A4 -- 1.8t and V6 owner experiences requested

[Fisher, Scott]

I'd like to invite owners of A4s to discuss engine selections.  Background:
later this year I'm looking to add an A4 quattro to the Fisher scuderia, and
am trying to get a sense of the differences in feel, usable power, and
long-term satisfaction between the two powerplants.  The car I get will have
a manual gearbox and quattro, and will probably either have the factory
Sport suspension or get aftermarket shocks soon after I purchase it.

I know the basic specs on both powerplants, and we currently own a '93
100CSQ with the 2.8L and 4-speed autobox, so I've had the occasion to
experience the highs and lows of the 12V, at least -- love the way it revs,
hate the big hole in the gearing between 1st and 2nd, but that's not the
engine's fault (and this is, and will stay, my wife's car).  The ease of
"fiddling with" the 1.8t -- a chip here, a larger intercooler there, a
bigger turbo later, etc. -- is very appealing to me, and I understand the V6
has far less aftermarket stuff available for it, but may need it less (with
190-200 bhp, depending on year, in the 30V version).  

Of course, a lot will depend on how it feels to drive the cars -- I won't
make a final decision without driving each car, obviously.  But I wanted to
ask existing A4 owners a few questions about your engine choice from the
perspective of having owned the car for a while, and having the benefit of
hindsight.  So if I may...

What influenced your decision to choose the engine you did?  

Do you think you made the right decision?

What's your favorite characteristic of the engine you selected?

What's your least favorite?

Do you have any modifications (chip, bigger turbo, intercooler, exhaust,
etc.)?  Do you wish you did?  Do you wish you hadn't made some of the mods
you have?

Completely aside from the engine discussion: what's your favorite thing
about the A4?  Least favorite?  First thing you'd change (or first thing you
did)?

I'm hoping this doesn't turn into a gigantic flame-fest, with the turbo guys
beating up the V6 owners because they can't get another 40 bhp just by
dropping in a chip, and the V6 owners beating up the turbo guys because they
HAVE to, or... you get the picture.  Respond to me or to the list, whichever
you think is appropriate, and feel free to go beyond the questions I've
asked here -- if there's something you particularly like (or dislike) about
your choice, let me know.

Thanks,

--Scott Fisher
  on my way to the wilds of Tualatin, Oregon