Re: TDIs

[Tom Nas <tnas@euronet.nl>]

"Robert B." <robbrauns@bb.eulink.net> wrote:

>Re: TDIs, these are great engines, was even thinking of converting my
>Audi Coupe Quattro to a 5 cyl. TDI, but gave up after discovering that a
>used 5 cylinder TDI costs about $3000 and for that price, I can buy a
>20V turbo. TDIs last so long that automotive recyclers don't get many.

I-5 TDIs are impossible to find used in Holland, too.

>Only 4 cylinder TDIs are sold in America and these will work in an Audi
>with Passat parts because the Passats mount the engines like Audis do,
>that is fore-aft.

4-cylinder TDIs seem to make up most of the new VW sales in Holland, even
A4 TDIs are common. There must be a nice supply of used TDI engines
available in a couple of years.

>I drove a TDI Golf once. Had enough torque to spin both front wheels off
>the line and got 5,5L/100km going 160kmh. (about 45mpg). The new
>generation of TDIs start just like gas engines, have lots of torque and
>don't stink at all. They purr like kittens rather than clatter like a
>can of bolts (old Rabbits come to mind).

My brother's looking for a company car- has to be a TD. We test-drove a
Golf TDI (90 and 110 hp version) last Saturday, great cars. GTI-like
performance, pretty good chassis, not quiet though. The clatter is
prominent (although not as bad as the old '76 Golf D), and the turbo
whistle is easy to hear, too. The flexible and torquey engine more than
makes up for it, though.
We also drove an A3 TDI/90 Ambition. Sports suspension, excellent Recaros,
superb chunky leather 3-spoke steering wheel with thumb grips, nice
alloys... this is the car for me. It feels much more sporty and chuckable
than the Golf, chalk and cheese. The cabin does feel more opressive because
of the all-black interior and the high waistline, though. It looked great
in titanium metallic, too. My brother used to hate diesels (like I did)
before he drove these cars. Pity the A3 is so expensive, he's going for the
Golf.

Wish that A3 steering wheel fit my Audi...

Tom
87 90q