The compromise vehicle...

[David Head <dave.head@worldnet.att.net>]

Having watched/read the 4Ktq threads (and many others like it over the
years), I decided to through my .02 in.

The reason I like/love/hate my Audi(s) is because it is the ultimate
compromise vehicle. It does so many things well, and virtually nothing
perfectly. If I wanted a race/track car, I'd be looking at a
Mustang/Camaro/Super 7. If I wanted a pure freeway machine, I'd be
looking at a 6.9, an SEL, or a deVille. If I wanted a 4 by 4, I'd be
looking at a Jeep forward control or a Unimog. I also can't afford the
garage size, insurance and maintenance for all the vehicles I would like
-much less even buy them....
Insert your favorite niche vehicle...
   My point is, all great engineering is a compromise. If you want
really phenomenal track handling, be prepared to replace your kidneys
frequently for daily driving. If you want maximum horsepower, live with
crappy mileage. My Audi will take me and 3 others comfortably down the
road in all weather conditions up to 2 times the highest speed limits,
corner fantastically, and still knock down decent mileage - and at a
depreciated price that I couldn't match in almost every case.
   One of the reasons I sold my 87 tq and moved up was that after
installing delrin bushings and eibachs, the balance of the car had
shifted into the boy racer mode. It was a blast to drive around corners,
but I do 30-40,000 miles a year, often on some damnably crappy roads.
Day in and day out it got old... The 89 200q is sporty and smooth. The
V8q is incredibly smooth and effortlessly powerful - quite deceiving. In
the 89 I know I'm driving fast. In the V8, I have to pay attention...
Sure there are better cars within narrow limits. The P-car awd turbo,
RX7 tt, etc etc... But when I combine all the features that my Audi does
well, nothing else matches up.

Dave
89 200q - 207K (Casper)
90 V8q - 107K (the hanger queen)