A4 B6 1.8t 163 vs 190 opinions and experiences

[JJJake]

Hi all.

I've googled this heaps, and while its pretty much a no brainer to go with the higher hp, money dictates so I'm wanting some real world experience and opinions on the performance of both, remapped or not.

Ive driven two 163s and been rather disappointed. I know they're not gunna blow my socks off, but I couldn't even feel the turbo kick. Ive found one i like, and it'd be getting remapped, but is it worth it, or should a save a few more quid for a 190? (Probably remapped too)

Had a 225hp TT in at work the other week, and that had a decent amount of poke. I know its lighter etc blah blah but is even a remapped 190 going to compare?

Thanks

[blade7]

3 or 4 years ago when I was looking for a A4 quattro Avant I drove a few B6's, the 163 did feel a bit gutless but if I remember correctly the 190 could fall into a higher road tax bracket ? I couldn't find a decent B6 for sensible money so gave up and bought a B7 instead.

[JJJake]

blade7 said:

3 or 4 years ago when I was looking for a A4 quattro Avant I drove a few B6's, the 163 did feel a bit gutless but if I remember correctly the 190 could fall into a higher road tax bracket ? I couldn't find a decent B6 for sensible money so gave up and bought a B7 instead.

Yea its a quattro avant Im after too. I'd quite like a b7 2.0t, but they're a step up for what I can afford.
There are a few reasons why I want one in particular, but basically I'm moving back to NZ at the end of the year and would take it with me, as they're twice the price there.
I'm not worried about road tax and insurance costs, I just want reasonable performance, and not something dull.
Thanks for your comments

[blade7]

I thought you get hammered for some sort of import duty unless the car was a lot older ?

[Dr G]

Yup; 1.8T 190 quattro is the one to have. Performance as standard is reasonable but mapped they're quite good fun (the torque increase is very noticeable).

Engine is strong too; with regular oil changes they're robust but can suffer sensor and minor electrical issues.

[blade7]

JJJake said:

Yea its a quattro avant Im after too. I'd quite like a b7 2.0t, but they're a step up for what I can afford.

I was amazed how good the quattro is in the wet and snow, sure you won't stop any quicker without winter tyres but I've left all sorts of 2wd performance cars trailing behind in bad weather conditions .

[JJJake]

blade7 said:

I thought you get hammered for some sort of import duty unless the car was a lot older ?

Because I will have owned it for less than a year, I have to pay an import tax of I think 15% of the purchase and shipping price. Still works out a ton cheaper tho

Dr G said:

Yup; 1.8T 190 quattro is the one to have. Performance as standard is reasonable but mapped they're quite good fun (the torque increase is very noticeable).

Engine is strong too; with regular oil changes they're robust but can suffer sensor and minor electrical issues.

Sounds like the way to go then!
Yea I've heard they're pretty good engines, been warned about poorly maintained ones sludging up the oil pickup, so as a precaution I'll probably change or at least pull it off and clean it. As far as other issues go, its just the joy of owning cars haha

blade7 said:

I was amazed how good the quattro is in the wet and snow, sure you won't stop any quicker without winter tyres but I've left all sorts of 2wd performance cars trailing behind in bad weather conditions .

I've had a couple of Gtb Legacys, so I know what ya mean!

Edited by JJJake on Monday 18th May 22:54

[Dr G]

Let us know how you get on; it sounds like you're going in armed with plenty of info

[JJJake]

Dr G said:

Let us know how you get on; it sounds like you're going in armed with plenty of info

Yea I like to do my research Thanks, I will do!