I'm debating on buying an Audi in the near future and don't know whether to go with a b5 a4 1.8t or the 2.8

Obviously the 2.8 makes more power from the factory, but which has more modding potential [for power obviously]? Sorry for the noob question but I don't know much about Audis, I've been a Bimmer guy the past3 years.Also, how reliable are these thingsand what are some common faults? For example, BMW waterpumps are garbage, and in the e36s they had all kinds of small issues like window regulators, burnt screen pixels, power seat motors seizing, etc.

I'd like to achieve around 220-250whp IF possible. If not, I'll take what I can get haha

Thanks!

 

Why not go for an S4? You can get more power out of one than you can with the A4. I would definitely go with the B5.

I would say that the 1.8T could get more power easily. The turbo can be replaced. I don't know if you can supercharge the 2.8 or not, I own the 2.7TT S4. My dad has a B5 1.8T, and I would imagine that a chip and some exhaust you help you out performance wise. Not to mention upgrading the turbo to a K04 or GT. And problem wise, the waterpump and timing belt need replacing every 70,000 or so miles. Control arms crap out a lot. Other than that I'm not sure about the A4s. Hopefully you find an Audi soon, I love mine!

Oh yea, the 2.8 is more reliable since it doesn't have forced induction like the 1.8T. But I would imagine that the 1.8T is more fun than the 2.8.

 

if you know anything about upgrades then you should know newer cars are controlled by the ECU, pre 1995 cars on the other hand serve you well and are not controlled by the ECU to a point like injection rate and other things

 

I would get the s4 if u got the money but if not get a 1.8T. You can do a whollle lot to the engine!

 

b5 s4 and done

 

B5 S4 and a performance chip will give you 230whp. There are many guys running a A4's with 300whp it just takes a little money. I looked into buying Renn Arts Project Car last year, 12 second car, that thing was fast as hell.

A4 will make a better road racecar and it will handle better because it has less weight up front.
A4's alot better on fuel too

S4 has more displacement and thus a power advantage
S4 has better gearing with a 6 speed

 

if your deff. gunna mod the car then go with the 1.8T or like some others said if u can afford it get an s4. the search button works wonders and you can probably answer every question with that.