V6 vs VR6

[Scott Stiles <scottst@microsoft.com>]

<< FWIW, I've driven an A4 2.8, along with several VR6 VWs (Corrado,
Jetta, Passat, Passat Wagon), 
I felt I had to defend the VR6. What Ti writes about the absolute torque
and HP values may be
correct, but, as others have stated, the feel of the engines is totally
different.
Even in the *heavy* Passat Wagon, the VR6 eggs you on, making you want
to drive it hard.
Every VR6 equipped car I've driven makes me (beyond my will, of course)
drive
like a teenager.
It has great throttle response, a super powerband, and makes the right
noises.

No offense, but for my taste, the Audi V6 was underwhelming after
experience with
the VR6. The character of the engine is totally different -- sluggish
throttle response, 
the feeling of a very heavy flywheel, and very little music.

But, unfortunately, my sources tell me VWs will cease to ship with the
VR6 (rights
having been sold to Mercedes), although some will see the VR5. >>

Scott Stiles,
scottst@microsoft.com
'97? A4 1.8tqm, April build.
'90 Miata
'95 Cabrio (for sale)

========= reply ===========

Ti Writes:
The VW 2.8 VR6 doesn't make more power than the Audi 2.8 V6.  In fact,
the Audi V6 has more low-end torque than the VW due in part to the
variable intake manifold runners.
<snip>
Compare the performance of a VR6-equipped Passat against a V6 A4
(where the weight of the cars is a bit more on par) and I think you
will find that no superiority in the VR6 engine...

- -Ti
96 A4 2.8 quattro
84 5000S 2.1 turbo
80 4000 2.0
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