[s-cars] 20 Valve dilemma

[Peter Dowker]

Oh great and long suffering worshipers of the Ingoldstadt gods of 
automotive technology....

I'd be interested in your perspective on this issue. I have a dilemma: 
2 20v cars and only time and budget for one.... what to do?

I am the long time owner of a 1991 200 tq and the relatively recent 
owner of a 1993 S4.
1991 is tornado red with a black sport interior, the 1993 is silver 
(now a brushed aluminium look from all the spider scratches ... kinda 
cool I guess)

Both require regular maintenance (as well as component replacement as 
is normal in cars of this vintage.
I have tried to incrementally upgrade the 1991 whenever it needed 
maintenance, the 1993 has been in a holding pattern since I bought it 
after it had a head rebuild.

Overall, here's the general level of maintenance.

The 1991 has 185k on the clock, the 1993 has 220k
The 1991 has a new clutch, the 1993 needs one in the next year
The 1991 has  a stainless Stebro exhaust, the 1993 has a stock exhaust.
The 1991 has a new radiator (plastic OEM unfortunately), new 
distributor w/metal gear, windshield, dash panel circuit board, etc) 
The 1993 has stock.
The 1991 has Eurolights, the 1993 has stock DOT's
The 1991 has H&R springs, the 1993 has H&R springs - both are lowered
The 1991 has Boge Turbo struts that need to be replaced - the 1993 has 
Bilsteins that are new.
The 1991 has G60 brake rotors  on the front and stock on the rear with 
stock calipers, the 1993 has drilled Zimmerman rotors on the front and 
rear with stock calipers
The 1991 has stock wheels with good Michelen Pilot Sport XGTV4's, the 
1993 has stock wheels that MUST have new tires.

Should I sell the 1991 (best offer I have is 5500) and sink that money 
into the 1993, or sell the 1993 and sink the money into the 1991.  Each 
car has it's merits, and it's drawbacks -  I find the 1993 more 
comfortable on long trips, but the 1991 is more "fun" for play. I spend 
most of work week either in the home office or on travel via aircraft.. 
so either/both sits most of the week.


Curiously,

Peter Dowker

2 x 20v