Turbo Lag problem with 2003 A4 1.8
01-30-2004, 05:50 PM
#16
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The CVT transmission does have lag...
But in tip mode, it has fixed ratios so it doesn't apply.
I don't specifically remember driving other turbo cars, so I'm comparing the 1.8T to a NA car like, say, a 325i.
My complaint with the 1.8T is that there is hardly any power available from idle. You can floor it from a stoplight and not get any irritated glances from your passengers (they don't even know it). It is scary sometimes when you need to accelerate fast. A 325i, on the other hand, lurches away from a stop when you give it too much gas. And, I'm just giving the 325i as an example.
An even better one, perhaps, is my sister's S70 that I've unfortunately been forced to drive on several occasions. Her 166hp NA 2.4L I-5 definitely doesn't feel fast, but it responds to the pedal and has consistent power throughout the rev range. And, it lurches from idle if pushed.
So, what I've learned from my A4 purchase is not to buy a turbocharged engine in the future. I have no intention of chipping.
BUT
I love everything else about the car, so this is not really a big problem for me. I just thought I'd explain my feelings.
/rant
I don't specifically remember driving other turbo cars, so I'm comparing the 1.8T to a NA car like, say, a 325i.
My complaint with the 1.8T is that there is hardly any power available from idle. You can floor it from a stoplight and not get any irritated glances from your passengers (they don't even know it). It is scary sometimes when you need to accelerate fast. A 325i, on the other hand, lurches away from a stop when you give it too much gas. And, I'm just giving the 325i as an example.
An even better one, perhaps, is my sister's S70 that I've unfortunately been forced to drive on several occasions. Her 166hp NA 2.4L I-5 definitely doesn't feel fast, but it responds to the pedal and has consistent power throughout the rev range. And, it lurches from idle if pushed.
So, what I've learned from my A4 purchase is not to buy a turbocharged engine in the future. I have no intention of chipping.
BUT
I love everything else about the car, so this is not really a big problem for me. I just thought I'd explain my feelings.
/rant
01-30-2004, 06:15 PM
#17
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I think what you are labeling as turbo lag probably has more to do
with the A4's overall heft and lack of power.
I have only driven a 5spd 1.8Tq and a tip 1.8Tq, no CVT to compare, so I don't know how the CVT functions in real life. However, comparing the 5spd to the tip, even with stock power the 5spd feels much more lively and is much happier to get off of the line. That would probably make your acceleration concerns less of a problem.
The tip (I had one for a year) was a dog off of the line, it just zapped to much power away with the torque converter and the inability to start at a higher rpm like you can do in a normal manual tranny.
I've also driven an auto 328i, and a 5spd 325i, and both of those cars had much more grunt off the line compared to the tip A4. Could be gearing, or BMWs power delivery. Plus powering only 2 wheels can't hurt for that initial kick.
I have only driven a 5spd 1.8Tq and a tip 1.8Tq, no CVT to compare, so I don't know how the CVT functions in real life. However, comparing the 5spd to the tip, even with stock power the 5spd feels much more lively and is much happier to get off of the line. That would probably make your acceleration concerns less of a problem.
The tip (I had one for a year) was a dog off of the line, it just zapped to much power away with the torque converter and the inability to start at a higher rpm like you can do in a normal manual tranny.
I've also driven an auto 328i, and a 5spd 325i, and both of those cars had much more grunt off the line compared to the tip A4. Could be gearing, or BMWs power delivery. Plus powering only 2 wheels can't hurt for that initial kick.
01-30-2004, 06:32 PM
#18
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I think it's just the torque curve of the engine.
Yes, the A4 is underpowered. But, the car has plenty (err...well...enough) "punch" in the 3-4k range. But 1-3 is just pathetic.
The 325i, on the other hand, feels very good in the lower rpm range.
The 325i, on the other hand, feels very good in the lower rpm range.
01-30-2004, 06:59 PM
#20
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Come on Mike, even the 5 speed has turbo lag.
Yes it is very minimal and hard to notice, but there definately is lag as with any turbo car. When I went from my 2.8 A4 to my 1.8t I totally notice it aswell. The 1.8t is pretty much dead from 1k-2.5k untill the turbo kicks in. Yes you can barely notice it but there is a delay. I also use to have a 3 series and a C Class mercedes and both those had instant punch (less on the benz cuz it was auto) when you floored it. To say there is ZERO lag is abit extreme.