Hey all, this message is kind of like the one posted a bit earlier, but I am considering getting an A4 soon, and I have heard that the 1.8T and the 2.8 don't have noticable differences. The 0-60 time is relatively the same, as is the .25 mile sprint, but the prices reveal a 6k difference. What makes the 2.8 that much better? Is it the interior?

this topic has been discussed to death and someone should really compile all the posts into a faq. i'll slap something together when i get the time ... but until then ... these are the main differences between the two.

the 2.8 has ...
1. a 2.8L v6 @ 190bhp (smoother and much quiter)
3. available wood and leather interior.
3. silver exterior trim.

basically a more "luxurious" and "refined" vehicle.

the 1.8t has ...
1. a 1.8L turbo inline 4 @ 150bhp (sportier and turbo kick. also a bit lighter)
2. no wood or leather interior option
3. black exterior trim.

why i choose the 1.8t ...
1. i WANT to hear that revvy engine.
2. more fun to drive.
3. black is my fav colour. :)
4. i hate wood trim in a sporty car. :)
5. the 1.8t engine has much more potential
6. that $6k you save can be put toward mods.
6a. $200-$600 simple chip upgrade to ~200hp.
6b. or spend a few $k and get that 300hp kit. (i will when my warranty runs out)
6c. new wheels and tires.
6d. springs and shocks.
6e. new stereo system .. etc etc.
6f. a snowboard and rack... :)

but modifications arent for everyone. test drive them both and keep in mind that $200 chip to achieve ~200hp on the 1.8t.


99.5 1.8tqms apr @ ~193hp.
-jasyn

I am in the same boat as chris. I was also wondering ....what size are the rims for the a4...ie. bolt pattern and offset? And could the a4 fit 18's????

Steve

The wood trim is standard on the 2.8 and not available on the 1.8T. Also, power front seats are standard on the 2.8 and not available on the 1.8T. It's not an easy call, but personally I prefer the 2.8 model.

The 2.8: Smooth, quiet, great freeway cruiser, more luxurious with leather package,
more expensive, more powerful in the stock form, can be VERY powerful with the expensive PES supercharger upgrade, the Tiptronic performs better with the 2.8's stock power.

The 1.8T: Potential to be very fast with low priced upgrades, lighter, better weight distribution, sportier, more common around town, better gas mileage.

Both: Quattro is a must in inclimate areas of the country. Sports package is a must, best value added option. Bose is a must if you aren't a hard core audiophile and like the integrated look of the stock stereo. Interior quality is top notch in both, Audi didn't downgrade quality at all in the 1.8T.

will give you better 0-60 than the stock 2.8. however, if aftermarket mods scare you, or if you like leather/power seats/wood trim a lot, buy the 2.8. the 2.8 is a small bit smoother/quieter than the 1.8T too. as with most car buying decisions, just test drive both of them. if you can't tell the difference, save the money. :)

and you can fit up to 19" wheels if you are willing to get the front rims rolled. bolt pattern is 5x112 mm, and offset on the stock wheels is 45.