I test drove an A4 1.8T last month and was very impressed, especially with the overall quality and the low-end torque produced by such a small engine.<p>But after reading messages on this forum for the last month, I'm really wondering if I would be happy with this car since all everyone talks about on this site is dumping thousands of dollars into chips, and suspenison upgrades. When I was in college, I drove and modified the hell out of a VW GTI. Since then, I've been driving a '90 Eagle Talon TSi AWD which has performed great for 8 years. But now at 31 years old, I just want to buy a nice car that performs well without having to modify it. The only cars that really interest me are the A4, the Prelude SH, and the 323i (which is bordering on what I can really afford).<p>I know that a 1.8T can't accelerate like my Talon, but will it really feel like a dog? Is that why all you guys feel the need to chip them?<br>And even though I've reaped the benefits of AWD for the last 8 years, I'd have to pass on going Quattro on the 1.8T so I wouldn't be lugging along 250 lbs that would rarely be of noticable benefit.<p>Any comments would be greatly appreciated.<p>Rob

I don't have an A4 yet, but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get one within the next 6 months. I've already test drove a lot of other cars [including the prelude] and I feel the A4 1.8t has the best of all worlds: decent performance, useable space and stunning looks. I used to drive a E36 325is, and it was nice, but they're a dime a dozen. That's why I don't want one of the new 3s.<p>Hope this helps a bit.<p>gco

I think most people are really happy with their 1.8T's<br>in stock form, but when you chip, a whole new car<br>comes out. Thirty to fifty extra horsepower is very,<br>very noticeable with that car. I think I can speak<br>for all chipped 1.8T owners that they would never<br>go back to stock form. I personally run the Wett 1.0 bar chip in mine.<p>I think if you got a 1.8T, and eventually all of<br>us on the forum convinced you to get a chip, you<br>would regret not getting quattro. I've seen a couple<br>A4's with front-trak doing way too much wheelspin<br>(and to me, any is too much on a car like the A4).<br>The quattro system is seamless, it's like it's not<br>even there.<p>My $.02<p>Corey S<br>Wett 97 1.8TQM<ul><li><a href="http://www.2xtreme.net/smythe">Corey's A4 Page</a></li></ul>

Yeah, I agree that with 180-200 HP, passing on the Quattro option would be quite foolish. But I guess my real question is, will chipping destroy the engine? I think that if I chipped it, I'd only feel comfortable going to 180 HP. <p>What chips are available for an extra 30HP only, and how much will the torque increase?<p>Thanks for your help.

Rob,<p>I know what you mean, I too was in the market for a nice car that was fun enough in stock form to enjoy. I got rid of my last car (a mustang) because there were way to many things that I wanted to do to the car and was looking for something with comparable handling. Ya, it's not as quick as other cars, but it's still pretty quick in stock form. With quattro it gives you a sense of security that other cars that handle this well don't. As far as modifications, with the sport suspension this car handles very well. I think that most people will find it a good combination of sport and comfort. Most of the people who modify their suspensions are pretty heavily involved in some type of track event. As far as acceleration, can you live with the knowledge that there is relatively cheap horsepower available. The car is more than adequate as is, but it is tempting when it's so cheap and easy. That is up to you.<p>Gary B<br>1.8tqms

Rob,<p>Have you considered the A4 2.8? In stock form, its performance is very close to that of a chipped 1.8T, will give your talon a run for its money, and you dont have to worry about warranty issues with the chips.<p>I had the same dilema as you and chose the 2.8. I actually had a 1.8T that was chipped first but the acceleration felt like a 12 year old who grew a foot in one year... kinda clumsy, so i traded it for a 2.8 and have never looked back. <p>My guess is that if you get the manual, sports package, quattro, A/W package, and sunrooof, you could get a 2.8 for about $30k. A comparable 1.8T would be about $27k. There's a difference of $3k there, but if you compare the 30v to the 323, it's a whole lot cheaper and its faster than the 323 and just as fast as a chipped 1.8T and you dont have to try to hide the chip at service time. IMHO, if $30k is completely out of your budget, go for the 1.8, if it's not... you can't go wrong with the 2.8.<p>Hope this helps!<br>Jim S.<br>98 2.8qms

About the ones on this BB that talk about chipping their cars...it's not that the 1.8 is a dog, it's that they just want to make it faster. No need to spend thousands of dollars. If you want, you can get a chip for as little as $140. Remember most of the people on this BB are enthusiasts, not you're normal everyday drivers. Most of the chippers purchased the car because of the potential to modify the car to a great performer.<p>If the performance of the stock 1.8 was impressive, I'm sure you'll still like it in the future, but you also have a low cost option - chipping.<p>About the SH. Great handling. Nice and nimble. For me, it's too cramped and the interior just looked too cheap for a $25,000 dollar car. The ATTS really never comes in handy unless the car is really pushed on turns. Worth the cost? Not for my sister. She never does any spirited driving. She does like the fact that the body looks a little better and there aren't many SH's out there compared to the regular Preludes.<p>Drew<p><br>

I bought my 1.8TM with the sport package for preety much the same reason you state. I wanted a nice car that performs well and was fun to drive. The A4 has been that and much more for me. I like the sport package as perfect for handling both daily driving and more spirited runs.<p>I debated the quattro choice and made my decision based on my feelings on weight/hp/need. I would suggest you make the decision based on your own factors. I don't feel the car lacks performance, but I am thinking about chipping with Neuspeed mostly because I think the price vs. gains is a good deal. Even with this setup I don't think that I would change my decision with regards to the quattro.<p>I hope this was helpful from a different perspective.

Sounds like you're in the same boat as me. I'm 31 and looking for a "nice car that performs well without having to modify it".<p>After months of comparisons, I've finally decided on an A4 2.8 Quattro. But if that's a little out of your price range, a fully loaded Passat GLS V6 with leather should run in the $25,000 - $26,000. Drop the leather and you'll save about $1200. Really nice car for the price.

I won't say much about the two cars but I'll say something about ATTS vs Quattro.<br>If I remember it correctly, the Quattro option is cheaper than ATTS even if you subtract the spoiler, painted side molding, leather shifting and SH wheel price diff., which the base Prelude does not have. I know this because my friend is getting one. <p>To me ATTS is simply no worth it and I think many Prelude drivers will agree with me. You are paying more for ATTS which only improves the front wheel handling to some extend during hard cornering. ATTS still does not give you traction control. It's heavier and slower in terms of acceleration compars to the base model. I'd like to remind you that one of the best handling Honda, the race-tuned Acura Intergra Type-R, does not have ATTS system. Why doesn't Honda put ATTS on it? <p>The relatively cheaper Quattro option on the other hand give you two extra wheel-traction and much more. You should probably aware of the AWD advantage so no need for me to go on and on about it. Again, I'm just pointing out the value ot the two systems.<p>Kevin C.<br>Silver 1.8TQM<br>Vancouver A4 Club

My take on it was thus:<p>The Prelude has always been Honda's showcase for new technology. If you look back at the history of the Prelude, it had the 4ws (neat! I still want to drive one of these), I think it was the first Honda to get a vtec engine, etc. Yes, the Type-R handles very well, but at the price of a very stiff suspension. In day to day driving, the Prelude is probably much more comfortable. If ATTS is successful, I think you will see it propagated to other models in the Honda lineup, including the Integra.<p>Aside from it's funky headlights and the OH-MY-GOD-IT'S-SO-BORING interior, I really like the new Prelude.<p>Warren

When I first bought my A4 1.8T FWD, I thought maybe I would regret it...it's been 10 months but I don't regret it at all. Someone mentioned wheel-spin somewhere in this thread but if you know how to launch correctly, that is not a problems. If you're buying an A4 for normal everyday driving, Quattro is not required. However, a little more horsepower may be required. I personally have the Neuspeed. WHY? because it was not over-priced and not over-tuned like the others. I've been chipped for about 2 months now and I have ZERO complaints. I also have the the clear corner lights and clear side markers which I think are NOT a must but got anyway. And finally a RAMAIR filter. I promised to myself that I would not lower my A4 but it seems like I'm going to. <p>If I were in your shoes, I would completely eliminate the Prelude and decide between the new 323 or the A4. I'm trying to get my wife into a 99 323. Good Luck!