Furiousc23

I'm contemplating purchasing a B5 A4, probably '96 or '97. I was curious as to performance numbers (hp, 0-60, 1/4 mile) for the 2.8L vs. the Quattro... and what exactly the difference between an a4 and an a4 quattro are. Also, when did the 1.8T come out, and what are performance numbers on that? Thanks for putting up with questions from a "newbie!"

Inigo Montoya

I can't answer all your questions but...

re: "performance numbers (hp, 0-60, 1/4 mile) for the 2.8L vs. the Quattro"

"Quattro" is Audi's name for their full-time all-wheel drive system. A non-quattro Audi has front-wheel drive. There isn't a model named the "Quattro" anymore.

You can get an Audi A4 either with or without quattro, and you can get it with either a 4-cylinder 1.8 liter turbo engine or a 6-cylinder 2.8 liter normally-aspirated engine. (edit: the newer, B6 chassis A4's have a 3.0 liter V6 instead of a 2.8L.)

AudiMick

If you are looking for 0-60 times the 1.8T is faster (lower gearing)as is the frontrak. While quattro is a great system for grip/ traction and road holding (definitely in wet/snow conditions)It limits tire spin so so 0-60 is not it's thing. I believe the the 2.8 V6 Quattro is rated at 0-60 in 8.8 secs. Not really fast and the car has lack of grunt off of the line.IMHO most of us don't own the car for 0-60 times.It's great high speed cruiser with amazing grip and 2.8 12V is probably the most reliable A4.Avoid the automatics on the 96/97 turns the cars into more of a slug.

shwndh

because they're heavy. My 2.8 weighs almost 3400lbs. Thats more than the Maxima of the same year. But as stated before, you can't beat the handling of a Quattro equiped Audi. You can, however chip a 1.8 and add some serious Horse Power.