Why is the Audi A4 with a 2.8 (190 hp) as fast as a WRX (227 hp)? Does Audi measure their hp at the wheels?

 

Sounds like a confession coming up.... did you lose to an A4. Common... you can tell us.

 

It isn't -- unless there was a "driver malfunction." They have almost the same curb weight and torque...

 

Wrx > A4

 

I concur.

 

outch that hurts!!!!

 

I was trying to avoid being moved to Troll Hall or the Dumpster with my Clinton-esque confession. First of all, I wasn't driving, it was my friend (used to driving his jetta, a 97 2.0) so I suppose it could have been driver malfunction. Secondly, we were very VERY slowly catching up to him, but I forced my friend to stop once we got going .... fast. Once driving normally again (speed limit) we pulled up behind him to see the engine size. It was a 2.8, unless he switched nameplates or something. Perhaps he had done a few things to his car. Needless to say, I was really surprised that we were barely hanging on with his 190 hp. Any more ideas?

 

stop racing audi's in a jetta. DOH..

 

If your "friend" isn't used to driving a turbocharged car, he most likely didn't keep the RPMs high enough to actually provide enough torque or power. Second, if there is any weakness in the WRX, it is on the highway; 5th gear is suicide due to its "tall" ratio, it robs the car of power in the extreme and at that point in the car's overall power curve the stock turbo can barely keep up with the engine. If you stayed in 4rth and rode that needle all the way to the redline, you might gain on him, but you'd have to be going some seriously illegal speeds.

From a dead stop, the WRX would eat an A4 alive; even with 2.8l, it is a very heavy car, and Audis have never had impressive acceleration (TT excepted). At a roll, the WRX is working with a totally different drivetrain with three extra differentials eating up power and torque. If he's only pushing two wheels and it is only him in the car, he's got an advantage once he is rolling at a good speed, but a slim one.

The highway is a very poor way to judge a WRX's performance. If that A4 followed you into a gravel or unpaved road with a few bends in it or some hills to climb, he'd never see you again -- that's the WRX's strength. When it comes to going fast in a straight line on the highway, there are more cars than I can mention (some with less than 180 hp) that can hand you your *** any day of the week.

 

The 18t's are dog dodoo. Slow as ballz. Just to heavy for that motor. As for the 2.8l I have personally raced a new body style. Ate it from a 40mph roll.

 

we appreciate that.

 

There are a lot of variables to consider, I suppose. My friend is sort of a retard, the Audi was only 2 wheel drive, and fifth gear isn't spectacular on the wrx. I wish he would have followed me home to the country though!