Re: A4 = Passat?

[Fringe Ryder <Fringe@ai.net>]

Okay, the summary so far, as consensus has it, is...

The Volkswagon VR6 is NOT the same engine as the Audi V6, even though both
are 172bhp 2.8L 12V engines.

The Passat will be receiving the Audi engine, not the Volkswagon VR6 engine,
so the Passat -will- have the same engine as the A4 soon, if not already.

There are plans to offer an AWD version of the Passat, probably with Quattro
but -labelled- Syncro.

The Passat is slightly larger than the A4, but at least one Audi fan here
claims the A4 has better components.  (It -does- have wood trim, which the
Passat lacks, but I don't actually care for or want wood trim.)

The Passat rear suspension in '97 will be the same as on the A6.  I don't
know the A6, so I don't know if this is the same as the A4.  Nobody has said
anything about the front suspension, so I'll assume the front suspension of
the A4 (and A8) remains Audi-only for the moment.

Other than those details and the trim levels, the cars are basically the
same.   Very similar shape.  Much less money for a Passat, but no AWD this
year.  This, of course, makes AWD very expensive - about $7000 from a loaded
Passat to a similarly-equipped A4 with Quattro.

Did I miss or misunderstand anything?

        Fringe
        (who has a new black A4Q with black leather actually being prepped
at the dealer now, and should have it in his own garage this time tommorrow.)