Dont get me wrong I like the Japanese cars but there are so many of them, I want something different. So I looked into the A4. I looked at the price and realized I couldnt afford anything more than the 1.8T with quattro. What I want to know is how this car stacks up against the cars in its own class. I have heard about adding a computer chip to the car to give it more hp and torque but that sounds dangerous, but it would, from what I have read, get me to the 180-200 hp range, exaclty where I would like, if at all possible, to be.
If you own an A4 1.8T Quattro, with a manual, it would help me out a lot if you gave me some information on this car.
Thank you.

If not, you can search the Forum Archives for more specifics.

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It's not dangerous to chip your car and you will get around 180hp. Some argument about what that does to your warranty, but most seem to think it's no problem.

How will it compare to a similarly powered car? Quattro adds weight which may slow you down in a straight line, but it helps in the curves and in the rain.

I shopped everything in the price range and went with the A4 1.8T with Quattro, sport package, moonroof, and manual tranny. The closest competitors (even after price was factored in) were the VW Passat 30valve and the BMW 323i. The two Japanese cars I considered (Acura Integra GSR and Nissan Maxima SE) didn't even make it to the final round. The Maxima was quicker in straight line performance, that 3 litre V6 is a real gem. But that's where it's advantages ended, it didn't even compare to the A4 in ANY other category (handling, ride comfort, standard features, fit & finish, interior and exterior styling to name a few). The Integra was a great little car, the VTEC engine is a blast to drive and really quick, BUT it doesn't have much power below 5000 or 6000 rpm, hence it's not so great around town. Also, it's very buzzy, which would get annoying on a long trip. The Integra also handles well, but it's FWD (I have a personal bias against FWD). The Acura was fun and tossable, but simply wasn't as substantial as the A4. It lost out to the A4 in terms of driveability, ride comfort, standard features, fit & finish, interior and exterior styling, and just about every other category except price.

Get out there and drive the cars, it's all about what's right for YOU. Also, remember that although the A4's hp and torque numbers are low, torque comes on at low rpm and it just keeps pulling, making the car feel much stronger.

As for chipping, do some research in the forum, there's mor information here than you can imagine. The A4 1.8T is available in Europe with 180hp (called the 1.8TS), and the 1.8T in the TT is 180hp (the only mechanical difference I'm aware of is a lightened flywheel). Will chipping hurt longevity? Yes. What is not known is how much, and from what? Based on the information above and the numerous folks on this board with many chipped miles, I would be inclined to believe the impact won't be too severe. Will chipping void your warranty? This is a gray area. The law (Magnusson Moss Warranty Act) says it is only voided on the new part and the company must prove the part caused the problem to deny warranty service. In reality, some dealers will try to deny all coverage if they learn you're chipped and unless you feel like hiring a lawyer you don't have much recourse. Best course of action is to discuss chipping ahead of time with the service manager, most seem to have a don't ask/don't tell policy. Chipping isn't the right choice for everyone. Remember that although it may seem like the norm here, most A4 owners aren't even aware that it's possible.

Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms

This allowed me to enjoy my A4 without compromising too much of the factory aspects such as ride quality/comfort. The econobox has been gone thru completely (full competition suspension, aftermarket hemi engine, six speed tranny, alum flywheel/pressure plate, etc.) so that I can enjoy that race/slot car action when I visit my local tracks. I know this may not be for everyone, however, if you can manage it, I recommend doing all the ultra wild conversions to a vehicle that may end up damaged during those exciting race days at the race track and enjoy the civility your A4 on public roads. Thats my nickel.