Re: A4 = Passat?

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

Fringe Ryder writes:
> 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.

I want to clarify something that may not be obvious to you.  The current
generation Passat is a completely different animal than what will be
coming next year (probably as a 1998 model).  The next model will be
shared with the Audi A6 platform.  The current platform has a
transversely-mounted engine (your choice of engines, 2.8 VR6, 2.0 L4
or 1.9L TDI).  Don't mix up the current car with what's not here yet.

> 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.)

Not just wood trim, but the overall design and execution of the A4
reeks of higher class.  From the artful dashboard and more complete
instrumentation, to the superior feel of the switchgear.  Not to
mention noise isolation, ride quality, etc.

> 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.

The next generation Passat will be the same platform as the next generation
Audi A6.  Now *that* A6 is also a different animal than the current A6.
The next A6 will be a stretched A4 platform, and will have the same
4-link virtual steering geometry design as the current A4 and A8.

> 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.

If you're talking about the current model Passat, I don't think it
resembles the A4.  Maybe only superficially so.

If you're deciding on a purchase between a Passat or a A4, go
look at these cars for yourself and drive it.  I think it will
be apparent where the extra cost of the A4 is.  Whether these
things are important to you is obviously your choice.  IMHO
the Passat and the A4 are not really in the same market.  The
A4 for the sport-minded enthusiast who wants some 4-door practicality,
but wants a high level of sophistication and style.  The Passat
owner is more utilitarian, and goes for the larger interior space
and general value.

Also, Remember that this current generation Passat is near the end
of its model life and is due soon to be replaced with the new model,
whereas the A4 is a fresh design.  We don't yet know what trim
levels will the Passat be available with but suffice to say that
they will want to equip it so as not to compete against the A4 and A6.

-Ti
96 A4 quattro
84 5000S Turbo
80 4000
-- 
    ///  Ti Kan                Vorsprung durch Technik
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