Sorry - I put this in the Technical section so have moved it here. {In which case, to avoid repetition, the one in Tech Matters has subsequently been deleted. DD}
I'm finally considering changing my beloved E30 BMW for an Audi Coupe Quattro 20V or a VW Corrado - not the original quattro but the rounder one from '89-'91. I would be very grateful for any opinions on these cars from those who have owned or driven them as I cannot make up my mind.
I am keen to have the quattro as I live in the country and would like the surefootedness it offers. Is the engine/drivetrain reliable and what are they like to drive etc? Would one of these with 150k miles be a crazy purchase or are they tough enough to take the miles. Is the Quattro really worth it or should I just go for the fwd coupe?
If I go for the Corrado (and cannot afford the running costs of the wonderful VR6) is the G60 reliable enough to consider and how does it compare to the Audi on performance/handling etc.
Any help would be much appreciated,
Cheers.
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My bank manager runs a Corrado G60 and its seems to run very well, although he goes about 100 miles have it fettled by a specialist in Leamington I think.
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
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On the audi that would be the 5 cylinder 2.2 / 2.3 engine ?
Years ago I had a 91 Audi 90 2.3E (which is just the saloon version). Good build quality - inside doesnt look too dated compared with current cars I dont think, watch headroom though.
The quattro drive train is good imo. My wife has a 98 A4 tdi Quattro which has only 110K miles and I like the handling - much better than in a standard car especially in poor weather.
I also prefer the earlier awd system to the later ones, current cars have the haldex system which is part time, Im not sure about that, and I dont think it does as much power split as was available from the older system.
There are plenty of active web fora run by owners of these cars - I would suggest you wander around some of them asking questions. On 1990 cars I would want to know that parts are easily available.
I certainly wouldnt be worried by 150K on an early quattro. I find Audi parts prices on older cars surprisingly reasonable - apparently they changed to standard pricin g across europe and that improved things. Plus there ecp and gsf.
Mark
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re: the corrado
take a look at the forum:
the-corrado.net/forum/index.php?sid=3a1bc0cae61b38...9
there does not seem to be much in the running costs between a g60 and a vr6. My vr6 averages 28-30 mpg.
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Thanks for your very pertinent replies - interesting to note that a VR6 Corrado will average nearly 30mpg. I still can't make up my mind but will let you know what I end up doing - anyone want a beautiful BMW E30 318IS in silver with full leather?!
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bangernomics.tripod.com/uberban.htm is well worth a read and and has some good links.
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Speaking as a former Audi owner and a current Golf VR6 owner (i.e. I like both marques), I recall one trip in a colleague's Corrado in the late 1980s and the abiding memory is that the cabin was very cramped indeed and difficult to get into and out of -- and at the time I was driving the Capri 2.8i that I still have, which itself is so low slung that I had to stop using it when my back gave out shortly after that time. That's why I didn't go for a second-hand one when I bought the Golf new in 1996. However, the Corrado is well established as a modern classic and has plenty of fans.
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Either would be good to drive - both are on my short list. I still have an '89 Audi 90 which is extremely comfortable and durable - the coupe version has same amount of room in it, although fewer doors, of course. I'd rather have the 5-cylinder Audi engine than the G60, but the VR6 would be tempting. The Audi makes a wonderful sound, though.
Do keep us posted!
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