MikeInCanada

I realise the CVT vs. 5 speed question has been asked many times before. Many of the posts, however, were in places that didn't get a lot of snow. For better or for worse, I live in Ottawa, Canada which gets its fair share of snow (or normally does if global warming doesn't cause more screwy winters like this one

In addition, due to the unfathomable wisdom of Audi Canada, we have no CVTs yet to test drive (arriving in a few months I gather). So, my dilemma is whether the Quattro is important enough up here to sacrifice the convenience of the CVT. Are there any other Canucks on the forum who have seen the difference between FrontTrak and Quattro in winter? I've managed quite fine without AWD (esp. with good snow tires), but of course may come to love it. The only Audi dealer in town (Mark's) cannot believe anyone would get a car without Quattro - they couldn't understand why I'd contemplate ordering a CVT.

I've also had manual cars for many years, but wouldn't say I'm an expert user of them (i.e. don't know how to use them to best advantage). I've always enjoyed them, however, for the much increased responsiveness over automatics, tiptronics, etc. With the CVT, however, this advantage may be much less significant, from people's postings here.

What seems to be left is the advantage of Quattro, vs. a cheaper (about $2K Cdn.) CVT.

Any thoughts from those in snowy climes, for a very stumped purchaser?

Thanks,

Mike

Hugh B

The A4 in 1.8 or 3.0 is an all weather sport sedan. stealth plus performance. 4 wheels are better than two. The CVT sounds great but if you already drive a stick,and don't want a Tip,test drive a standard quattro with winter tires,and then drive your own front drive. There is no comparison IMHO. I'm sure there are handling differences on dry pavement as well but I think the winter drive will be very obvious which works better on snow and ice.
Hugh

BklynA4

I would go for Quattro with Tip

snwguy

I live in Ottawa , as does Ralphie and RajeshR. I can't speak for them but it was the Quattro that sold me on Audi. Sure you can get by in Ottawa with FWD & good snow tires but just imagine how good it will feel with AWD.Get a tip + quattro if you don't like the manual. The tip is a bit more sluggish though.

A4BlueJean

adequate in the winter but that said and done that for the last six years and now having a 3.0 QMS with a set of snows this is the ****, this is why you buy an Audi, not to have FWD like your next door neighbour.

saintor1

CVT is a good deal... but is it fun-to-drive? That's a pending question

KSYC

I had the same decision to make, but after looking at the audicanada.ca site, it seem they didn't offer sports pack or xenon for the 1.8T FWD CVT. Also, it also has some missing options/features in the CVT according to the site, like armrest and trip computer.... I would say Quatrro isn't too important even though I live in Toronto, but would be a nice option to have. I currentl drive a FWD 1.8T and have no problems in the winter. I will probably order a 1.8TQ automatic, xenon, sports.

NT

for winter driving. FWD-with-ESP is even better than quattro-without-ESP for the snow. So it will be perfectly fine with snow tires.

Yes, quattro with ESP is prob even better, though

cr8n

www.audicanada.ca lists the base prices for the 1.8T:
Auto multitronic FrontTrac $33,600
5-speed quattro $37,225
Auto tiptronic quattro $38,565

That makes the CVT cheaper by $3600

saintor1

Less equipment and options available - cruise control optional!