wrx, S4 spikes in power: retort

[tristanpop at netscape.net]

As far as spikes in power go, both cars are linear.  The S4 behaves more like the 1.8T in terms of boost management IMO.  The power is stagnant until you hit the magical 2000 (1850) rpms then a wall of torque up to 5-6000 rpm then tapering off.  The lack of turbo lag is awesome, but the 'wall' of power is a bit odd.  I always enjoyed it immensely though.  I do admire the use of small turbos in both engines (K03) and Audi's enthusiasm for low rpm torque.  The WRX is different.  I don't think their objective is "elimination of lag", but rather smooth progression of power.  The audi is hard to totally control at low rpms.  You give it gas and it hesitates and then the rush.  The WRX, to the dismay of many, seamlessly progresses into the boost all the way through.  Easier to control the power IMO.  Many people confuse 'lack of low rpm torque' with 'turbo lag'.  The WRX suffers from the former IMO.  If you are at 3500 rpms in both cars and lift and then reapply full throttle, I think you will find more 'lag' in the audi engine.  I know almost everyone will call me a liar, but I feel strongly on this point.  I drive a WRX every day and I also get to drive a 1.8T every day (I sell volkswagens).

I've been fortunate to own the 1.8T A4, and a couple new S4's (both unchipped, and chipped, probably driven every software available) and now the WRX.  The reasons to purchase one over the other don't come down to the power execution.  The Audi car, regardless of model, is a total car.  Impressive from every single angle.  The WRX is a pure performer, in fact.  No Audi available in USA is a better in pure accomplishment.  Whatever attitude you drive the WRX, it complies feverishly.  The interior is bollucks save the steering wheel, pedals, seat, shifter.  (big steering wheel, btw)  If you want a car that is Pure Audi, skip the WRX.  If you need pure accomplishment, search no further than the WRX.. unless they bring the EVO VII.

Sorry for the long retort: i like these cars.
tristan
'02 wrx, tdi beetle, 5000tq





"TM" <t44tq at mindspring.com> wrote:

>No spikes in power?!? I guess I'll have to test-drive a WRX again,
>because when I test drove one when it came out, my impression was
>of massive turbo lag, followed by a strong surge of power above
>3400 rpm. The WRX drove more like my old 5ktq rather than an S4tt.
>
>The S4tt spools up nearly instantly and pulls hard from idle, completely
>unlike the WRX. I haven't driven a chipped S4tt, so I don't know how
>that
>would change the powerband- the A4tq has more noticeable turbo lag when
>it is chipped (although not comparable to the lag of an UrS or
>especially
>not like a 5ktq).
>
>My opinion differs- if one can afford the S4tt, I'd get that over a WRX
>any day of the week, although I'd actually go for a A6 2.7t.
>
>Taka
>
>
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