Audi A4 1.8T vs 2.8

[josh Wyte]

Well, I have a '97 1.8T quattro 5 speed and my parents
have the 2.8 but fwd.

The 2.8 is a far more balanced engine.  Quiet, smooth
and powerful.  It gives decent power and pickup, but
to gain any more meaninful power from it you have to
slap on PES' supercharger kit for $5000 or so. 
Handling is still sharp with the factory sport
package, but it's not quite as tossable as the 1.8.

The engine note on the 1.8 isn't as throaty and the
engine feels a little more raspy.  In stock form the
engine is table like in power and torque delivery. 
I've added a GIAC chip and the word now is Torque! 
Far more torque than the 2.8 at around 250 ft lbs. 
The car is quicker than the 2.8 now and gets better
gas mileage.  Further power gains can be had by
swapping the turbo for a K04 (an additional $1000 for
240hp and 265 ft lbs) or APR's Stage 3 ($5000 for
300hp).  A larger intercooler wouldn't hurt either.  A
2.25" or 2.5" exhaust will add 12-15 hp.

You need to decide what your goals for the car are. 
If you're looking for a comfortable highway performer
and you don't really modify your cars, the 2.8 is for
you.  However, if you're a tweaker like me, the 1.8 is
the only way to go.

-josh

=====
Josh Wyte 
Momentum Motorsports
508-833-3024 After 5 pm EST

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