High RPM's on 1.8T at Highway speeds? Myth of Fact?
09-26-2002, 06:31 AM
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High RPM's on 1.8T at Highway speeds? Myth of Fact?
Just for reference I did some calculations using a gear speed calculator (http://www.sgmotorsports.com/mph.htm)
I wanted to see how a 03 A4 1.8TQM compared to a 03 BMW 325 IX.
@4000RPM A4 = 87.22 MPH
@4000RPM 325ix = 91.66 MPH
The A4 had 215/55/16, the 325ix had 205/55/16. Information was obtained from specs on A4 at audiworld. Specs on BMW 325ix obtained from www.bmwusa.com
What are people complaining about? The truth of the matter is, you shouldn't be driving at 87 or 91 mph anyway
I wanted to see how a 03 A4 1.8TQM compared to a 03 BMW 325 IX.
@4000RPM A4 = 87.22 MPH
@4000RPM 325ix = 91.66 MPH
The A4 had 215/55/16, the 325ix had 205/55/16. Information was obtained from specs on A4 at audiworld. Specs on BMW 325ix obtained from www.bmwusa.com
What are people complaining about? The truth of the matter is, you shouldn't be driving at 87 or 91 mph anyway
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09-26-2002, 10:14 AM
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OK, let's talk Nebraska, where the limit is 75 mph...
Traffic on the interstate regularly moves at 80 or better through there, which is 3700 rpm, give or take. That's fairly high, IMHO.
And nothing against the 1.8T engine, but you can bet that the 325's little inline six sounds (and feels) nicer at those kind of revs. Gimme another gear.
And nothing against the 1.8T engine, but you can bet that the 325's little inline six sounds (and feels) nicer at those kind of revs. Gimme another gear.
09-26-2002, 11:25 AM
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Have two different 1.8T engines
My 1.8T 180 hp TT drives at a little lower revs at 80mph. It also redlines at about 500 rpm above the A41.8T. I'm still breaking in my A4, with only about 1000 miles. The motor is still pretty tight, and is a little loud at higher speeds, but not as bad as people would have one believe, based on comments I've heard. I think it will quiet down a little once it is broken in. My TT used to idle at close to 1000 rpm. Now that the engine is broken in, I've noticed idle has dropped about 100 or 200 rpm. And the engine is very responsive right now. There is no hesitation when revving the engine. On the highway, it sounds great--like a sporty engine should. And the car feels much quicker when I first bought it. I almost regret having to turn it in soon, because it really is a lot of fun to drive.
As for the A4, the engine could use an extra gear, but it's not that big a deal.
As for the A4, the engine could use an extra gear, but it's not that big a deal.
09-26-2002, 06:50 PM
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The 325ix is another car with ridiculously short gearing
The 5 spd. auto or the CVT are the only two A4's I could tolerate on the highway. Even the 6 sp. is revving way too high in top gear.
Wasted fuel, wasted wear on the engine, extra noise...all because presumably people are too stupid to know how to shift down a gear if you need to pass or accelerate quickly--in a manual transmission car!!!!
Test drove a 325ix and it was immediately clear that they shortened the final drive to try and compensate for the relatively weak engine vs. the extra weight and drag of the AWD system. After 2 minutes on the highway it was off my list of potential purchases.
Interestingly the high-powered G35 also got crossed off my list for the same reason. And that car has so much power, you could be idling on the highway and still not have to shift down in most instances. But I guess the average idiot buyer wants good throttle tip-in feedback so badly they are willing to rev an engine at 4000 rpm for steady-speed highway cruising. I am not.
Wasted fuel, wasted wear on the engine, extra noise...all because presumably people are too stupid to know how to shift down a gear if you need to pass or accelerate quickly--in a manual transmission car!!!!
Test drove a 325ix and it was immediately clear that they shortened the final drive to try and compensate for the relatively weak engine vs. the extra weight and drag of the AWD system. After 2 minutes on the highway it was off my list of potential purchases.
Interestingly the high-powered G35 also got crossed off my list for the same reason. And that car has so much power, you could be idling on the highway and still not have to shift down in most instances. But I guess the average idiot buyer wants good throttle tip-in feedback so badly they are willing to rev an engine at 4000 rpm for steady-speed highway cruising. I am not.