Re: 87 4000Q vs 88 80Q

[ti@amb.org (Ti Kan)]

resops@excite.com writes:
> I am going to buy my first Audi in a few months and I
> am curious which audi (4000Q or 80Q) is a better vehicle?

It comes down to personal preference.  Both are excellent.  The
4000 has a lighter, more direct feel.  The lighter weight probably
means slightly quicker 0-60, despite a 15hp disadvantage.
The 80 is a newer generation and thus has improvements such as
better sound insulation, nicer dash/interior and more refined
manners.  The 80 is more aerodynamic thus less wind noise and
higher top speed.  The 80 also has a galvanized body.

> Since the price is close that is no problem. I was wondering which of the 2
> cars is cheaper to maintain?

On average, probably not much different, because the mechanicals are
pretty similar between the two models.  It all boils down to how well
the individual cars are maintained and used.

> I am also wanting to put a turbo charged motor
> in it after I learn about the car. Which of the 2 cars would be a better
> candidate?

If you want to transplant a 5KT/200 engine in there, it's probably
going to be about the same amount of work and modifications for
both cars.  The under-hood arrangements are very similar between the
two.  The electronics are different, but as far as engine management
stuff is concerned you'll want to transplant that from the 5KT/200 too.

> I understand that the 80 Q has torsen diffs.
> How much better are these diffs vs the open/lockable diff
> in the 4000 Q? Are the torsen diffs harder to maintain?

I am not aware of any problems with the Torsen.  If anything,
the manually lockable diffs require more maintenance
(not with the differentials themselves, but with the vacuum
plumbing for the control, etc).

> besides all these questions, if you have any other info that could help me
> decide please don't hesitate to email me

Drive the two and see which you like better, and which body style
pleases you more...

-Ti
96 A4 2.8 quattro
84 5000S 2.1 turbo
80 4000 2.0
-- 
    ///  Ti Kan                Vorsprung durch Technik
   ///   AMB Research Laboratories, Sunnyvale, CA. USA
  ///    ti@amb.org
 //////  http://metalab.unc.edu/tkan/
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