Should I buy an A4 1.8T or 2.8 Quattro
12-12-2002, 07:15 PM
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Should I buy an A4 1.8T or 2.8 Quattro
I'm looking to buy my first Audi, my family always has them. I'm a college student and I just don't know which one I should get. Does it make a big difference? Does the 1.8T have more pick up? I'm getting automatic/triptonic transmission if that helps. I would really appreciate some feedback. I'm looking at buying a pre-owned '98-'00. Thanks
-Collin
-Collin
12-12-2002, 07:42 PM
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Re: Should I buy an A4 1.8T or 2.8 Quattro
Depends on what you're looking for. You want performance or economy?? My suggestion would be to go with 2.8Q just as long as you can afford the extra fuel consumption.
Since you are going with the tiptronic setup, you will experience some turbo lag from the 1.8T. You can get rid of the lag with some light mods that are readily avail. from some aftermarket companies, but if you're not looking for mods.....the 2.8 will work better especially since you are dragging the extra weight of a quattro model. The 1.8T is lighter, but the 2.8 in the end moves a little quicker. The 1.8T would be better (performance wise)only if you were going with a manual tranny.
Again, it all depends on your driving habits and whether you are a city driver, or hit the highways.
Also, make sure you're A4 is maintained well. Out here in toronto, I swear that every time I go to the dealer there is ALWAYS an A4 (either model) with messed stabilizer links, control arms and even suspension faults. Make sure these are clear before you go for the car.
Since you are going with the tiptronic setup, you will experience some turbo lag from the 1.8T. You can get rid of the lag with some light mods that are readily avail. from some aftermarket companies, but if you're not looking for mods.....the 2.8 will work better especially since you are dragging the extra weight of a quattro model. The 1.8T is lighter, but the 2.8 in the end moves a little quicker. The 1.8T would be better (performance wise)only if you were going with a manual tranny.
Again, it all depends on your driving habits and whether you are a city driver, or hit the highways.
Also, make sure you're A4 is maintained well. Out here in toronto, I swear that every time I go to the dealer there is ALWAYS an A4 (either model) with messed stabilizer links, control arms and even suspension faults. Make sure these are clear before you go for the car.
12-13-2002, 05:24 AM
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Some info & opinions
If over 60K miles, make sure the T-belt and tensioner was done on any 1.8T, or if it's needed, bargain with the price, or make sure it gets done.
Early tensioners were faulty and caused premature belt failure which results in $$$ valve/head damage!
Some pre 99 A4's were prone to noisy front suspension control arm bushings. If they haven't made noise by now, they more than likely won't.
A stock 1.8 TQ, especially with a tip is a heavy car (3300lbs) for the stock 150 hp to push fast off the line, but it feels responsive.
A great engine with lots of potential. Max torque is obtained at 1750 rpm and stays flat to the red line. With a 5 spd you are 100 lbs lighter, and gives you even more responsiveness and feel.
The 2.8 Q with tip is heavier still (3480lbs), but you do have 40 extra ponies which is of marginal help.
You need to look at yourself, what you need or want in a car, what you want to get out of the car performance wise, your overall driving habits etc. etc..
The 1.8TQ with a 5 speed is the choice for max stock performance, and offers the easiest (cheapest) and widest variety of performance upgrade potentials.
The tip is a performance vs comfort/convenience tradeoff.
The 2.8 is the choice for comfort/convenience/luxury version. There is limited performance upgrade potential, but are mostly very expensive $3000 + for supercharger kits.
Good luck with whatever model you choose.
Tom
99.5 A4 TQMS
85 5KS Avant
Early tensioners were faulty and caused premature belt failure which results in $$$ valve/head damage!
Some pre 99 A4's were prone to noisy front suspension control arm bushings. If they haven't made noise by now, they more than likely won't.
A stock 1.8 TQ, especially with a tip is a heavy car (3300lbs) for the stock 150 hp to push fast off the line, but it feels responsive.
A great engine with lots of potential. Max torque is obtained at 1750 rpm and stays flat to the red line. With a 5 spd you are 100 lbs lighter, and gives you even more responsiveness and feel.
The 2.8 Q with tip is heavier still (3480lbs), but you do have 40 extra ponies which is of marginal help.
You need to look at yourself, what you need or want in a car, what you want to get out of the car performance wise, your overall driving habits etc. etc..
The 1.8TQ with a 5 speed is the choice for max stock performance, and offers the easiest (cheapest) and widest variety of performance upgrade potentials.
The tip is a performance vs comfort/convenience tradeoff.
The 2.8 is the choice for comfort/convenience/luxury version. There is limited performance upgrade potential, but are mostly very expensive $3000 + for supercharger kits.
Good luck with whatever model you choose.
Tom
99.5 A4 TQMS
85 5KS Avant
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