Hey everyone I was looking around for a nice Daily Driver and the A4 1.8t came to mind. I absolutely love the car! But after looking at the 1/4th mile time and such im getting the idea that its not that quick. I was also looking at like a 99 Civic Ex cause its good on gas mileage, cheaper than the a4, and pretty much runs the same in the 1/4th as a 99 a4. If i got the A4 id be going from ~300rwhp with my Z to 150 at the crank with the A4. But that doesnt really bother me because i can keep my Z as the track car, and the audi for the twisties. Im already getting talked into the buying the civic, i dont know anyone with an A4 so someone convince me to get the A4 over the civic! id be getting like a 98-00 possibly 01. Thanks!

 

All i can say is drive one in the twisties, then a drive the civic in the twisties, that will convince you immediatly

 

Ill definately have to do that, and i know for sure the A4 will out perform the civic in the twisties, only thing keeping the civic on the list is the gas mileage and the price. How much boost can you push on stock internals safely? I have searched for this stuff, but i have had little luck finding exactly what im looking for. Thanks

 

definetly go drive both your mind will be made instantly and if you live where you get snow you will love the Quattro even more

 

The one im looking at is a 1999 Audi A4 5spd. Was there an engine change in 2001? Is it worth getting a 2001 for the extra 20hp? I guess what im asking is, could i see the same kinda power in the 99 compared to the 01 with the same mods after light to medium modding.

 

There was an engine change in 2000. They went to Drive by wire (electronically controlled throttle) instead of Drive by cable. If your going to keep the car stock DBW is better mainly because of much better throttle response. However, if you ever plan on upgrading your turbo many will argue that nonDBW is better because many people run into problems with the DBW ECUs trying to limit the turbos capabilities. I'm sure you've heard of performance chips by now for our cars. Basically the chip is a must. It'll take you from roughly a 17 second quarter to a low to mid 15 quarter (still slow but a very noticeable improvement). The reasons I got my A4 are simple. I see very few B5 A4s where as civics camaros and mustangs are owned by everyother person alive. I have the sport suspension and it handles AMAZINGLY well for a stock sedan. The interior comfort is unbeatable in its price range and mods for 1.8T are endless. Like TomRitt said drive a Civic then drive an A4 and decide for yourself. I average about 24mpg with my chipped A4 on 93 octane where I would average about 30mpg in a Civic with 87 octane. My car is such a pleasure to drive though I couldn't care less. Hopefully the '99 you're looking at is a '99.5 with sport suspension. You can tell it's a '99.5 by 1.) the A4 and 1.8T badges will be below the Audi logo on the trunk lid not in line with it 2.) the sidemarkers will be clear not orange 3.) the headlights are one piece 4.) there are several other changes but these are the most noticeable. If it has sport suspension it'll have 16" 7 spoke wheels and the shocks will be red. Good luck on your decision.

 

Exactly what i was looking for, THANKS! Hopefully i can go test drive it today and find out if its a 99.5 , I dont know if i will be upgrading the turbo, but definately will be modding it. What gives it that extra 20hp? Just the DBW?

 

The A4 stock is only 150 at the crank true. With some light mods such as a chip, exhaust, and a new dv. the car will be over 200 horse with about 250 lbs. torque. The car is extremely fun to drive. Compare it to a civic is like comparing a steak dinner from Ruth Chris to McDonald's. If you had the choice you'd eat at Ruth Chris.

In my opinion the best year of the B5 A4 is the 99.5. As it has new style tailights that year, one piece projector headlights, and is also drive by cable.

 

Just increased timing and fuel add the extra 20 HP .
Get the Audi , you wont regret it. And if you want to make it a bit faster and add 40-50HP and 70TQ you can chip it for about $500

 

Ok, im convinced Thanks guys, now its just the matter of insurance, if i can get that sorted out affordably, then consider me a a4 owner!