Dave Brooks

I test drove a '97 Audi A4 1.8T and was amazed at how little power that car had. Granted I stepped out of my Volvo 850R wagon and into that, but I didn't think it would THAT noticable. The saleman mumbled something about Audi having an adaptive transmission which would move the shift points around after I dove it for a few weeks. True??? How much difference would a chip make in that car. <p>Any answers would be appreciated as I haven't totally discounted that car yet. Besides the lack of poiwer, I actually liked the way it drove. <p>Thanks<br>

H Sharma

Passat 1.8L 20 valve is rated at 150HP as is the 1.8T, so does the turbo add hp? <p>Why Not?

Rodney

Same engine...the Passat 1.8 IS a turbo

randall

<insert word here>.<p>Chipping makes world of diff.<p>1996 a4 2.8 qm (12v)

Rodney

In my opinion the 1.8t hasn't got enough power for an auto transmission. It's decent with the manual, drive one...different car. As for chipping, a stage 1 chip will greatly improve performance (just check the archives). I chip should make a pretty good sized difference, the most conservative add 30hp which is a 20% increase in power.<p>Regards,<br>Rodney

Chris L.

I have a 98.5 1.8TQS Tip. I need an auto b/c I live just outside NYC and spend a lot of time in traffic, on the cell phone, drinking coffee, and passing toys to the kids in the back seat.<p>Like you, I was hesitant at first about the performance since I consider myself a "spirited" driver and do not appreciate getting outgunned by Saturns and Camrys.... The 1.8T+Tip ain't no dragster BUT I it is far from anemic. There have been a few times where I just could not match the acceleration of a BMW 328 or a Ford Probe but haven't really been embarrased. Real world driving has been more than sufficient.<p>The Tip has definitely adjusted over the several months that I've owned the car. I use the Tiptronic mode 90% of the time but have noticed that the shift points of the automatic have increased to the point where sometimes I believe it actually shifts 500-1000 rpms higher than I would have in Tip mode! <p>Now, with that said, I will be adding a chip next month b/c I think it is a great cost effective way to add 30-40hp to make the 1.8T an okay performer to a great performer.<p>My $.02.<p>Chris L.

DAVID WILLIAMS

THE PASSAT ENGINE IS A TURBO. THE NONTURBO VERSION ONLY PUTS OUT 120hp. AND THAT ENGINE IN THE PASSAT IS NOT SOLD IN THE STATES.

Todd H

nm

ed (1.8T Sport+Tip on order)

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Chris L.

I will chip at the NE Group event with either Autothority or Neuspeed.