Re: FS:1981 Audi GT Coupe

[Robert Phillips <r3rfp@dax.cc.uakron.edu>]

On 26 Jan 1995 glen.powell@smc.com wrote:

>   Also, I don't know what the 4000s has for gears, but the '84 4000Q has
>   4.11:1 diffs and very low, close-ratio transmission gearing. 4000 RPM at
>   a mere 80 MPH makes for excellent acceleration, passing power and
>   throttle response.
> 
>   -glen

Don't have the manual in front of me but I will check on final drive.  

The passing power at 80mph and acceleration at high speed is of no 
consequence on an Autocross course, on which the rules say that the 
course should be laid out for the fastest cars not to exceed 70mph.  
Often times, top speed is much lower, around 40 or so.  At 90% of the 
events that I have attended, I have never exceeded 2nd gear.  Things come 
up *very* quickly on course, because of the usually small area.  Handling 
is supreme over outright hp, and light weight helps a lot with this.  
Think of it as a drag race start, followed by a tight course of 
cones/pylons, followed by short straights, followed by extreme braking.  
People can and will go fast in heavier, bigger cars, but it is certainly 
not as easy.   

It's true the stock 5-cyl. has a much smoother feel at speed, and is more 
willing to rev to the top of the tach.  It just isn't as responsive as 
the 4-cyl.  (add a turbo to the -5, and that's something else)

Here's an example, at Nelson Ledges road course, which is a 2 mile track, 
a local club ran a cut down version of the course.  I always run against 
a guy with a 5-cyl Quantum (FWD).  I can consistently (read always) beat 
him on a short parking lot course.  But on the road course, the top end 
of the -5 put me to shame.  There were other factors involved, such as my 
poor show of driving skill, but this is the only time he has EVER beat 
me.  BTW, mine is an 87 4000S, 4-cyl (FWD).

		--End of Story Time With Bob...
			---Bob