I'm wondering what are the main differences between the 2.8 and the 1.8t versions of the A4. Like, engine size and specs, actual size of the car (if any difference), etc. I'm also wondering what the big differences between a 1998 and a 1999 a4 are. Thanks a lot.
2.8 vs. 1.8t
- Thread starter b0d0m
- Start date
AndyMac
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There's a big difference between the 2. The car is the same size, obviously the 2.8 is a V6 and normally aspirated (no turbo, unless you go for the S4 which is 2.7 V6 twin turbo), and the 1.8T is 4 cylinder, turbocharged. The 2.8 is heavier, and puts out 192bhp, the 1.8T lighter with 180bhp. The 2.8 is actually quicker, but the 1.8T feels quicker. Again it depends which 2.8 you're looking at. You need to make sure you're looking at the 30v version (1997 onwards), and the Quattro version if possible. 1.8T's are easier to find, more fuel efficient, but more likely to have been hammered. The 2.8 is indestructible, but make sure it gets the cam belt renewal at 80k miles (expensive at £600). The 2.8 is more of a high speed cruiser (100mph @ 4,000 revs), but can be great fun if you drive it hard. You get a second stage surge of power at 5,000 revs. The 1.8T is more fun and easily chipped for more power. Ther's no real mods you can do to the 2.8 engine apart from a remap which will give you 20bhp at most. Not sure about the 98/99 differences. The biggest difference is that the 2.8 doesn't sound like a tractor when you start it up on a cold morning.
I don't know where this tractor thing came from, mines near silent! You don't get the refinement of a nice v6 though, or the torque which I miss. Having said that the 1800T goes well when chipped.
AndyMac
Retired from service
