I5 20V vs. V6 12V

[Brian Powell <brian@owlscreech.com>]

I have read with interest people's opinions on "which is better" the I5 or
V6 (12V). So, allow me to chime in:

I own one of each: A 1990 90Q 20V (120k miles) and a 1996 A4 2.8Q (39k
miles).  I previously owned a 1993 90s (non-quattro)--uses the 2.8 V6
12V--which gave its own life to save mine (after sailing through the air at 
70, we hit a wall head on at probably around 45-50mph--long story). 

I love both of my cars; however, each is different.  The V6 "feels" as
though it has more power, this is probably due to the higher torque.
Additionally, the 20V has to be at 6,000 RPM to get its max torque, so, you
don't feel it until you're way up there.  There just feels like more of a
kick (especially in the lower RPMS) from the V6.

Even though the engines are pretty much a wash, there is one HUGE
difference:

IMHO, the VW-type gearing on the 90 20V sucks (primarily 2nd gear);
furthermore, I believe it hinders the 20V engine.  In my V6's, I can get to
60mph in 2nd gear (redlined, of course).  Redlining 2nd on my 20V, I get to 
40mph.  This is a big difference if your testing your 0-60 speed, one shift 
vs. two.  Even my dog-carrying '88 Honda Accord comfortably drives around
town at 40mph in 2nd.  Then, from 2nd to 3rd, there's seems like a big
change.  I am at ~6,000 RPM in 2nd, shift to 3rd, and whoah, I'm down to
2,500 to 3,000 and have to work back up to that 20V "kick" at 4,000.

If there was one upgrade I would love to get for my 20V, it would be a
different gearbox.

Of course, the V6 is much quieter than the 20V at 5-7k RPM.

On the flip side, the 20V feels like more of a driving car; whereas,
the V6's feel more like a touring car (until you really rev it).  My 20V,
leather bucket seats are infinitely more comformatble than my A4 leather
seats (they really digressed on their seats).

Just my comparisons between my two beloved cars.  As for the dogs, no
comparisons would be worthwhile.



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    .     <*,*>                     Brian Powell                      .
    .     [`-']                   Owl Screech, Inc.                   .
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