brickboy

The SE spec and the Sport spec 130bhp motors?

In the Passat and Audi A4, both engines are rated at 130bhp.
However the torque is 210 lb-ft from 1750 to 2500rpm for the SE spec cars, and 228 lb-ft at 1900rpm for the Sport / 4Motion spec cars.

Are they identical motors, with the figures expressed slightly differently, or is there really an ECU / mechanical difference between the two?

mik

I take it the SE has 5-speed box?

This is officially rated at 214lbs.ft , whereas the 6-speed is rated at 300lbs.ft.

They therfore remap these cars to de-tune the engine for lower torque - upper end of rev range is identical (hence identical power numbers).

brickboy

Mik, yes the SE has a 5-speed box. All the 6-speed or 4WD versions have the 310NM / 228lb-ft engine, but the 5-speeders and the autos have the 285NM / 210 lb-ft engine.

So you reckon it's to do with the max torque rating for the gearboxes? In that case the 5-speed is right at the top of its range ... best not put a Tuning Box or chip in a five-speeder then

[Edited by brickboy - 1/23/2003 7:27:27 PM]

smanning

hello.

I have the 130 Sport, in Audi Quattro Form.

The biggest different (apart from the Engine dynamics) is the set up of the car. If you want it to corner, then a sport is a must as it has lowered, stiffened springs and dampers and therefore it gives a good solid ride. I have an A4 which wasnt a sport, and on the slip road of the M25 i thought i was gonna loose it as it rolled so much.

With the sport you also get better seats and the sporty steering wheel and some other gimickery.

Only about £900 for the sport option, but a MUST if you like to drive.

TopBanana

Is the sport still comfy? I've been considering a Passat because I'm sick of my 156's sports suspension. I do abut 35k miles a year

brickboy

Jlanng -- I've had an hour test drive in a Passat PD130 Sport, over a mix of roads and it soaked up the bumps very well, without being too floaty. Will have the car in a couple of weeks so will be able to give more impressions then.

Certainly rode and handled bumps better than my old Volvo T4. I think VW's version of "Sport" should be interpreted as "firm enough not to wallow all over the bloody road, but still absorbing some bumps" rather than the Italian interpretation of "stiff as a bloody concrete block" ...

Seats are better in the Sport too, much more supportive especially under the legs.

Jon1T

To counter the above I have driven my old mans 'new shape' passat tdi sport loads of times and whilst its quick in a straight line, it wallows around corners like a pregnant sow. I felt sick in it after a particularly tight set of twisties and you can really feel the weight of the engine directing the progress of the car. God knows what it's like in SE spec (ie without the sports suspension)

logiclee

jlanng,

Your in for a big shock going from a 156 to a Passatt.

I drive a 156 Veloce with sport suspension and use my works Passatt sport every few weeks. There couldn't be two different cars, the 156's steering is razar sharp, quick and full of feel. The VW has slow, lifeless steering with little turn in bite.
On the comfort side the VW is softer than the 156 but does lurch and pitch more, never feels fluid and settled IMO. The seats are better in Alfa as well

I had to sell my Scoob because of my wifes bad back. She says the 156 is more comfortable than the Passatt even if the 156 does pick up the odd pot hole a bit more.

Lee

TopBanana

Cheers Lee. Still not 100% sure about the Passat - am also considering a 156 2.4jtd without the sports suspension. You're right about the potholes - you can actually feel the whole car flex - horrid! In fact, I haven't been impressed with my 156's handling at all - the quick steering rack is the only good thing about it. My Pug 406 was far better balanced and more adjustable in the corners. Before they resurfaced a particularly slippery roundabout near me, I'd regularly drift the back end out... can't imagine doing that in the Alfa.

Ultimately, I guess I'm not too fussed about steering feel, so long as its not dire, as it'll just be for punting up and down the motorway - the plan is to buy a Caterfield for the summer.

BOOT

The 130 tdi can be chipped to 180+ bhp and still be good on the diesel.The 150 tdi can be chipped to 192 bhp so not alot in it.This will give you plenty of torque and put a smile on your face.

BOOT

The 130 tdi can be chipped to 180+ bhp and still be good on the diesel.The 150 tdi can be chipped to 192 bhp so not alot in it.This will give you plenty of torque and put a smile on your face.

logiclee

jlang,

If its motorway miles I can see why you disike the 156. Other than the JTD the 156's gearing, quick steering and hard ride makes motorways hard work. The high level spoiler does make a lot of difference to straight line stability on the 156.

Something like a 406 or even a Focus will better the 156 for handling and ride balance, both the 406 and Focus have very good dynamics and "feel", the 156 is harder edged and more raw (Sports Saloon?). I have owned all three.

The Passatt will be a good mile muncher but don't expect it to give the same driving pleasure as the 406, Mondeo, Focus or 156 its a dull driving machine with limited driving dynamics.
All IMO of course. I usually get to drive either a 130pdi or 1.8t from work depending whats free when I need one.

Lee