Guth

Here on the A4 forum at AudiWorld.com you'll find mostly young guys (quite a few of whom seem primarily interested in 0-60 times). Most folks here are familiar with chip upgrades for the 1.8T. Combine this with the fact that the base price on the 1.8T is around $4500 less than the 2.8 - makes the 1.8T quite the bargain (not cheap, but a great buy). So it's not suprising that the majority of owners here on AudiWorld are 1.8T owners. As much as I hate to see it, based on a number of posts, there's probably a higher percentage of A4 owners cracking their cars up here than out in the leagues of the non-AudiWorld owners. Fortunately the A4 has proven itself time and again to be a very safe vehicle (another big plus).

All of this probably paints a rather skewed image of the average A4 owner profile. Out on the road you'll find all kinds of happy stock ("all-factory") 1.8T owners as well as plenty of satisfied 2.8 owners. Not to mention some delirious S4 owners.

You really need to decide what you are looking for in a car. I originally had settled on the 1.8T (aware of tuning options) and ended up buying a 2.8 instead. I've had my car for almost a year now and have been very happy with it. There's enough power to keep me happy and after years of driving four cylinder vehicles I'm really pleased with the refined personality of the six - must be gettin' old. I opted for the sport package and find the ride/handling qualities to just about perfect (for me). The key here is that this is "my" car. I figured out what seems to work for me. The 2.8 works great for me "out of the box". What works for you depends on your needs.

It can be a tough choice (was for me) as both the 1.8T and the 2.8 are great rides. Nice dilemma to have if you ask me.

All the best,
...Guth<p>

Milpitas2.7T

Thanks Guth,

It's still a dilemna for me, since I'm a tuner at heart. Had a 95 Mitsubishi Eclipse all wheel drive that I could click off 12.8 second passes with 1.6 60ft times. I like the turbo tuning aspect, I like the turbo "period!!".
I also recently sold my 911, so would like another fun car in the family. My issue is, this is for the lady of the house. It's her Bday and I am looking at getting her a car. Now her heart is set on an S4 (she likes to drive and does prefer manual). But I can't see buying "her" that car, that would be a "me" car.

So I sit here, split.. a4 1.8 since it's for her, or the 2.8 with sport package so she has a nice zippy car to drive? (also need to hold my golf clubs and my wakeboard, when I don't take my Dingo).

Your right, it's really all personal pref. She did drive the 2000 1.8t and said it was really slow/sluggish off the line, thus the 2.8 discussion, now with the new 170hp motor.. EGAD!!! Wish I could buy them all, drive them for a week, then pick which one to keep!! This 15-20 minute test drive doesn't do it!!

Thanks all for your input!!

Tory

Cuckoo

Um, Money? Not *all* of us have .com jobs ;-) Besides, you can always chip.

Guth

Give more input, the 2001 1.8T with the 170hp might be the way to go. Might be worth waiting to test drive one. And you/she can always chip it.

Good luck!
...Guth<p>

Milpitas2.7T

Not *all* of us have .com jobs That's a good thing with the current MARKET!! NT

RobE

I'm thinking I might aftermarket leatherize my 2001 1.8T. Anyone do that???

flc

I work for a .com and still bought a 1.8T

SuperNova

Hello wake up and smell the premium fuel. GET THE S4!!!!!! Whether or not you think it's a you car more than a her car, what will make her and you (you'll get to drive it sometimes, correct?) much happier. Buy a Nogara Blue one for me while you at it. ;-) That's it. Period.<p>'97 A4 2.8 QM Pearl White/Ecru Leather

Ray Khan

The second and third test drives convinced me, but I still had some buyers remorse for the two weeks before I picked up my car. All I can say now is that I love it. I didn't touch my Honda CBR for two weeks...I wanted to drive my 2000 1.8T QM. I don't even have the sport package. I've been in a chipped car and its awesome. As soon as I hit 1000 miles I'm calling APR and the suspension and wheels will come soon after. I suggest test driving the car again...it really is a great car.

Ray Khan
2000 1.8T QM Silver/Onyx<p>rakha

tonypilot

<p>cessna_Joe