as standard was enough to tempt the gullible and I was already way over budget anyway - in for a penny!!

I ordered one unseen and have not been disappointed, no throttle lag and the sports diff is witchcraft, cornering it speeds the outer wheel up, zero understeer and in the snow it handles like the scooby with rear wheel bias so is easy and fun to drift.

I'm a fan of tuning and always planned to get it upped to about 800NM when the warranty expired but now agree with John, they are fine as standard. I think I'm right in saying that there's no real difference in performance across the 3 models and the 326 and 340 both remap to about the same which makes me think they are identical engines with slightly different factory maps.

I've not tinkered with it much, only things I've done are painted the exhausts and wheels satin black, fitted a foot rest which matches the pedals, lost some badges and fitted a dashcam. Not very adventurous so will be interested to see your mods

 

[gratifi.me]

Good to know @cosmicblue, an ARB would one of the first things on my list.. but considering I do drive spiritedly (when alone) then some sort of brake upgrade maybe should be a consideration.

I know MK and it's roundabouts.. passed through there often enough. Over here (in my neck of the woods) there are lots of nice country roads, not too many that would over tax the brakes, but still having confidence in your ability to stop if necessary can't be sniffed at.

I love the 5-pot engine (sounds awesome - Audi Quattro), but I'm not a real fan of the RSQ3 - plus being newer, it would be out of my price range. If I had the readies it'd be an RS4, but I'll have a budget to respect and have to be not only family but reasonably economy conscious. Plus the missus doesn't see the point in me changing from one wagon to another ("might as well keep the Passat, it works fine").

I'm not completely closed to alternatives (like the A7 for example), but I've had my heart set on an SQ5 for some time.

 

[45bvtc]

Brakes - here in UK we have a town called Milton Keynes (MK) - where the road system was laid out in a grid like system with a circular traffic island at the intersections of the grid roughly at 1km intervals - the speed limit is 70mph (113 km/h). So the memory I have is driving across MK, reaching the legal limit easily with the torquey punch in the back that the SQ5 is so good at and then braking for the next intersection - after doing that 3 or 4 times the brakes were hot and nowhere near as sharp, (read scary here)....time to back off.

The truth is the Audi gave the SQ5 a very powerful engine without a chassis to match it hence there being roll-bar upgrades available and it desperately needs the brakes sorting too.

Alternatively you could consider an RSQ3 - it maybe big enough. The 2014-2017 version (8U) has a slightly narrower cabin and smaller boot space for sure but has a chassis that can cope with a lot of power (310/340/367 PS) from a 5 pot engine and the most amazing brakes - 8 pot Brembo calipers gripping enormous wavy discs and it is fabulous fun to drive with a soundtrack that will make your spine tingle!

For me, cosmicblue, I find the RSQ3 just a 'taller' version of the RS3 we've had since 2011:

​

As for brakes on the 2016 SQ5, find them 100% perfect for our use particularly so with the Ferodo Ferodo Eco-Friction Green brake pads fitted last year. Same pads on our RS3 and a great improvement over OEM and/or EBC Redstuff.​

 

[gratifi.me]

I'm a big fan of the SQ5 bitdi as well, best car I've ever owned and the only one that can do the 0-60 dash in 7 seconds - with a 1800kg caravan on the back , the torque shove is addictive.

As other have mentioned the brakes could be better (those green pads are on my to do list) but they are miles better than the 2 scoobies I owned (a WRX prodrive and GB270 - both wagons and both mapped).

The headlights are a bit disappointing as well but the Osram laser bulbs improve things, still nowhere near modern LEDs (or the GB270's for that matter).

Only other moan I have is Audi/google dropping support for satnav satellite imaging (I paid over £300 for 'connect' purely for that feature) but that's across the range.

I don't have experience of 313s but test drove 2 different 326s, it was probably bad luck but they both had slight throttle lag from standstill. I could have lived with it but it was annoying and I started researching pedal boxes.

I was about to push the button on a 326 but noticed the plus model was in the pipeline, sports diff, extra 50Nm, quilted leather and a few extra bells and whistles as standard was enough to tempt the gullible and I was already way over budget anyway - in for a penny!!

I ordered one unseen and have not been disappointed, no throttle lag and the sports diff is witchcraft, cornering it speeds the outer wheel up, zero understeer and in the snow it handles like the scooby with rear wheel bias so is easy and fun to drift.

I'm a fan of tuning and always planned to get it upped to about 800NM when the warranty expired but now agree with John, they are fine as standard. I think I'm right in saying that there's no real difference in performance across the 3 models and the 326 and 340 both remap to about the same which makes me think they are identical engines with slightly different factory maps.

I've not tinkered with it much, only things I've done are painted the exhausts and wheels satin black, fitted a foot rest which matches the pedals, lost some badges and fitted a dashcam. Not very adventurous so will be interested to see your mods

Thanks for the feedback and insights @SteveMcB. So glad to have come across a former Scooby owner (god I loved that car) who can make the comparison. Mine was a jap import that started out with 260PS but ended up reasonably heavily modded, gripped superbly well and was very fast (well, it only weight a little over 1200kg).

I picked the SQ5 because, well.. I like it's looks, (I have become partial to 4x4/crossovers in recent times having previously owned X-Trail and Pathfinder), want Scoobyesque performance and grip, but also the possibility to cover over 1000km on one tank when driving sensibly.

I'm not sure I'll be able to afford a PLUS model. I had a €15K budget in mind initially, but am realistically looking nearer the €20K mark, which typically only sees me getting a 313 (which I'm sure is fine). In either case, it'll be a significant upgrade to the 105PS Passat TDI I'm currently driving. Don't get me wrong, the Passat is a good car (comfortable, very economic and handles well), it just doesn't excite me.

It's interesting you mention throttle lag. Perhaps and area for me to investigate - the likelihood is the car might come from either Germany, Holland, Italy or Spain (there a bit more expensive here in France), so I probably won't see it beforehand. So it's nice to pick up info about any particularities between the models or model years.

 

[SteveMcB]

Thanks for the feedback and insights @SteveMcB. So glad to have come across a former Scooby owner (god I loved that car) who can make the comparison. Mine was a jap import that started out with 260PS but ended up reasonably heavily modded, gripped superbly well and was very fast (well, it only weight a little over 1200kg).

I picked the SQ5 because, well.. I like it's looks, (I have become partial to 4x4/crossovers in recent times having previously owned X-Trail and Pathfinder), want Scoobyesque performance and grip, but also the possibility to cover over 1000km on one tank when driving sensibly.

I'm not sure I'll be able to afford a PLUS model. I had a €15K budget in mind initially, but am realistically looking nearer the €20K mark, which typically only sees me getting a 313 (which I'm sure is fine). In either case, it'll be a significant upgrade to the 105PS Passat TDI I'm currently driving. Don't get me wrong, the Passat is a good car (comfortable, very economic and handles well), it just doesn't excite me.

It's interesting you mention throttle lag. Perhaps and area for me to investigate - the likelihood is the car might come from either Germany, Holland, Italy or Spain (there a bit more expensive here in France), so I probably won't see it beforehand. So it's nice to pick up info about any particularities between the models or model years.

My first scooby was a black blob eye 2.0 WRX wagon with the prodrive kit (270bhp), it was a great drive and had it for about 3 years, would have kept it longer but it developed a leak and about that time I spotted a very rare minted GB270 wagon (only 100 built) so chopped the old one in.

The new one looked a lot nicer style wise and was totally unmarked but I never really gelled with it, it was the 2.5 but even when mapped to 303bhp it wasn't as much fun as the old blobeye, stupidly it was about 2gms into the high road tax bracket (about £500 IIRC) so only had it a year before chopping it in for the A4.

Still the only one I've ever seen

 

[gratifi.me]

You know @SteveMcB, it's that long since I left the Scooby scene that I had never even heard of a GB270 until now.

Kevin (and Adam, RIP) at Scoobyclinic did try talking me into a 2.5 conversion for my old gal when I needed some engine work, but I opted for an RA closed deck block and think it was plenty quick enough anyway.

Notice how in a lot of cases, as models are refreshed and revisited, they seem to loose that special something that the originals and earlier models had (I'm talking about most marques).

For me, there's something special about the 8R SQ5.. it just appeals to me!

 

[45bvtc]

My own view is to leave the 'power' lump as STD and just drive the darn thing harder!!!

For sure, 2-years on, I have never found our 2106 SQ5 with 326 PS @ 4000-4500 rpm and 650 Nm @ 1400-2800 rpm 'wanting' ANYWHERE!!!

Back-to-back with our RS3 (or TT) over the same typical/usual journey we find neither 'much' quicker and/or faster, and neither more 'fun' but just 'different' so I'd suggest leave the 'motor' well alone.

For the SQ5 an 034 ARB, Ferodo Eco-Friction Green brake pads, and 9J Rotors have been my/oura "improvements" - though I am now awaiting a set of MTEC front and rear dimple/drilled brake discs: aesthetics and to match our RS3 only, sad but true...

STOPPING for me has always been way more important than speed/ power increase - we don't get over-taken much...

The MTEC stopper beasties @ £267 inc have landed:

380mm diameter fronts and 330mm diameter rears - to be fitted next week with a FRESH set of Ferodo Eco-Friction Green brake pads - an interesting evaluation as for sure the OEM discs with Ferodo Eco-Friction Green brake pads have proved astonishingly good for 'our' typical road use.

Sorry, cannot afford a new ruler...

 

[45bvtc]

You know @SteveMcB, it's that long since I left the Scooby scene that I had never even heard of a GB270 until now.

Kevin (and Adam, RIP) at Scoobyclinic did try talking me into a 2.5 conversion for my old gal when I needed some engine work, but I opted for an RA closed deck block and think it was plenty quick enough anyway.

View attachment 216106For me, there's something special about the 8R SQ5.. it just appeals to me!

Me too!! And I cannot explain why but an 8R SQ5 "IS" for me/us!!! just an amazing smile-per-mile machine...

I guess the fact our RS3 and TT are garage bound says all....

 

[-Ju-]

The SQ5 is a great car, I had one for nearly 2 years in 313bhp guise and it was silly quick.
Its competent at most things and a very relaxed drive even when pushing on. It does however show every bit of its 2 tonnes when it comes to handling and stopping and for that I didnt find it engaging enough.
My RSQ3 (2016) on the other hand is on a completely different level and is a hoot to drive. It may not be as good looking to some as the Q5 shape but I never had people taking pictures of the SQ5 like I do with the RS
At the end of the day it depends what you want from a car, the SQ5 might suit you better and I certainly wouldn't worry which engine you got as they are all basically the same. It won't however reward you like an RS would!

 

[gratifi.me]

Thanks @-Ju- for your input - I did follow the thread when you sold yours.

I am admittedly not a fan of the Q3, but I can appreciate it's dynamic capabilities particularly in RS guise.

We sometimes do road trips and while boot space is not a total deal breaker (I have a 580 litre roof box), it's nice to not have to use said box for the majority of our tours. I think it'll work for me as I'm really looking for a fast practical diesel i I guess I'll reserve the purchase of a RS4 for a lottery win ;-)

 

[-Ju-]

I think my problem was that I always wanted the RSQ3 and so the SQ5 was my second choice. I do still look at them in passing and think "nice! " . For road trips though the SQ5 would run rings around the RS and will return 45mpg while doing it.
You won't notice any difference between the 313 and 326bhp models and the 340 model is from the plus anyway and so like you say is probably well above budget.
I had an MTM cantronic box on mine which for a tuning box is about as close to a remap as you can get and will get you to 360bhp. I also had Eibach and bilstein suspension which while improving the ride, still didn't completely tick the handling box which goes back to the 2 tonne bulk your lugging around.
Just bear in mind also that adblue was introduced towards the end of 2015 just before the 326bhp came in which may or may not make a difference but I have heard of expensive adblue system repairs.

 

[gratifi.me]

I think my problem was that I always wanted the RSQ3 and so the SQ5 was my second choice. I do still look at them in passing and think "nice! " . For road trips though the SQ5 would run rings around the RS and will return 45mpg while doing it.
You won't notice any difference between the 313 and 326bhp models and the 340 model is from the plus anyway and so like you say is probably well above budget.
I had an MTM cantronic box on mine which for a tuning box is about as close to a remap as you can get and will get you to 360bhp. I also had Eibach and bilstein suspension which while improving the ride, still didn't completely tick the handling box which goes back to the 2 tonne bulk your lugging around.
Just bear in mind also that adblue was introduced towards the end of 2015 just before the 326bhp came in which may or may not make a difference but I have heard of expensive adblue system repairs.

Thanks again for the insight @-Ju- , particularly regarding the Ad Blue introduction (presumably for Euro 6 compliance). This might not be a concern for me as most I see in my proposed budget tend to be 2013/2014 models.

My last 4x4 weighed in at 2.1 tonnes

 

[45bvtc]

I think my problem was that I always wanted the RSQ3 and so the SQ5 was my second choice. I do still look at them in passing and think "nice! " . For road trips though the SQ5 would run rings around the RS and will return 45mpg while doing it.
You won't notice any difference between the 313 and 326bhp models and the 340 model is from the plus anyway and so like you say is probably well above budget.
I had an MTM cantronic box on mine which for a tuning box is about as close to a remap as you can get and will get you to 360bhp. I also had Eibach and bilstein suspension which while improving the ride, still didn't completely tick the handling box which goes back to the 2 tonne bulk your lugging around.
Just bear in mind also that adblue was introduced towards the end of 2015 just before the 326bhp came in which may or may not make a difference but I have heard of expensive adblue system repairs.

Such a shame you didn't fit and experience that 034 ARB, Ju...