[quote=“Daddie,post:16,topic:28621"”]
BTW, the A4’s Quattro is the greatest AWD system I’ve driven with, with the exception of an Audi 90’s quattro system with locking rear diff.
[/quote]
especially if you cut the right wire that disables the feature that unlocks the rear diff at 15 MPH.
There are 2 different 2.8s that were offered, a 12V and 30V. The one big reason I’d lean towards the 12V is because the cam seals have a tendency to develop leaks around 100K and are an expensive part that is extremely labor intensive to replace on 30Vs.
If it were me though, I’d drive a 1.8t in an A4. It gets the best fuel economy by a decent margin, are reliable if properly maintained and with a few small mods they can get out of their own way. Stay on top of the timing belt and water pump, every 60K and oil changes every 5k with good synthetic and an OEM filter and they are a reliable car. Most of the horror stories you hear about 1.8ts usually involve a lack of maintenance. Don’t forget, 2.8s have a timing belt and water pump that need regular replacement too!
If you are thinking VW, a TDI is your only real option. 2.0s are gutless and you get bored with it really fast. The 2 versions of the VR6 are nice, but the 12V is a little short on power for the MK4 chassis, and fuel economy is only good on the highway. 1.8Ts are decent, but they have such a boy racer rep in VWs. Oh, and FWD sucks. The TDI is the only reason I still own a VW.