Re: Differences between the 86-87 4ksq and 1988 or beyond 90q?

[MSV96@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/28/98 Leah Mueller <muellerl@cadvision.com> writes:

<< I am getting our 86 4kq painted this week to give it a little more road
life.  For the future, I was wondering what the basic differences are between
the 4kq series that came to Canada in 1986 and the early 90q's that followed
them?  Mainly body diffeneces? More interior room? Are the 4k more
reliable?  Thanks for your thoughts. >>

At the risk of being flamed by '88 on 80/90 series owners I will offer my
thoughts as I have owned three 4kqs and the first one was traded in on a then
new '88 80q.

The 4kq is a much "sportier" feeling car. Reputed to have better reliability,
but that is close between them. The 80/90 series is much more luxerious than
the 4kq and is a much better highway car for long distance travel. The 80/90
series has more body roll, and feels like a bigger car than it actualy
is...IMO drives more like a type 44 than a 4kq. The platform is similar so
suspension mods can change that and later years (Coupe Q, etc.) that was done
by the factory. Interior space is about the same. Trunk space on the 80/90 is
small, but the 4kq isn't exactly big either. The bodies do look vastly
different. The 4kq has a very good look to IMO, but the "egg" shape of the
80/90 grows on you. The Coupe Q is very nice IMO. The 80/90 (pre V6 that is)
does have a slightly larger engine which combined with much better
aerodynamics makes for a faster car, especialy at highway speeds. There are
also 20V versions available in later years which provide some very desirable
(but still not enough IMO) oomph.

That's about it...both great small quattro platforms, but there are trade-
offs. HTH

Mike Veglia
87 5kcstq