equiTTation

I decided to weigh my cars today while I still have the chance to compare the two. Published curb weights for the 2000 180Q range 2910-2948 lbs, but 3131 for 2001 180Q. I have also seen 3131 reported by one magazine as their "test weight" for the 2000 180Q. I don't know the specific conditions of this test weight. I also don't really know what "curb weight" exactly means, but I assume it is with the car empty of all fluids and contents.

Anyway, my 2000 180Q with a full tank of gas, purely stock, and all options weighed 3240 lbs (!). The scale is said to be +/- 20 lbs. My 2001 225 TTC, which is also purely stock with all options and a full tank, weighed 3260 lbs. Published curb weights are 3069-3208 lbs.

Is there really so little weight difference between a 2000 180Q and a 2001 225C (suggesting that Audi's claimed weight for the 2000 was inaccurate and that there is not extra ballast in the tail of the 2001 cars)? Or maybe they didn't re-zero the scale after the 225 was weighed (I asked, and they said it re-set automatically)? Has anyone else weighed a 180Q?

Don

If (and that's if) the differences we're talking about are added ballast, it would depend upon when your 180q was built. The later in the production run, the more likely at some point they started adding ballast. I think you need to weigh an early 180q to get to the bottom of this.

I don't think curb weight includes fuel, but "test weight" is just that - you don't know how much fuel was on board, or passengers, or how much test equipment, etc.

TT4Autox

I weighed my 2000 180 FWD (all options) with half tank of gas at it was 2900 lbs. I was suprised as I thought the curb weight was supposed to be 2740 for a US spec FWD.

--Curtis

TT4Autox

What is this about Audi adding ballast? If this was a mid-production run change, when did it start? Does it also apply to FWD cars?

--Curtis

TTop Gun

My 180Q (born-on date 12/1999) has what looks like a 50 pound weight bolted to the driver's side rear, under the bumper skin. If somebody can produce a document showing that this was not on all model year 2000 TTq 180's, I'd be eternally grateful. OK, maybe not eternally grateful, but I wouldn't curse your name as the weight fell off of the car and onto my foot. :-) If it came on all 180Q's, I'm SOL.

BTW, most mechanical scales are inaccurate at the low end of their measuring range. If you were using a truck scale to weigh a car, you should expect it to be off. I went to the *certified* truck stop scale last weekend with my new tire trailer. It weighed in at 180 pounds according to the slip. My bathroom scale said it was 242 pounds. The freight company that delivered it claimed 237 pounds for the kit, which had a few pounds added to it after assembly. My hernia, :-) from carrying the assembled trailer out of my apartment, says that 242 was probably closer to correct.....

john s

The question of removing the ballast on modified cars was asked at a meeting with current car owners. Professor Heissing (head of chassis development, Audi) responded.

With installation of the spoiler the then unnecessary " Tilger " one removes (ballast weight under tail apron)? No. The Tilger has to absorb the function vibrations and Geraeuchentwicklungen primarily.

One member of this forum (mime?) has stated he can find no difference in handling with the weight removed.

Al in SB

Curb weight is defined as the vehicle sits (at the curb) with all fluids full.