So, no Audi motors on Ward's ten Best this year except for the 180HP 1.8T from VW?
05-07-2002, 05:06 PM
#1
So, no Audi motors on Ward's ten Best this year except for the 180HP 1.8T from VW?
"Volkswagen AG
1.8L turbocharged DOHC I-4
Engine type: 1.8L turbocharged DOHC I-4
Displacement (cc): 1,781
Block/head material: cast iron/aluminum
Bore × stroke: 81 mm × 86.4 mm
Horsepower (SAE net): 180 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 175 lb.-ft. (236 Nm) @ 1,950-5,000rpm
Specific output: 100 hp/L
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Application tested: Jetta 1.8T
Auto makers of the world, fix your gaze upon this engine.
How does Volkswagen AG manage to give out this much in cars that don't cost a whole lot? After all, this grunty but high-tech little powerhouse now can be had with a Volkswagen badge for around $19,000. Go to the domestics -- and more than one of the Japanese auto makers, too -- and that same money gets you some crappy unit that deserves the moniker of "4-banger."
But somehow, VW makes a business case for doling out in inexpensive cars: DOHC, five valves per cylinder, turbocharging and intercooling -- and the bragging rights of an even 100 hp/L. That exposes a $19,000 Pontiac Grand Am and its grubby pushrod V-6, while similarly thrashing any 4-cyl. from anybody in this price range.
This engine has enjoyed a unique distinction of migrating on and off the Best Engines list a couple of times, usually depending on the power level. We originally liked this 4-cyl. technical showcase at its initial 150-hp rating, so it stands to reason we're happier still with an added 30 hp. The 180-hp rating has done nothing to blunt this engine's outstanding NVH properties -- the VW 1.8T continues as one of the market's sweetest, most powerful 4-cyl. engines, and to call it a "base" engine is a disservice.
We applaud VW's generosity in providing this level of engine techno-finery at the bottom part of the market, but we remain at a loss to explain the yo-yo marketing that dictates this engine's ever-changing power ratings. Last year, VW-brand vehicles got the engine at 150 hp and the up-market Audi unit enjoyed the advantage of the 170-hp rating for sedans and 180 hp for the TT sports car.
Although we can't see the reason for such minor distinctions within a brand, the rationale is at least evident. But for 2002, we're befuddled by the VW brand's access to the punchy 180-hp rating for the 1.8T, while Audi's all-new A4 remains saddled with the 170-hp version. Huh?
That's OK, VW. We're happy to point buyers to the Golf or Jetta 1.8T, thankful that VW makes available in affordable cars one of the most technically sophisticated 4-cyl. engines available at any price."
What's up with that?
1.8L turbocharged DOHC I-4
Engine type: 1.8L turbocharged DOHC I-4
Displacement (cc): 1,781
Block/head material: cast iron/aluminum
Bore × stroke: 81 mm × 86.4 mm
Horsepower (SAE net): 180 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 175 lb.-ft. (236 Nm) @ 1,950-5,000rpm
Specific output: 100 hp/L
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Application tested: Jetta 1.8T
Auto makers of the world, fix your gaze upon this engine.
How does Volkswagen AG manage to give out this much in cars that don't cost a whole lot? After all, this grunty but high-tech little powerhouse now can be had with a Volkswagen badge for around $19,000. Go to the domestics -- and more than one of the Japanese auto makers, too -- and that same money gets you some crappy unit that deserves the moniker of "4-banger."
But somehow, VW makes a business case for doling out in inexpensive cars: DOHC, five valves per cylinder, turbocharging and intercooling -- and the bragging rights of an even 100 hp/L. That exposes a $19,000 Pontiac Grand Am and its grubby pushrod V-6, while similarly thrashing any 4-cyl. from anybody in this price range.
This engine has enjoyed a unique distinction of migrating on and off the Best Engines list a couple of times, usually depending on the power level. We originally liked this 4-cyl. technical showcase at its initial 150-hp rating, so it stands to reason we're happier still with an added 30 hp. The 180-hp rating has done nothing to blunt this engine's outstanding NVH properties -- the VW 1.8T continues as one of the market's sweetest, most powerful 4-cyl. engines, and to call it a "base" engine is a disservice.
We applaud VW's generosity in providing this level of engine techno-finery at the bottom part of the market, but we remain at a loss to explain the yo-yo marketing that dictates this engine's ever-changing power ratings. Last year, VW-brand vehicles got the engine at 150 hp and the up-market Audi unit enjoyed the advantage of the 170-hp rating for sedans and 180 hp for the TT sports car.
Although we can't see the reason for such minor distinctions within a brand, the rationale is at least evident. But for 2002, we're befuddled by the VW brand's access to the punchy 180-hp rating for the 1.8T, while Audi's all-new A4 remains saddled with the 170-hp version. Huh?
That's OK, VW. We're happy to point buyers to the Golf or Jetta 1.8T, thankful that VW makes available in affordable cars one of the most technically sophisticated 4-cyl. engines available at any price."
What's up with that?
05-07-2002, 05:37 PM
#6
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Ahh...that Nissan V6 just won't go away...here's an url to complete Top 10 list.
Makes me laugh when people say that the Japanese don't "engineer" anything on their own and don't ever offer any "firsts" in the industry. Oh well...ignorance is bliss they say, so don't click the following url if you are among the proudly ignorant. <ul><li><a href="http://www.industryclick.com/microsites/magazinearticle.asp?releaseid=9753&magazinearticle id=137793&siteid=26&magazineid=50&instanceid=8578& pageid=1126&srid=10250">Ward's 2002 Top Ten Engines</a></li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.industryclick.com/microsites/magazinearticle.asp?releaseid=9753&magazinearticle id=137793&siteid=26&magazineid=50&instanceid=8578& pageid=1126&srid=10250">Ward's 2002 Top Ten Engines</a></li></ul>
