Did they make Audi 3.2 Cabs without quattro...

[Kell]

...and were they any good?

Just looking at getting an A4 cab and have seen a nice car. But it states it's not quattro.

I'm surprised at that, but it's not the be all and end all, just seems putting 255bhp through an Audi's front wheels isn't the best idea.

Anyone any idea how they are to drive and/or live with? Fuel economy's not going to be great I see.

[Cupramax]

Yes they did but only as a multitronic auto and if youve read the multitronic thread on here youll know why to avoid that. I ran a manual 3.2 quattro cab for 5 years and it was by far the best car ive ever had and have regretted selling it ever since. There are a few stories of cam chain issues on here with the 3.2 but if properly serviced i.e. Oil changes every 10k not on the extended 20k long life they should be fine, i had no issues with mine in 80k and have the newer valvelift 3.2 in my current A5. The engine really does suit the cab, smooth and with a nice little rort if you give it some beans. Even better with a Milltek which I had on mine (the S4 system fits the 3.2 as well)

[Barry Ashcroft]

Hi Cupra did you have the resonated or none resonated milltek?

[Cupramax]

Resonated, still had a bit of boom around 2500-3000rpm but quietened down nicely and wasnt intrusive when cruising on the motorway.

[PositronicRay]

The FWD A5 3.2 (particularly on big wheels) torque steers and try's to wheel spin like a bh. Even in a straight line if you hit a white line in the wet while accelerating hard expect the thing to jump a foot to the side.

If you take it easy it makes a nice smooth cruiser.

[Cupramax]

Yeah, i had a A5 cab 2.0t fwd and it was terrible for torque steer and tramlining so god knows what a 3.2 would be like, although the fwd A4's ive driven werent affected as badly as the A5.

[Dr G]

If you like a smooth, quiet cruiser they're actually quite nice and more refined than the 2.0T 4 cylinder.

Driven hard? Don't bother, buy an S4. Better to drive, same to tax, scarcely any worse on fuel.

[Kell]

Thanks for the responses. Should have said upfront it's an A4 not A5.

Think it must be a fairly early B7 as it's on an 06 plate.

If I'm honest I did want quattro, but it's not a deal breaker. The Multitronic might be though.

It's only done 29,000 miles. Is that likely to be better or worse for the box?

[Cupramax]

If you can find a quattro then that would be my advice, they are available manual or tiptronic auto which is a proper zf box, not a multi like the fwd. The other thing to be aware of is any 3.2 cab will be in the £485 tax band unless it was one of the B7 release demonstrators or a pre ordered car, which mine was, Feb 06 so a 55 plate, anything registered after March 23rd 06 will be in the high band. These are like hens teeth...

[irfan1712]

im sure they did, our old B7 a4 cabrio was a 3.0 fwd unit. was very torquey and a general pleasure to drive... pitty it didn't have 6 gears!