Vacillating between 90 Quattro and Coupe Quattro

[Mark L. Chang]

On Wed, 18 Oct 2000, Mark W. Byrum, Jr. wrote:

> on the 90Q it is 99.9 inches.  I don't expect that 1/2 inch to mean too much,
> since the suspensions are essentially the same (aren't they?).

There is some debate that the CQ is more stiffly sprung than the 90. Then
there is the elusive (but documented) "sport" edition of the 90q20v, which
might have had the CQ suspension. Either way, any impressions of used CQ
vs. used 90q20v are moot if the suspensions were original, 10 years old. I
would argue that they would be close to the same.

As far as chassis rigidity, I think it's also a wash. The sedan is
lighter, that's for sure, but the CQ does have that open hatch area. I've
driven both, and it isn't drastic at all, if even noticeable. The gearing
_is_ different, and it _is_ noticeable at highway speeds. But again, a
wash since neither is going to be a stoplight drag racing tool.

IMHO, the only difference you should really be considering is which one
you like better in appearance and function. Got kids or drive guests
around? Maybe a sedan would suit you better. Want to impress the ladies
(sarcasm mode on), maybe the Coupe does a better job - who really knows
:>? Other things of note:

1) a CQ is probably going to cost more
2) although most parts are totally interchangeable between the N/A 20v
   cars, the CQ got the Cabrio front fenders, which gives you more
   arch to stuff bigger wheels under, if you are into that and have the
   $. The factory offset of the CQ allows for more wheel options,
   as far as I know. 17s are definitely possbile with the CQ, while on
   the 20v sedan, I haven't seen it done, really.

Finally, you are coming from a 4kq. I did the same into my 20v sedan. The
first thing you will notice is the more refined feel of just about
everything. This comes at the sacrifice of that all-too-technical term
"chuckability". In NO WAY is either of the 20v cars as light, nimble, and
agile as the 4kq. But, IMHO, it's just a more advanced car -- and yes, it
got more bloated along the way.  Creature comforts are good, if you don't
plan on rallying the car :>.

And on an even more final note: suspensions and stiffness and performance
are all just a checkbook entry away for the enthusiast, right? New
suspension will make it handle well. Strut bars front and rear may
stiffen up the structure, and a turbo motor will definitely put more oomph
under the butt-dyno.

Hope you find help making your decision amongst the rambling...
Mark

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