<br>Hello all, <p>I am kinda shopping for a new vehicle, and the A4 is currently at the top of my list. I actually stumbled on this site by accident, but am very suprised at the large volume of A4 enthusiasts as well as aftermarket accessories. I am currently driving a 1991 Nissan Pathfinder, and although I really have been pleased with my vehicle, high mileage is starting to take its toll. I DO Not want another SUV primarily because an all-wheel drive car seems more efficient. I do need a vehicle that will take me to the ski slopes and my favorite mountain biking spots....and I believe the A4 Quattro is the perfect vehicle.<p>I would like to know the +/- of the A4 1.8T and 2.8. I am leaning toward the 1.8 because it is turbocharged, but is there anything special about the 2.8? How many horses does an aftermarket exhaust and chip provide? I will be buying a Vehicle coming off a lease...please let me know what I should look out for. <p>Thanks in advance, Brett

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BR, I'll try to answer some of your questions. There is also extensive discussion on this subject in the archives. As far as replacing your SUV with an A4 goes your are on the right track, however keep in mind that they are not interchangeable. I too have a SUV and I find the A4 much more stable and safe feeling than the SUV. You will not be able to haul as many people in the A4. 4 adults in VERY cramped, especially with ski attire. I would not haul more than 2 for comfort. As far as mountain biking. Just remember the A4 is not an off road vehicle and you shouldn't be taking it on rough dirt roads.<br> Comparing the 1.8 and the 2.8 comes down to preference. The 2.8 will give you more of a luxery feel. Smoother motor, Power seats etc. The 1.8 is considered more "sporty" due to the turbo and it's upgradeabiliy (is that a word). So decide for yourself. As far as a chip and exhaust. The possibilities on the 1.8 are many. A standard chip and exhaust upgrade will get you up around 200 hp. I have a 1.8T myself, let me knw if you have any specific questions.

Brett,<p> First off, good choice with the A4 on the top of your list. I am not sure if you will get much responds here now, since much of what you asked have already been asked many, many times... so, I would check the archives for more details... <br>On the hand, I am bored,... so I will quickly answer some of your questions. <br>The main difference between the 1.8T and the 2.8 is the engine.. duh! Right? Well, in stock form, the 2.8 puts out 190hp and the 1.8T puts out 150hp. The 2.8 is considered by many abit more luxury oriented than the 1.8T (more sporty). You get the wood trim interior, chrome ext. window trims in the 2.8. The engine itself is also quieter at higher rpms, compare to the 1.8T.<br>The 1.8T is more of a tuner's car, if you are into that type of thing. Most of us w/ 1.8Ts here have already or will throw a aftermarket chip to bump the boost up. This varies from vendor to vendor. Everybody has their own opinions about which chip vendor to go with... I'll leave that up to you. After all, you will be the one driving it. Oh, and don't bother asking chip questions anymore... it's better to search the archives. <br>Well, I hope this will help you get started on your search for your A4. <br>Good luck!<p>Cris<br>

<br>thanks for the responses guys(nm)

This is a general statement that relates to people who have spent a lot of time on this forum. Whenever, a newcomer posts a question that has been posted numerous times before, some veterans of this forum jump all over the guy for not checking the archives, or give a wise remark. In my opinion, this elitist attitude is disturbing. If you don't like to tackle an old topic, simply leave it to someone else to respond to the post.<p>Now, on to my own response. I own neither models of the A4. I did test drive them back to back and I prefered the 2.8. I think for the roughly $4,000 price difference, the smoother V6 engine, more luxurious interior and the generally quieter ride would be worth it to me. I am not the type to modify the car. I currently own a turbocharged car, but prefer to have a larger and more powerful normally aspirated engine. Also, I found the aluminum trim on the opal gray interior of the 1.8T a little bland. The wood trim on the 2.8 was more appealing. <p>Now, if I were looking at a BMW 323i vs 328i, I would not pay the similar price just to get the more powerful V6.

As was already suggested, do check the archives if you have a chance. <p>I too owned Pathfinders before my A4. There's no comparison between the two vehicles. I absolutely love my 1.8T.<p>I bought the 1.8 for a variety of reasons. First, there's the advantage of a turbo at altitude. Second, the car is better balanced than the 2.8. Third, if there isn't enough power for you, chip it. Fourth, you can save 4,000 bucks. You should drive both back to back and decide. The 2.8 will be a bit smoother, but the 20 valve 4 is a remarkable little engine. Also, if you must have leather and wood, the 2.8 is the only car for you. They're both great cars but for slightly different target audiences.<p>Andy

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