Re: A4 30 valve 2.8 (was A4 steering)

[Richard <quattro@milliped.demon.co.uk>]

On Fri 16 May, Bob Petruska wrote:

> Richard, we in the US also have the same problem which we call 'wandering'.
> The A4's here come usually with Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires.  People have
> found that after 3,000 miles the tires are broken in and the suspension
> settles down reducing the wander somewhat.  Others have changed to new
> tires, Pirelli P7000 SuperSports are the favorites right now and this seems
> to make the most dramatic improvements.

Thanks for this advice.  I'll look out for the Pirellis when the Dunlops are
worn.

> Many, and I mean many, A4 owners and future owners, are very interested in
> knowing how the 30V 2.8l engine has improved on low end performance over the
> 12V version.
> 
> Can you compare?

I can only compare with the 12 valve 2.6 V6 which I test drove.  I'm not
sure you have the 2.6 in the US.  The 30 valve 2.8 is a definite
improvement.

The 30 valve low end performance feels OK and the response seems to be
pretty flat over the rev range.  However, I'm used to having a peaky turbo
which kicks in at 3000rpm, so to me the mid-range performance of the Audi
feels lethargic.  Overtaking feels dangerously slow but I'm sure that to
some extent this is a subjective effect of the smooth, quiet engine.  BMW's
328 feels more willing, although on paper it looks very similar.

The throttle response is smooth but there's little engine braking, or at
least there's a delay of a few seconds before it takes effect.  I guess this
is a function of the engine management system.  Whilst it means that an
idiot can drive the car smoothly, it is not so suitable for enthusiastic
right foot control on our local country lanes.  When approaching a blind
bend you have to take your foot off the gas early and/or apply the brakes.

> Do you have an automatic trans or manual?

Manual, I'm in the UK after all!

> How is the gas mileage?

About 25/26mpg (imperial) 21/22mpg (US) for short journeys (eg 7 miles),
about 27/28mpg (imperial) 23/24mpg (US) on longer runs averaging 60/70mph,
with bursts around 100mph.  That's mostly with the air-con compressor on,
although I'm not convinced it makes a noticeable difference.  It will be
interesting to see how it copes with a blast down the German autobahn this
month, although the vague steering will probably discourage me from pushing
it too hard.

> Some reports say that it is more noisey than the 12V, is this true?

It's the smoothest, quietest car I've ever owned.  The engine noise is so
low and the torque so smooth that at first I found it difficult to judge
when to change gear without looking at the rev counter.  Tyres and wind are
more significant sources of noise.  If its been standing for a day it will
make a slightly alarming growl when its fired up for the first second or two
- perhaps lack of oil or the engine getting its timings sorted out.

-- 
Richard