X8Jadis

i've ordered a winning blue 190 bhp . I was told that the torque is better in the lower gears and more responsive and therefore better mpg.
Anyone got any experience on these points driving the lower power version?

IKnowNot'ing

I have a low power too. Although I haven't tried a compare myself, some who did reported to me a definite feeling of lack of torque on the high power compared to the low power. Maybe it's purely subjective as people would expect a higher level of performance at lower revs considering the very high level of performance they feel at higher revs.
The max torque figure is OK for a 2,6l (about the same as my previous A4 V6), borderline for 192hp and maybe a bit on he low side for a 231hp engine. However, I found the performance feel to be very goods, probably thanks to the electronic throttle body opening wide at the slightest driver's demand.
For fuel economy, it's again borderline, but I must admit I'm always tempted to rev it a lot more than my previous cars. And driving slowly does not really improve FE so I opted to not minding FE any more and enjoy this very nice car indeed...

X8Jadis

Thanks for that....I test drove a 230 bhp before my Alfa 156 2.0 TS engine was rebuilt as the cam belt broke...the torque is now amazing even for a 2 litre. Im now wondering if i've made the right decision as i'm really enjoying the feel of the Alfa. Its done 63k and is driving better than ever.

IKnowNot'ing

You can't really compare a mass-produced 4-cyl FWD car with the engineering beauty the RX8 really is (mid-front mounted engine, rotary, RWD, LSD, ...). To tell you the truth, we had a used 204hp Boxster before, and I don't feel short-changed at all with my 8. Quite the contrary actually : more exclusive (have yet to see one!), cheaper, room for our baby daughter and her buggy, and more confy.

Sue Esponte

Sounds like the same reason I might be shedding my 263hp TT for an RX8....of course, I don't have the baby or the buggy yet. Time will tell.

-Eric

IKnowNot'ing

Although I've owned a lot of Audis, I never considered a TT for the same reasons explained before : 4-cyl engine, fake 'quattro' (FWD defaulting Haldex system), ... The new V6 model is way to expensive too.

Sue Esponte

The 4cyl thing falls on deaf ears with me. I guess I just don't get it. The original Lotus Espirit and current Lotus Elise were and are both 4 bangers....awesome sports cars. Honda S2K, another great car...just has to be driven differently in order to exact power from it...much like an RX8. Funny that you'd love an RX8 which definitely doesn't drive or deliver power like a flat or straight 6, and certainly not a v8, and not consider a 4cyl.

And, I guess I don't get the fake quattro point either, especially since I've driven Audi Quattro's (since the '80s) in the snow...and quite honestly, unless you're racing it in the mud couldn't tell you the difference. I've taken my TT through a foot of soft snow up a steep driveway undeterred on numerous occassions. So, given the option, I'd take 'fake' quattro over no quattro. The Haldex unit throws power to the rear wheels so quickly you'd never know they weren't being powered the entire time.

I don't think the v6 is "way overpriced" since it's only a grand or so more than a 225 in the States. My problem with the 3.2, however, is that it doesn't deliver enough power over a chipped 225 to warrant that extra dollar. The v6 should put out at least 280-300hp in order to command the premium....not 250...but hp has never been Audi's thing (outside of it's S-line and RS models). The only reason I'd go with a 3.2 over a 225 is to lose the turbo...but since Audi NA is only offering it in the States with DSG it's not for me. Too bad the 6speed 3.2 is Euro-only.

-Eric

IKnowNot'ing

Eric,

What I mentionned in my post only reflects my opinion. It's definitely no gospel...

Indeed, there are a few nice and refined 4-cyl available in some vehicles. The Audi 1.8 Turbo is unfortunately, IMHO, not one of them. The rotary is different enough to a 4-cyl to appeal to my engineering pedantism. It's got a smoother power stroke delivery too. But it's true it's no I6 or V8...

My approach to the 'fake quattro' was a bit extremist, I must admit. I've driven a few Haldex equipped cars recently and, it is true you cannot tell the difference unless you really drive at 10 tenth, which is not my case anyway. And like you, I'd definitely take the Haldex over FWD! And even without Haldex, the TT remains a nice driver's car.

In Europe, there is a serious premium for V6 engines on Audis, about 5 to 6000 Eur (you can consider 1Eur=1USD).

Sue Esponte

Oh, you know it's gospel! ;-)

And, for what it's worth, I'd agree that the VAG 1.8T isn't the smoothest of 4 cyls. In fact, I think it's somewhat gravely at low RPMs.

-Eric