Benjamin MacRae

I am looking at buying a used 98/99 A4 Quattro 5-speed, and am looking for advice between the 2.8 and 1.8T. I know the 2.8 was making more power after 1998 and the 1.8 got a bump in power in 2000, which is out of my range.

So, between the 98/99 2.8 and 1.8T, are there any real preferences? I am inclined to shop for a 2.8 because it will have more power initially, without having the ECU reprogrammed and such. Am I limiting myself with the 2.8 as far as upgrades go, or not? I also like the fact that most of the 2.8s seem to have leather, power sunroof, and other items that not all the 1.8s have.

Any help is appreciated!

Ben

ADOBO

both great cars, but 1.8T has more potential in the go-fast category

Reggie

Only the PES supercharger @ $5K (which I would love.)

The 1.8T can have a chip added for minimal cost that will get you close to the same hp but with less engine weight.

My guess is you will like the 2.8 - only drawback is that the timing belts need to be changed at 60K which is a $1k cost.

Reggie

98.5 2.8QMS

G0D

<ul><li><a href="http://home.austin.rr.com/robsquattro/1stpage.htm">http://home.austin.rr.com/robsquattro/1stpage.htm</a</li></ul>

huachele

are the same price. So get the 2.8 if you dont want to dink around with upgrades and when you are able you can drop another $5k for the PES supercharger for 280 hp. Or you can get the 1.8 and spend $500 for a chip that will get you to 200hp then move to a ko4 turbo kit for $1800 and raise your power to 225hp and after that there are the PES and APR (among others) turbo kits for $5k+ that will get you to ~280hp. I think you will be quite happy with the 2.8 and a suspension upgrade. Good luck.

Benjamin MacRae

Well, I have actually not found either yet. There seems to be a lack of used A4s up in northern Michigan, but I have a dealer down south who I've purchased cars from before and he is confident he can find an A4 at the Audi Auctions down in Florida....for the cars coming off lease. He said either the 2.8 and 1.8T is available......the 1.8s seem to be approx $3,000 less for the same year and mileage, though some of that is due to the extra equipment many of the 2.8s are coming with.

I had not realized that the timing belt was a $1,000 item, I was thinking more around $3-400.....The 1.8T sounds like a lot less money.

Was leather an option on the 1.8Ts or did they all have cloth?

Thanks, Ben

BOOSTD

power sunroofs are in most 1.8Ts.

Benjamin MacRae

how about leather?

BOOSTD

not exactly....but the leatherette fools a lot of people.

Benjamin MacRae

Are there any particular options I should try to get (Sport package!) and what are the 2.8s going to have that the 1.8Ts dont?

Ben