Wieght and other specs. 80/90 and 4000 Quattro

[Huw Powell]

> The charts show only about 100lb difference

right you are.

> So, can I infer that the 80 has better
> drivability as well as being as or even more "thrashable" as the 4000?  I've
> really not driven one.

they certainly seem like solid little things when you throw them around.
 
> So far the 80's looks to me are somewhat benign, and for some reason don't
> appeal to me as much.

Hmmmm, my 90Q (the Black Death) looks positively evil.  Don't know what
happened, it was pretty mild mannered when I bought it..

> 
> I'm just trying to weigh my options, as I have several 4000's in mind, and
> an 80.

OK, while you thinking... I'll try to list the differences between the
platforms as far as I can recall.

The type 89 is virtually rustproof.  galv body, massive anti-corrosion
treatments.

type 89 Q has a torsen center diff - 4kq is lockable (if this matters to
you...)

the type 89 shift linkage is much simpler and easier to shorten throw
on.

I prefer the column stalk switch locations on the type 85 (they line up
with 10/2 hand positions)

the type 89 is (much) more aerodynamic, but water comes in the drivers
window due to the lack of sills (when it is raining or you wash the
windsheild)

The electrics, which improved steadily in the 80's in the type 85, are
even more reliable in the type 89.

proconten makes the 89 safer, so does ABS if it works still.

the looks of the type 85 are, well, endearing to some.  The boxy little
euro sedan look.

most type 89's have a nicer interior than the type 85, which has nla
parts that break.

there may be more things, but I have forgotten them...?

> Perhaps all of this plus the NG motor will just plug and play into the 80
> will sway my decision.

that's a nice factor, too.

> Can an 80 be turned into a 90??????

I believe the differences are mostly cosmetic.  spoilers, wheels, trim
level, some options more readily found on 90's.  otherwise they are the
same car, really.  it's like the whole S/CS thing in earlier years, kind
of.

> p.s. I just did a errand around town and coincidentally saw this Silver
> 4000Q.  "Sharp car" I said to myself, while accelerating the 5kCSTQW in
> traffic to catch up.  Oh! a Jamex sticker and a Stebro Exhaust!  Hey, that's
> my wife!  Maybe I should just stay the course and stick the motor in this
> one, and go the extra mile and paint it and shove a new interior in it.

Nah, build another engine, an NF this time, for the 4kq.  it will fit
better.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/