Let's compare:

      Mk.4      Mk.3

1      3.62    3.300
2      2.07    1.944
3      1.47    1.308
4      1.04    1.034
5       .84     .838      <- Same? Rounding?
r&p    3.39    3.389      <- Ditto

Looks like the top gears are the same, but the Mk.4's ratios are not as close
in the lower gears.

But in order to do a fair comparison, we need to apply a correction factor to
account for the difference in tire size.  205/55/16's have a nominal diameter
of 24.88" compared to the 23.07" on the A3.  This makes the makes the
effective gearing taller by about 7.8%, giving the following "effective" ratio
comparison:

      Mk.4      Mk.3
   "effective"

1     3.36      3.300
2     1.92      1.944
3     1.36      1.308
4      .96      1.034
5      .78       .838

SO the "effective" ratios in the lower gears are about the same, but 4th and
5th are taller.   This gives the Mk.4 better highway mileage (now rated at
28), and better top-speed potential (with a chip).

This is a good move.  The Mk.3 is well past it's power peak when it hits the
drag limit.  Here's proof: 
Note the MFA is in diagnostic mode and shows the RPM digitally at 6400.  I
think that works out to 147 mph on the 215/40/16's this guy has.   And this
car is NOT quite up against the drag limit; he thinks it's up against a hidden
limit in the chip!  At the same speed, the Mk.4 should be pulling roughly 6000
in 5th, much closer to it's power peak..

-Uwe-
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