WRX test-drive vs. A4TQ

[Dan Simoes]

I've driven 3 of these now, and I'm convinced that this is a very tight
engine from the factory.  I would say that all of the cars I have driven
were substantially faster than a stock 150hp A4 1.8Tq, but not as fast
as my departed chipped S6 wagon.

Once the car has broken in (around 10-12k) I believe that performance
improves a lot.  Also, there are modifications that will open up the
powerband further - one kit that people are talking about at iclub.com
is the "Vishnu Stage 0", around $800 to get to 280hp I believe, with a
much broader powerband.

See if you can find one that has some miles on it, I believe at least a
few of our listers have one in their garages.

| Dan |

Dan Sinclair wrote:
>
> Finally took a WRX for a test drive against my better judgment.  I was
> certain that after driving my heavy 165HP Coupe Quattro for a couple years,
> the WRX was going to feel like a rocket.  But much to my surprise, it really
> didn't...  The WRX felt very solid, rode great, and it certainly has solid
> acceleration, but it's not what I expected.  It's all very linear and
> deceptive.  You get up to speed quite quickly, but the boost is controlled
> and smooth, making the car feel powerful, but not exceptionally snappy.  I
> expected with a 70+ HP advantage over '97-'99 A4TQ, there would be a
> substantial seat-of-the-pants difference, and really, I didn't feel it.  I
> drove a stock '99 A4TQ just a few days ago, and it felt easily as quick as
> the WRX.  Months ago I drove a Garrett chipped '99.5 A4TQ, and from my
> recollection, I'd say it felt faster than the WRX.  Obviously the numbers
> will tell you that the engines are setup very differently - the A4 1.8T's
> peak torque delivery at less than 2000 RPM is going to create a different
> feel than the Subaru's 217lbs. maxing out at 4000 RPM - but of the two, I'd
> have to favor the Audi setup based on first impressions.
>
> All of this is subjective of course, but just some food for thought for
> those normally aspirated folk who, like myself, feel like everyone on the
> road seems to have a quicker ride...
>
> Dan Sinclair
> 1990 CQ