Thinking of getting a new A4

[MarkBS]

I wonder if anyone can shed some light/experience...I currently have a 2.0TDi B7 and am thinking of getting a new TDI, there are two at the local dealership...a 143BHP and a 120BHP - both SLine - is there much of a difference in power, oh I am no speed junkie but don't want something that is too under-powered. Oh, the 120BHP model is 2-3k cheaper!
Any advise please.
Many thanks
Mark

[walkaboutmx5]

Have a look at the parkers website, it gives you all the info you need. The new engines seem to be very frugal I would check to see if they are the lastest model

[onemanparty]

Do not forget there is a 136PS 2.0TDI as well but not available as S-line

Personnel if you are not fussed by the horse power 120PS will be fine.

God it was not long ago I remember driving A4 B5 1.9TDI 90bhp and that did the job

[mkc]

120 should be fine and in all honestly its what I wish I went for. At the time of order my budget allowed the 160 petrol 1.8 but I wish I had the avant but the budget would only allow the 120 in Avant form but lease company at work couldnt source one or the actual cost so went for 160.

160 is great once you get the turbo working and feel pretty quick but for the miles I do and the short journeys I make the 120 would have been fine.

I think you should do the obvious thing and think how, where and when you drive and take a drive in both. I cant think there is much in it to be honest. Save the money and get some extras to make it special for you., on the outside the car will look exactly the same as all others anyway.

[MarkBS]

Thanks everyone for your detailed responses, the 143BHP model is a 58 plate and the 120BHP model is an 09 plate. I'll try and test drive both in the next few weeks.
Mark

[sr-performance]

Hi Mark,
I would buy the cheaper model and if you do require a bit more power/torque/better economy have it remapped then you would have more "go" than the more expensive model... and saving 2k helps...
let me know if you require any info or advice...

[MarkBS]

Hi all, just an update on a test drive (or 2) from the dealership...
Had the opportunity to test drive back to back a 120BHP S-Line A4 and then a 170 Quattro model...from one end of the spectrum to the other!

I must say that going from a B7 to a B8 the difference in engine noise was really suprising - it was so quiet I had to loog at the rev counter to see if it was still running!
The FWD 120BHP model was about same performance as my B7 140BHP model and handling was good, servotronic steering (apparently) made it feather light at los speed and heavier at motorway speeds. Low/Mid-range torque was good and only slightly down on the B7 which I could easily live with.
The 170BHP Quattro was just as quiet but on booting it noticed a faint high pitched wine...I guess this is 'normal' for one of these. The car felt slightly taughter on normal roads but roundabouts and tight bends were where the quattro really excelled - especially as I had never driven one before. I can only say that it felt like I was driving on rails, it just gripped and gripped. Salesman said take 2 turns round the roundabout - I never thought a bend/roundabout could be taken that fast!

In the end I took the plunge and have gone for a trade in on by B7 for the 120BHP B8 S-Line in Ibis White. Think it might be an 'exec' model as it has cruise control as well.

I would like to thank everyone for their guidance and honest opinions/advise - it certainly helped!
Hope to pick up later this month
Mark

[Hippogriff]

I must say that going from a B7 to a B8 the difference in engine noise was really suprising - it was so quiet I had to loog at the rev counter to see if it was still running!

Fully concur on this. Last A4 I had was a B6 and I got my B8 two days ago. I still am amazed at how quiet this diesel is - 2.0 143ps. B6 sounded like a tractor... this I can hardly hear from the inside. I did wonder whether it was excellent sound proofing... haven't listened to it from the outside. However, still top marks in my opinion.

[pitch3110]

Sounds good matey and good purchase.

I too am going from B7 2.0TDI S-Line to B8 2.0TDI although 143.

I agree totally the engines are miles apart.

[markp306]

I too am going from B7 2.0TDI S-Line to B8 2.0TDI although 143.

I agree totally the engines are miles apart.

You'll find it's more than just the engine thats miles apart.
Are you sticking with S-Line spec?