I have a 1985 Audi 4000s, 187k ml that has been great, it's time for a new Audi. I've driven the 1.8T and the 2.8, both QM. The 2.8 rocks!!! The interior is sweet, performance is excellent and looks great. A lot of you talk about modifying the 1.8T, but I have talk to people who do mods and it shortens the life of your car. If you looking to go over 100k on a 1.8T w/ mods good luck.....just a thought.

I think the 1.8T should be limited to Golfs and Beetles, where the Mod-Freaks can tune their cars until they blow up. I really think an upscale division (like Audi) in the late 1990s should quit screwing around with small displacement blown engines. The 2.8 is such a wonderful engine that gets incorrectly labled as "more luxurious, or a good highway cruising engine". It's smooth and very powerful, and much sportier than the underpowed 1.8T. The only other problem with the A4 line is that goofy station wagon. Sure it's a great car, but don't name a station wagon the same as a high perfomance sport sedan. Like the 1.8T, it just cheapens the A4 name which was made famous by the 2.8 in 1996.

As a driver of an unmodified 1.8T A4, I can state that this is not an "underpowered" car. I drove both the 1.8T and the 2.8 and was impressed by both but didn't feel the 2.8 was worth the additional price difference for me. I like to buy cars based on how they feel to me and the 1.8T with a 4 banger and the turbo whine just felt like more fun to me. That's not to say I'd be unhappy with a 2.8, I am just more satisfied by my purchase of the 1.8T. I like the fact that Audi offered it in a package (without chrome and wood trim) that includes other features that I like (although I would have liked an option for leather).<p>As for cheapening a sports sedan by offering a wagon, I think you are way off base there. Other than adding some additional weight, what is it that cheapens or diminishes the performance of a car that offers a wagon alternative? Maybe you are trapped in the wagon=60's vista cruiser=wood on the sides mindset. Why not be able to buy a sports sedan that is fun to drive while also providing enough space to pack your gear or even the kids and the dog?

u are asking to get flamed. <br> However<br>1/ 1.8 underpowered. Seems most of the guys are leasing/short term. Who cares after 4 years. Keep until audi advantage runs out. For some 1.8 is ok. I need more.<p>2/ Remember the add for the volvo wagon? On a race track slapping silly other vehicles. There is the mercedes hammer wagon, and i can go on. I would take a wagon over a minivan ANY DAY!!!<p>1996 a4 2.8 qm<br>

I won't waste too much time or bandwitdth on such an insulting statement, but I own a 1.8T Avant. After lusting after the roomy SUVs for years I finally opted for a AWD sports wagon instead that I could AFFORD. For me it's the best of both worlds and I commend Audi for promoting the concept and pulling it off, as well as making it available to those that can't afford cars in the 30-40K range. I have a car I really love that, for me, does'nt need any mods to enjoy.

C'mon now, a wagon is far more practical, roomy, and weighs a negligible 100lbs. more. I can fit my cross-bows, shotguns and killed deer in the back if needed. The only reason one wouldn't get a wagon was if they were influenced by the stereotypes of the June Cleaver types running to the market each day. My Avant is 1/2 Camaro and 1/2 Suburban. I can get to the duck blinds twice as fast as the others in their sport utes or pickup trucks. Have more fun too. I'm a single, heterosexual, male who is secure in a wagon. Why get a sedan, when a wagon gives you so much more?<p>

You can't knock the 1.8T which is a reflection of the very popular 2 liter Sport Touring Racing class in Europe. I like both, although I found the 1.8T more a drivers car whereas the 2.8 is more a luxury sedan. A 1.8T with a stick and some mods is a great drivers car. For luxury, I prefer my wife's A6 (she won't let me modify this one, but I'll sneak a chip in there sometime). Don't look down at the 1.8T just cuz you have a 2.8.

Turbo, turbo, turbo. Quattros are meant to be driven in snow, in the high country, and let me tell you, at over 8,000 feet, the 2.8 and the 1.8 are the same. Now, if the 1.8 is chipped, which even the dealerships recommend, there is no comparison. 195 true hp even at high altitude, with 100 less lbs.