the 1.8t is probably just as fast as the v6 a4. the 2.8l is heavier and not as fun. please if you like modifying your car go to www.goapr.com
not many tuners do much anything for the 2.8liter. the only kit ive seen is a S/C and it doesnt even make that much HorsePower.
In my opinion i would go for the 1.8T. With a turbo upgrade it would smoke a lot of modded S4s..