Re: Audi A4 1.8T or 2.8

[Chris Maresca <ckm@eainet.com>]

At 10:14 AM -0700 7/22/98, Jim Simone wrote:
>The leather seats will cost you an additional $1320 MSRP; they're not
>standard.
>Sport seats are a $500 option beyond that. The 2.8 is smoother and
>quieter. Plus,
>you get the wood trim from the factory. (You could buy it aftermarket for your
>1.8T, if you want it.)
>
>Some folks believe that the turbo motor won't last as long. Maybe some higher
>maintenance is involved after you hit 150K mi. Audi engines are known to be
>pretty stout.
>
>Jim
>'98 1.8T qms/sport seats Pearl/opal
>
>Mehoone@aol.com wrote:
>
>> ...I realize that the 2.8 has more horses but am unsure if I want to spend
>> another 5 grand for that and leather seats. I really like the 2.8, but have
>> nothing to compare it to.  Has anybody driven
>> both or  know if the 2.8 is really that much better?

Last fall, in a quest for a new car, I spent a _lot_ of time with the old
12v v6, the new 30v and the 1.8t.  Drove about 3 hours in each kind, over a
three week period.  My vote goes to the 1.8t.  The power difference is not
all that noticeable vs. the v6, but the weight is.  The v6 has smoother
power and seems to have more torque earlier, but the 12v v6 has a better
high-end, IMHO.

Both of these, however, would be left behind by a chipped 1.8, and it would
be cheaper to boot.  The sport suspension is a must, as is quattro and the
cold-weather package.

I came | | this close to buying a 1.8t, but I bought a CQ instead.
Cheaper, 2 doors and I've always wanted one.  It's my favorite car of all
time... besides the S2.

My $.09 worth

Chris
'90 CQ