I've read through this forum quite a bit and it seems to me that the A4 series (especialy the 1.8T) needs to upgraded immediatly to give it any kind of performance, is that any A4 that is good stock?
Thanks

Each person has different expectations, preferences, and demands for their cars. I have seen posts here where people refered to stock 1.8T's as scary fast. Some are quite satisfied with a stock 1.8T and Tiptronic transmission. The 2.8 is pretty decent by my standards. The 1.8T isn't bad, but is not quick enough for me. Finally, remember that although modifications seem like the norm here they are quite uncommon, most people who buy these cars aren't even aware of the existence of chip upgrades, and consider non OEM parts not to enhance performance, but to save money. Most people would not pay more than $200 per tire for tires which can't be driven in the winter and will wear out faster than cheaper tires. I guess you could say we're a bit nuts. Anyway my point is go drive these cars for yourself...what's slow for me may be fast for someone else and what's fast to you or me me be just average to someone else.

Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms

...but I drove a full-size extended-cab Chevy truck with a V6 prior to my A4. I have the sport package and a manual so I feel pretty damn sporty in this little car. Others want more power and modify like crazy to get it. I guess it is just up to the individual to decide if it is enough. I feel like it has plenty of power for my tastes and I intend to keep it that way, but I bought the car for the combination of luxury, sportiness, security/safety, and rarity (there is only one other A4 in town that I have seen all year.) Just another perspective.

parkerpt
99.5 1.8T qms

Depends on what you mean by "any kind of performance." If you're comparing the A4 with the likes of the NSX and M3, sure. If you're comparing with near-luxury sedans in its price class, like the Maxima, M46 BMW, and Acura TL, the Audi is competitive.

And remember that "performance" doesn't just mean 0-to-60 time.....

Next topic, please.

yet the engine seems to take it and ask for more. Twenty years ago this 1.8T would probably have been classified as a racing engine, for sure. I still have difficulty believing how this small 1.8 Liter can move my 3000+ lb car so fast.

I've ridden in several chipped A4's and the chip will be sufficient, though I'll do a full exhaust (manifold back) (Hoppen stage 2) when some part of the stock exhaust goes. Notice I said sufficient, by that I mean it will be fast enough to be satisfying in its role (for me). My big performance upgrade will be made a year or two after my A4 is paid off...I'll buy an early to mid 1980's 911 turbo, that oughta be fast enough :-).

The A4 is a small sport sedan and it does a whole lot of things right. It balances decent performance, and driving pleasure with a good level of comfort, convenience, all season driveability and useable space (back seat and trunk). Trade offs for performance are often the very things that make a car liveable day to day. Things like ride comfort, reasonable gas mileage, a decent amount of storage, and year round driveability require compromises to be made in the car's performance. The A4 does a better job balancing those compromises (for me) than any other car in its price range.

Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms