Geez...no need to slam dunk the guy. Seems like too many people on a4.org have a superior attitude, and I've heard from friends that they no longer visit this resource because of it. Now I dont mean to slam the respondent here and make things worse, but these kind of comments turn people off. This board used to be a much kinder place.

I have a 2.8 so I say yes. ;) Chipping has some warranty issues but most people don't seem to have a problem with their dealer. Assume that you can get the power of the 1.8 up to or exceeding the 2.8. Test drive both and see which one you like best as far as engine characteristics, interior, and ride goes. I like the 2.8 with the leather and wood, I didn't want to mess with chipping and warranty issues, I like the V6 over a turbo 4, and I liked the way the 2.8 was quieter. This is very subjective so you must test drive both and decide yourself. Make sure you try out the sports package.<p>Mark (98.5 2.8 QMS)

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This question is raised alot in the forum. The two engines are so different from one another. You have to drive both to decide which one you like best. I personally prefer the 2.8 because its a softer more comfortable ride. <br>My girlfriend has a 1.8T and its a whole different experience. It has a more race-car kind of feel to it. Sometimes I really like that sporty turbo feel, but most of the time I'm more in the mood for the luxury feel of my 2.8. <p>Drive both. Its more than just the HP of the engines.

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And I liked it alot. Right now I have a 1.8T, but it is automatic. I'm wanting to make the move to a manual, but am not sure if I should also increase the engine. I have not chipped my 1.8T, but was wanting to consider what a 1.8T would be like chipped in an manual. I don't exactly know how to test drive a chipped 1.8T since I can't very well test drive one of those at the dealer. <p>The 2.8 seemed like a much smoother ride than my 1.8 and the engine seemed better matched to the car - quieter, etc. but I also did notice that it did not feel as sporty. That was why I was wondering if anyone else had done this comparison.<p>Thanks for your help. Anyone else?<p>Matt<br>1.8TA

You know, it's been said better here many times before, but I think it's the whole package with the 2.8 that makes the difference. I've now got over 44K miles on my 98 2.8Q sport, and I love the fact that it's both smooth for normal driving and sporty when I downshift and go! The idea of chipping a 1.8T is tempting but sounds like it would be more fun in a new Beetle if what you're really looking for in the A4 is the nice blend of luxury and sport that it can provide. No doubt that the 1.8t chipped represents a great "bargain" on a great car, but it's not quite the total package that the 2.8 is, IMHO. Actually, I think the 2.8 30v is still a bit underpowered, though its smoothness can be deceiving. I think the car's a bit too heavy for the base (unchipped) 1.8t/auto trans. Sounds to me like chipping the 1.8T is almost "mandatory" to get the full enjoyment out of the car. I was unimpressed with the 1.8T / autos that I drove before getting the 30v. <p>Rich<br>'98 2.8 30v sport<br>

if you will definitely sell the car while it is within the 50,000 mile warranty, might go for a chipped Turbo.<br>If you keep a car long-term (like me), would suggest a V6. I have not heard of anyone getting 100,000 miles out of a hard-driven turbo car without BIG repair bills. My old normally aspirated '90 Audi Coupe Quattro and '84 Porsche Carrera all went over 125,000 miles without any engine work and the engines were in great shape when the cars were sold.<br>

Rich - That's exactly what I was thinking about the 2.8, that is was a little underpowered. Even though it was manual, it still didn't have as much jump as I expected when I took it out driving. That was my primary consideration for getting a 1.8 and chipping it. But then again, the question is whether I'm a race car driver or not... :) Thanks.<p>Matt