1.8T vs v6..which is more reliable, more powerful and lasts l onger

[Hoffman Anthony J A1C 552 CMS/MXMVC]

I worked at a dealership for a while and had the opportunity to drive a
number of the 1.8's. I also found the 1.8 auto pitiful off the line, with
the manual you can slip the clutch, plus 1st gear is lower, but at low revs
it is still sluggish-remember this is a low compression (relatively) 1.8L
4cyl trying to move 3400 or so pounds, so without the help of the turbo, it
is going to be slow. This is helpful in the snow, however, where you can use
the low RPM's and not fear spinning the tires on takeoff.

Tony Hoffman

-----Original Message-----
From: Victor Norman [mailto:vicn at icarz.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 7:28 AM
To: quattro at audifans.com
Subject: Re: 1.8T vs v6..which is more reliable, more powerful and lasts
longer


I have a 1996 A4 2.8v6 5-speed with 165000 miles. It leaks no oil, runs
fine and has plenty of power throughout the rev range. I've had my share
of problems - control arms, sunroof motor and (now that summer's
arrived) it's sprung an A/C leak but it's still a blast to drive.
A couple of months ago I bought a 1998 A4 1.8T with no oil pressure.
Cause was a cam chain tensioner that was totally shot - not what you
would expect from a low-mileage car. Replaced the tensioner (and the
timing belt while I was in there) and the engine appears to be no worse
for the experience - oil pressure back up to 85lbs and compression good
on all cylinders. The car has 80000 miles and is an automatic. When I
drove it I was amazed at how bad the acceleration was - particularly
from a standing start. It's downright pitiful compared to my other A4
which has twice the mileage. I figured that maybe I'd goofed when
setting the valve timing so I test-drove a similar car at a local
dealer's - it was just as bad..
Anyone with an auto 1.8T care to comment? Is the 5-speed model
noticeably different?  
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