a6...2.7t, 2.8, or v8?

[thejimrose]

the 2.7 has always been very reliable overall, but costly to maintain. for
the performance nerd, output is only limited by wallet girth. they are all
as bit old these days and running costs will be higher. it's a complex
engine, i used to keep an image of the etka diagram for the intake tract of
the 2.7tt as my desktop, as a joke, since it has about 14 thousand parts.

with a few minor mods [ecu, exhaust] it makes an honest 300hp all day long
and still turns high 20's for mileage. that probably sounds like a
recommendation but it's not, really. at stasis i saw a lot of people spend a
lot of money keeping them running. turbo's need replacing? the engine comes
out [granted, that only happens 1ce every 100k or so..]

the v8's are dead nuts reliable [minor foibles and typical audi niggles
aside]. change the plugs? stick platinums in there and never think about
them again! you pay a small penalty in weight, mileage and lack of
tuneability [the v8 s4 is a turd compared the the 2.7] but it's a really
nice driver. if your buddy just wants a driver, the n/a v6 is the way to go.
cheap, reliable and good on gas.

i keep thinking about what i would replace my b5a4 1.8t with, and a v8s4
avant [tip, ftw!] is a contender.