Re: A4 acceleration/parking?

[ti@bazooka.amb.org (Ti Kan)]

Jay@aol.com writes:
> I've heard only one complaint from the car mags, which is acceleration.  I
> don't have to go fast, I just have to *get going* fast; how's the 0-30 feel
> on the A4Q?  The only timed tests I can find were on the automatic.  

I don't have any 0-30 test figures.  These numbers are somewhat
academic anyway as it depends largely upon how you launch the car.
One magazine's numbers may not be readily comparable to another's.
Also, the lack of wheelspin in a quattro under such circumstances
may disadvantage it in a number game, but the tractive superiority
should be obvious.

The automatic can be a bit slow, but the manual trans A4Q isn't.
The manual trans A4s (quattro and FWD) are rated by the factory
to do 0-60 in 7.8 seconds.  That's not muscle car territory but it
is certainly respectable performance.  I don't think the A4 is slow
compared to other sedans in its price class.  Audi engines are
designed for longevity and are typically very tight before they
are broken in.  When my A4Q was new it did feel sluggish but it
has loosened up nicely in a few couple of thousand miles.  When
you go for a test drive you should keep this in mind.

> One of the big appeals of the RL was its tiny 18-foot circle.

Are you sure?  An 18 feet turning circle?  I have my doubts.
I think perhaps this is the _radius_ in the spec rather than the
diameter?

>  Looking at the A4, I figured that at that size, parking would be a breeze;
> however, the turning radius is still 36 feet.

Audi rates the A4 at 36.4 feet of turning circle (and that's diameter,
not radius).

Tire width plays a major role in influencing the turning circle of
the car.  My 1980 4000 was rated to have a 31.2 feet turning circle
(on its original skinny 175/70-13 tires).  Now I have 205/50ZR15
donuts on it and its turning circle is worse than that of my A4Q
(with its stock 205/55R16 tires).

-Ti
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