Opinions -- A4 1.8 turbo quattro vs. 200 20v turbo quattro

[Kent McLean]

b1biker at aol.com wrote:
 > Thinking about upgrading my ride to a turbo model, NA 5000s quattro just
 > doesn't have the punch that I need in the mountains. I'm interested in the
 > pro's and con's of these two models. What kinds of problems am I likely to
 > encounter. What kind of fuel mileage can I reasonably expect on the highway
 > (I usually drive the limit or a little more.) Any other pertinent information
 > would be appreciated.

Apples and Oranges.  The 200 20V was a top-of-the-line performance car. The A4 
1.8T is the bottom-of-the-line. But the A4 luxury will nearly match that of the 
older 20V (climate control, abs, audio, heated seats, etc).

The 20V will be larger, quieter, and stock will outperform the A4 T. The older 
20V will have electrical issues (like broken wires in the door rubber), but the 
engine will not die (though the turbo may). The 20V will give you low-to-mid 20s 
MPG, while the 1.8T should give you mid-to-high 20s. Some years of the 1.8T are 
prone to engine sludge, due to oil viscosity and oil change recommendations of 
Audi. You can find a clean one.

The 20V, being older, will likely need work. If you are not careful shopping, it 
will likely need a lot of work (expensive work). The A4, being newer but not 
new, will also need work, but probably less work.

If this is going to be a daily driver, I'd go with the newer A4. If it's 
performance-per-dollar you want, go with the 20V. Or go crazy and get one of 
each, and a V8, too! :)

-- 
Kent McLean
1990 V8 w/5-speed and other mods
1991 200 TQA #3, with mods
1999 A4 Avant, V6 Tiptronic
gone: '91 200 TQA x2, '94 100 S Avant, '89 200 TQ "Bad Puppy"