Flat 4x4

For anyone whose interested I had 50,000 miles in Audi Quattro diesels before returning to the Impreza again.

For what it's worth, ignoring all the anti-diesel spin, here's my views on the A4 V6 2.5 Tdi Quattro against the pre-2001 model Impreza:-

Audi (chipped to 185 bhp)

+ Granite build
+ Straightline stability
+ Mega Grip
+ Silent cruising
+ V6 noise
+ Motorway throttle response /pull
+ 35mpg when thrashed combined with 140mph and 0-60 in 7'ish
- Slow steering / weight over front wheels
- Stonking shove but frequent gear changing
- Brakes

Add the right bits and it looks identical (ish) to the S4

Impreza

+ Quicker (!)
+ Chuckability
+ Engine noises
- Noisy (!)
- 20-25mpg (50% bigger fuel bill)
- 6 services in 45k instead of 2
- Lightweight build

If you're forced or need to go diesel, don't automatically think 330d - the Audis are unique in having diesel + 4wd in the UK (off-roaders dont count!)
+ Go

Yorkie

You missed two minus points for the Audi:

- Dull to drive
- Dull to look at

Yorkie

Flat 4x4

Dull ? - in that it doesn't go as sideways as easy ?

Exciting - in that it used to totally p*** off people in quick'ish(shall we just say BMW?) cars that could not keep up.

Audi: Costs 100% Safety 100% Speed 90% Fun 80%
Scoob: 60% 95% 100% 95%

LG John

Uncle had a A4 Quattro and chipped it also, in the snow, gravel, ice, grass, etc she can get seriously sideways and I've had her spinning very fast on the spot. Love the torque shove but they do run out of steam so quick, my dad's 330d was better but not by much.

I've always wondered this: The Quattro has loads of torque, a six speed box and 4WD. When you thrash it I often feel like 1st gear was a waste of time as its over so quick - story of my life - and given its a slow change is costs at least 0.5 seconds (maybe more). So......If you sat at the lights, selected second and dumped the clutch with loads of revs what would happen? I for one think she's have enough torque to launch very well and thus need 1 less change to get to 60 and surely would have a very good 0-60 time. Granted you'd screw every component in the car but...would it work?

Flat 4x4

You could set off in second but even chipped, the turbo doesn't come alive on the move until 1500rpm, and is strong at 1900.

The car would cope no problem but you'd still have lag at first.

I fitted a short-shift from the S4 which helped and the 0-60 was timed one up (but accurately) at 7.3, with a best of 7.1.
30-70 was 7.5.

For high mileage and fast A road / motorway work in all weathers it took some beating.

I do like the Impreza's ability to make tailgating cars a 'speck in the mirror' though...

LG John

7.1 - brilliant for a diesel! Actually what I liked best about the Quattro was the interior, soooooo nice!

Yorkie

By dull I mean steering feel response and body control. Put an Audi A4/A3/S4/S3 over a typical British B road (bumps, twists cambers and surface changes) and the chassis of any Audi is left for dead.

Repeat comment: Dull to drive

Repeat comment: Dull to look at (Just park next to one in a Scoob )

Yorkie

Flat 4x4

Totally agree on the standard of Subaru damping.

I think that part of this is down to the unsprung weight differences (my last Audi was 300kg more than my Impreza)

The ride comfort is worse than the Audi (which had sports suspension and 225/45/17's against 205/50/16's on the Scoob), but for up/down body control there's a dual carriageway near me with a sudden dip on an uphill stretch.

Taken at any more than 70mph this is a simple test of body control. Of the 8 cars I've owned during the best have been (wait for it) Legacy Turbo, Impreza Sport, Impreza Turbo. I rest your case !

Yorkie

The ride quality of the MY02 is superior to my previous MY99. The body control over undulations taken at any lick is awesome. New car maybe slower against the clock but makes up for it in the handling dept. I have heard before that the Legacy handles superbly as well.

Yorkie