I am thinking of buying a 98 A4 that is for sale. I have a couple of questions. The one I am looking at is a 2.8. Are they better than the 1.8t? Do you have to change the timing belts on the 2.8's? Most Important are they RELIABLE?

Any suggestions would be most helpful! Thanks

 

Here you go:

https://www.audiforums.com/forum/audi-a4-8/newbie-guide-version-2-a-80968/

 

If you need to capitalize "RELIABLE" then you probably shouldn't be looking at Audis. The 2.8 is a little more reliable than the 1.8T, but I don't believe that makes it "better" though

All timing belts need changed. Audis don't use timing chains if thats what you mean.

 

get ready to spend a s**t load on up keep

 

ya, the 2.8 is probably a little bit more reliable then the 1.8T. they are a pretty reliable car but if you have a problem and don't have a warranty, it will cost a lot to fix it.

 

I have always BMW's since I turned 16. I know german cars are and how volkswagens are. What I mean by reliable is: are the engines and manuls transmission good on them. The one I am looking at has 130k on it. Can these go to 200k and beyond if maintained.

I loved my BMW's but the interiors on those fall apart like crazy. I don't mind fixing mechanical stuff just not glue door panels together all the time.

What can you do to make the 1.8t faster than the 2.8?

 

All of those questions are answered in the link I gave you. Please click it.

 

2.8 motor won't have the oil gunking problems,a turbo to go out on you, more random brittle boost lines and turbo related equipment to fail. However the power you get with the 2.8 upfront, is the power you will always have. Exhaust,chip,intake will add maybe 10ish horsepower to the wheels if your lucky. It's also heavier and has a heavier engine which means it will be more nose heavy. It was available with more options, such as leather seats and wood trim that wasn't available on the 1.8.
The 1.8 starts off with either a 150 or 170BHP motor. The vaccum lines are gonna need to be changed every couple of years, not a hard job but you won't boost without it. As previously mentioned the turbo adds many more parts to fail and diagnose. It was available with fewer options then the 2.8 and there are no leather seats, just leatherette. However with a Chip,intake(which doesn't add hp),and exhaust you can push around 220ishBHP in a car a couple of pounds lighter and not as nose heavy. The gearing on the 1.8T is much shorter then the 2.8. In the 1.8 at 85 mph your at 4000 in top gear RPM, in the 2.8 your at 3500RPM.
I chose the 1.8t for its modability and lighter weight. For a Gbone you can have a quick lil car capable of being just slightly slower then a WRX stock. Just don't excpect it to handle like one...

 

yea if youre at all into modding and making your car your own, and enjoy doing the work yourself id say go for the 1.8.. lotta fun to drive and take care of.. few more quirks than the 2.8 but better gas mileage (depending how hard you drive it) which in my case isnt very hard.. i like to get on it now and again like everyone else but more **** breaks the harder you push your car.. and since mines almost 10 years old, lets face it that **** happens.. haha.. the car sat for a few months before i bought it.. wasnt driven.. so so far ive replaced a steering rack.. rear pads/rotors.. CV joint/boot.. two speed sensors.. and a little bit of body work.. (replaced rusted fender, surface rust on drivers door) and the car runs excellent.. interior has held up very well, almost looks new.. love for audis is something in the blood thats all i know