1996 A4 2.8.... dissapointed with the lack of power
 

I just got my hands on a nice, well maintained, family owned 3rd car, low milage (75K) A4 2.8, everything works good (except with a problem with the climate control display going off sometimes) , and I can't believe the car takes that long to get into a decent speed... Feels like all cars are faster than me, @ least before get to 60 miles. It has to be a problem, cause if it's not and that's the power of a 2.8L GERMAN engine then everything of what I was thinking about them goes to a trash bag!!

I'm not a race guy, and I don't like speeding tickets... But I would love to feel I have some power if I decide to go nuts!

Thanks everyone and this is a great site!

Nico

Welcome! Your 2.8 is a 12 valve engine, it's not known for speed. From the factory it was only rated at 170chp.

You mention it was well maintained, but were things like oxygen sensors, air filter, etc. replaced at all recently? If not this could be a good starting point, because if they're old it could lead to a reduction in power.

Mine goes pretty good...
 

Thinking you may just need a tune up or something else is going on. My 96 has 210k miles and while it is definitely no speed demon, it still gets out of its own way. Mine is a 5 speed though, the automatic tranny may be the nail in the turtles coffin...

Not to mention quattro. Even at 170chp at the wheel you are talking 125whp. A camery will give you a run for your money.

Didn't you test drive the car before you buy it?

shoulda bought a 30V !

i had one before my 1.8T and the power from the 2.8 30V was great.
although it was a five speed

the 1.8T is much more fun though

I liked my 30v alright. It did well on the highway and it pulled hard out of the corners so I happy.

I like my 30v too. Once the revs get up a little it's quite peppy... Not much power down low though.

12v's are where it's at! It's a slow ride but pretty dependable. Just be prepared to change everything made of rubber (bushings and vac lines).

Hello everyone and thanks for all the replies!
Today I have to stop and go up hill, and it was pretty obvious that everyone was bitching about how slow was my riding... I also got a little "claxon" time from someone behind me... So I'm starting to thing that something is not quite right...
Again, it's like it's not breathing properly and it's struggling to get going, once it gets going, it's perfect! Gas filter? Air filter? Maybe spark plugs?
I'll check that as soon as I have a break, but I need ideas! Please help!