My '98 A4Q 30V impressions

[Josh Pinkert <flush@radix.net>]

OK...so my car finally arrived. On Thursday morning, to be exact.

It's a '98 A4Q 2.8L. Just about all the bells, no CD changer (too
expensive), no sport package (was unsure of the price, etc) and no
auto tranny (IMHO, a waste on this car). Europa Blue with Anthracite
leather. Beautiful.  Definitely better looking than my previous '88 90Q.

I'm at just over 150 miles right now. I plan on putting a good 300+ on it
tomorrow. I've opened up the engine 3 times, to be exact.
My impressions of the engine?

It feels weak below 2000 rpm. It's totally driveable there, but not in it's
meaty power band. It begins to builds at 2000 rpm, then get's
strong around 2500. Good torque, but deceiving. The engine is so smooth and
willing, you just don't notice the rate at which you
accelerate. When 4700 rpm hits (the 2nd intake tract opens) the engine
surges toward redline and seems as if it would easily over-rev
(I shifted and let off). The thing is...the engine feels so _flat_ until it
surges at 4700 rpm. This is not a bad thing, but merely a
by-product of such smooth power delivery. Gas mileage so far (as reported
through the trip computer) is 27 mpg. Not bad!

For those of you who've driven a Ford Probe GT, the engine feels similar.
It's not overwhelming. It's feels smooth and understressed.
The exhaust note is similar as well, although too quiet for my tastes
(hello scorpion!). I can't wait to get through 1000 miles so I can
dump the clutch and see how much faster it'll move out with a higher rpm
launch.

Handling is better than I remember from my 12v and 1.8T test drives. My car
came with the Continetals :(. 

Changes, other than engine and side airbags? As far as I can tell, only a
few small differences. The door locks are _flush_ when
locked. Do other Audis have tie downs in the trunk? Might be another
difference.

All I can say is that Audi must've been reading my mind when they designed
this car. I'm totally in love (and my girlfriend is jealous,
she wants one too...bye bye Integra GS-R).

I'll keep you all posted as I learn more. I'll do my best to answer any of
your questions.


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Josh Pinkert
flush@radix.net
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