I'm getting ready to order an A4 Cab and I must choose between:

1) 1.8T CVT (will get it chip'd)
2) 3.0 CVT
3) 3.0 Quattro

Which is the least sluggish? (No, I can't afford an S4)

TIA- Ron, Oceanside CA

I have a chip'd 1.8T and I am really happy with it, but go for the 3.0 Quattro.

3.0 non quattro manual surely...?

The weight and drag of the quattro drivetrain will slow it down a bit...

Ari.

sure, but the handling of the quattro is outstanding.

The Quattro adds about 200 pounds. Does your car feel noticeably slower when you add a 200 pound passenger?

I will try to drive all 3 today. If I can't locate Cabs, maybe I'll drive the much more available Sedans. The least sluggish Sedan drive train should also be the least sluggish, though heavier Cab.

I like the Moro Blue Pearl with the Blue top. I also need to compare the sport vs. non-sport package. I'm moving to the A4 from a 1995 SL500.

Then I have to compare the leather seating surfaces, Premium leather, and Premium leather sport seat options. Choose XM or Sirius? So many choices to make!

Before moving to the beach, we lived in a Park City, Utah ski resort for 9 years (with 500-800 inches of snow in my driveway every winter). There I owned a 1996 A4 Quattro (zero problems in 3 years) and a 1999 A6 Quattro (several fuel senders). Both cars drove incredibly well in the deep snow. Of course, both were even more sluggish then the current models, so I can live with sluggish!

Thanks- Ron, Oceanside CA

This is the one to go for for sure, I have driven both with quattro and without on the 3.0 and I deffinately think the Quattro seems quicker!
The official stance is they are both exactly the same, 0-60 in 7.9, but it feels quick and handles amazingly well.

I pick my 3.0 Sport Quattro up tomorrow... its loaded too!! Can't wait to officially join the cluB!!!

It's not just weight with the quattro system, it's drag. Have a look at the quattro/non quattro 0-60 times...

Not knocking quattro, it's a good thing, but to answer the original question then non quattro the way to go.

Regarding your post, get sports pack, honestly. Have a look at this non sport/sport comparison to see why...<ul><li><a href="http://www.tyresmoke.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=1,20,22,25,27,3&amp;Board=reviews&amp;Num ber=60283&amp;page=0&amp;view=collapsed&amp;sb=5&amp;o=&amp;fpart=1">Click here for sport/non sport cabrio review</a></li></ul>

Official Audi figures have the quattro only 0.1 second slower 0-60. Go with the manual though!

CVT is not available on the quattro which means you would get the tiptronic if you want an auto which is dog slow!

The US Quatro only comes in Auto (Triptronic) which makes it the same speed 0-60 as the 1.8T (based on Audi brochure figures). The 1.8T feels livelier based upon the turbo. Unless you need the AWD, I would recommend the 1.8T and save the money for upgrades or a new Plasma TV.

Thanks for the info, it is very helpful. It sounds like those Premium leather sport seats are the way to go.

Today I drove several A4 sedans (2 1.8T cabs in the showroom) to compare things. First I drove a Sport 3.0 CVT, followed immediately by a Non-Sport 3.0 CVT. When I tried to make the same turns, it became crystal clear that I needed the sport and I really didn't notice a harsher ride with the Sport either.

Then I drove a Sport 3.0 Quattro auto. It really did not seem any faster that the CVT and I decided to go with the CVT since I never plan to drive it outside of southern CA. (No I can't go with a manual Quattro because of knee problems.)

Finally, I drove a Sport 1.8T CVT for comparison. While it was perfectly acceptable, I definitely found the 3.0 more to my liking.

My last decision will be colors, which may be the toughest one to make.

Thanks Again- Ron, Oceanside CA

3.0 CVT....fastest US combo...good mpg, why spend on the quattro when you live a no-snow area? Unless you want the handling of quattro---Ihavent' driven a quattro cab yet. I'm waiting for the S4 version...

Don't forget that the A4 Cab has the sport suspension of the saloon.

Therefore the sport suspension on the Cab is 30% stiffer again.

In other words you really can't drive the saloons as a direct comparison with the Cab.

Just my pennies worth. :-)

in real world driving round bends and on wet roads the quattro will run rings round a FWD. O-60 is a very poor indicator of real worl speed. Also 220 BHP is pushing the traction limits in FWD, whereas fine in quattro, so should you want to tune the car in the future for more power then you would be able to go much futher with quattro.

Quattro isn't only for snow. Even if in 0-60 the quattro is slower, you cen drive much faster with the quattro than the FWD. Unless you never turn, or if you only want to race between traffic lights

what is the saloon?

Sorry, for US residents

Saloon = Sedan :-))

I should have known that --- I met someone from England last year who was mortified that I called the thing around his waist a "fanny pack." Apparently "fanny" means something completely different in England as it is here in the US. I was told what it was...oops!

I ordered a 3.0Q originally. Someone hosed up the order and got a CVT. I went in to just drive it but with the intention of making them get me a Q.

One little jaunt on the CVT and I was impressed. The only comment I have on it is I think the 'lack of sluggishness' is more of a 'butt feel' statement than a test of the car itself.

The short time I drove it after buying it yesterday I foundmyself doing 10 - 20 MPH over what I thought I was. The CVT is an impressive engineering feat and I've yet to make it stutter or feel a shift.

While the A4 Cab is no TT Roadster, it's an impressive spacious offering.