Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Has anyone driven the new A4?

I am looking to replace my SVT for something new and pass the SVT to my girlfriend. I've been looking at the Lexus IS300 and also the A4. How does the A4 1.8T compare to the SVT performance wise and handling? I don't think I could afford the 3.0 but the 1.8T is possible and I think it looks sharper than the Lexus IS300. My concern is not going backwards as far as performance, my car needs to be fun to drive and as we know it would be a quality upgrade from the SVT the fun factor is a deciding factor. Thanks for you help.

You may want to check out the WRX or wait a few more months to see what goodies are going to be headed our way. The "bang for your buck sports car" game is heating up, and it's going to be a fun time to buy soon! (already is... but I anticipate even moreso)

I have always adored the A4. Then I even loved it more when the 1.8T came out. I have driven about 3 or 4 different ones, including the original 2.8 12V, the 1.8T (150 hp) in Tiptronic and manual, and the 2.8 30V in Tiptronic form. For some reason I never found one at the right time, then I bought the SVT.

The 1.8T is very "peppy", though not nearly as fast as the SVT Contour. However, there are so many good chips out there, that one can easily get 200+ hp and 200+ lb/ft torque out of your stock 1.8T engine for several hun $. Brilliant engine because of its ease of upgrading and apparent durability. It's been years now that owners have had chips available, and have you ever heard of an A4 owner blowing their engine?

Must have options: Quattro and the sport package, which lowers the car a tad, stiffens up the suspension, and usually provides better wheels/tires.

Now with the new 2002 A4, I am a bit mixed in terms of opinion. I've only sat in the 2002 A4. It's got an even better interior, but the thing gained a couple hundred lbs, so it won't be as sprightly as the old A4.

I mean 3400 lb for a little 1.8T is a lot of car to pull around!

I always think about trading my SVT for a used 1.8T (pre 2002) but I have 3 more years of extended warranty on the Ford, so maybe not...

Great cars, just think the 2002 is a bit porky.

Kerry

Hey SVT10,

I just recently finished test driving the A4 1.8T (5 spd), A4 3.0 (6 spd) and the S4. All on the same day in this order. My experience behind the wheel of the 1.8T was alright but not enough to rid me of my '99 SVT. Here are my thoughts:

1) I wasn't really impressed by the pudgy look and stance of the redesigned exterior. I do like the dual exhaust and tail lights;

2) I hated the faux leather seating but loved the amenities (heated seats, dual zone climate control and aluminum trim), stuff our SVTs never got to see;

3) As for performance, my SVT is way more fun to drive. I think this has lots to do with the sound of our exhaust. I found the 1.8T has an unfriendly shift feel. Don't get me wrong, the car can haul ass........just not the way I like it.

4) I would opt for the performace package. The 17" wheels on the 3.0 I test drove made a world of difference compared to the 15" on the 1.8T.

Things got better when I got into the 3.0. This was due to: real leather, more comfortable seating, the optional performance package and the V6 motor.

If you have the cash, shoot for the top and inquire about the '02 S4. This still has the old body style (my preference) and the 2.7 litre twin turbo engine. Unbelievable. Audi has ceased production of the '02 S4 due to the upcoming redesign (rumoured V8). An '02 S4 may be difficult to find but possibly priced right.

By the way, I got a speeding ticket while test driving the 1.8T about 40 seconds after pulling off the lot. Maybe this tarnished the experience.

After this run of test drives I was left wanting the S4. I new if I bit and traded in the SVT on either the 1.8T or 3.0 I would have been left wanting more (S4), which happens to not be in the cards at the moment. Thus, the SVT rides on!

My uncle works for Audi as an engineering efficiancy expert. If you're interested in a hot rod and a bang for the buck, check out Jetta 1.8L T's. Both A-4 s and Jettas roll off the same assembly line in Inglestadt Germany (just south of Munich). If my father's new Jetta TDI is any indication (lower in pickup than the Gasoline variant naturally) they are a joy to drive. Dad's TDI is very fast, even in the starts, comfortable and hugs corners almost as well...ok better than my gal's stretch pants. A joy to drive.

SVT10,

I drove the brand new '02 A4, but it was the 2.8. I have to say that the car is pure class. Plain and simple. everything was all out. In comparison to the SVT, the ride was much smoother, accel. was lagging a bit though, but I just felt SO MONEY in the driver's seat. The pleather seats are definite downfall, but the dealer said that it will wear better and it has real leather on the sides of the seat. Maybe it was just me, but I was in love with the car, but got slapped in the face with the reality that I can't afford it. my 2c.

jaimieboy,

I am pretty sure that many, if not most Jettas are made in Mexico. I have many friends who live down there and they're all rollin' Jettas. (I might be off with the TDI though,heck, might be wrong about it all! )

The 2.8 was replaced in 2002 with a 3.0.

You actually got a ticket, or just got pulled over and given a warning? If you got the ticket, that just sucks! Always wondered if that could happen while on a test drive

The A4 1.8T is a bargin of luxury and performance potential. But in stock trim, is underwelming. AWD takes away the fun factor. Hint: get the IS.

you sure about that, last i heard was that the passat was from germany and the jetta was from mexico, as far as production. And thats a big difference.