debarros

Hey guys and girls:

Bottom line: the 2.8 is a smoother, more powerful, more refined sounding engine with the "ripping canvas" sound you can only get with a V6.

BUT: the 1.8t is a great engine and one that tuner types will always love because of its inherent abilility to be tweaked.

There is a sense of false economy to the notion that you can chip the 1.8t for a few hundred bucks and end up with more power than the stock 2.8 V6 - once chipped the engine is no longer stock, you may be sacrificing reliablility and warranty, and besides, you presumably bought an Audi for its refined, sophisticated feel. The 2.8 V6 delivers this best. It also seems that there are questions about the need for a beefier inter cooler and /or overstressing the stock turbo when you chip the 1.8t. So sure, $500 bucks for the chip and you get a lot of power, but then factor in another $2000+ for a bigger turbo and intercooler. You'll pay cash for these or put them on you 18% APR credit card, instead of financing the extra bucks for the 2.8 V6.

Again, the 1.8t is a great motor, but it's really for the tuner types who want to go nuts with aftermarket doo dads or stockers who are OK with its output. The 2.8 is the best factory engine...

Please, no flames, it's just my opinion - and consistent with why Audi prices the 1.8t and the 2.8 differently.