fanta4

oh the irony

ALAN_ONE

just a chip, they can't beat the 2.8.

Now notice that he's talking about 98's - 150hp NOT 170hp.

ALAN_ONE

"?" : ) Tires?

El-Cajones

Ok, by loaded, I'm speaking in relative terms here.

The 2.8 has about 5,000 km more on it, which I'll consider negligble, in this instance.

Both have power seats, heated seats, sunroof etc, along with the *usual* power amenities, such as windows / door locks.

No mention of leather in the 1.8T (haven't looked at it yet...dealership car), and it's not a big concern for me.

I'm coming from a GMC Yukon with power windows and locks, and not much else. A sunroof and power seats would be a big bonus. My *other* car is my club racer, and as such, it's even more lacking in *creature comforts*.

I'm after something sporty and fun to drive, but with solid, all weather capabilities and excellent reliability. Hence my concerns about the 1.8T, and why I'd keep the car stock (either one). I don't need to have $5,000 in head gasket / turbo issues on my daily driver, due to me chipping it for the extra 47 HP and 80 lb/ft of torque. If anyone can attest to solid reliability on the 1.8T cars (chipped or not), then I could be interested in that as well. I've heard horror stories about AoA, much like personal horror stories from BMW-NA.

As well, the car will be driven *primarily* in an downtown, urban setting (Toronto). Which one is a better city driving car? My previous daily driver was an M5 ('00, which unfortunately went along with the rest of the technology boom...), but it was difficult to fully appreciate that car in the city. On the highway (and the track) is where it truly shone.

So, my dilemma remains the same. It appears the *modding* group wants me to buy the 1.8T, as it has more headroom for growth. However, it's also more tossable and fun to drive, compared to the 2.8 (bad assumption here??).

The 2.8 crowd says it's more reliable, smoother, better equipped from the factory, and better on the highway.

I'm not after a *plush* car, just after a solid, reliable, fun to drive European car that's good for all weather.

I have no biases one way or the other about the cars; I'm just new to Audi, and respect their cars, and the Quattro setup. I see a ton of 1.8T out there; precious few 2.8s with a 5-spd in them. Tiptronic is nice enough, but my left foot needs something to do, so I'm after the 5-spd.

How is the 2.8 / 5-spd / Sport package combo?


Pat

GDavis

2.8 for sure in your case

Matt H.

and would agree with me.

ex-quattro PETE

RTFS?

auDD

Inside he said "even with a chip...still looking at back of 2.8"

[ej257]

very good comparo of the modded cars, and how well indeed a 1.8T stage 2, on 100octane held with the S4 and s/c 2.8

I havent seen someone with a 2.8q 5speed post a 1/4mile time in the 14's. I did it on my very first run ever with just chip and exhaust.

and 'just a chip' puts the 1.8T at 205hp and almost 250 lb/ft of torque. 15 more hp and 40 more lb/ft torque (about) in a lighter car.......

you do the math. I have driven both cars...I have raced against a 2.8...

with just a chip, it is possible for a 1.8T to beat a 2.8....and it is possible for a 2.8 to beat a chipped 1.8T.

not starting a war here but....

have you ever raced/driven a chipped 1.8T?
ever drag raced your car?

I would be interested to see what some modded 2.8s run, especially the supercharged ones.

Matt H.

first off....1.8 vs 2.8 in 1/4 mile....1.8 wins given equal HP....its geared lower....which brings me to my next point.

this guy wants the smoothest ride available....1.8 vs 2.8, smoothness on the highway:
2.8 destroys the 1.8....with plenty of power for the road....hes not trying to win the 1.4 mile with this car.