Question:

Hello Group, I’m going to buy a used Audi within the next month or two, most likely in the $8k-$12k range. I like to make thoroughly informed decisions, though, so I need to learn more about the Audi line. What year did the transition from the 4000/5000 series to the 80/90/100 series take place? What year did the 80/90/100 series change to the smaller more rounded body style? What do the C and CS trim lines mean? Were sport handling packages sold on these cars? How would I identify that? The 80 and the 90 look the same size to me, is there a body difference between these cars? What are the differences between the 80 and the 90? Is the inline 5 cylinder the only engine available in this time frame (based on my price range)? What are your thoughts on the 5 cylinder? Are there only certain models and years that turbo engines were available? Are the turbos 5 cyl. engines or the 1.8L VW block? I was unaware that the differentials could be locked, is that done from inside the car? I’m only interested in a 50/50 AWD system, who else is selling cars in the U.S. so equipped? I saw a BMW equipped with AWD recently, anybody know if that’s a 50/50 system? Thanks for your comments,

Response:

Gee, so many questions! Audi renamed the 5000 to the European 100/200 designation around 1989… Because of all the bad publicity surrounding the untrue "60 Minutes" allegations about the 5000 killed sales, Audi renamed the car to match the German designations. 100s were normally aspirated 5 cylinder cars. The S and CS designations are trim levels. 200s were the turbocharged cars. They also used 5 cylinder engines. Audi did not use VW engines for these cars. The quattro all-wheel drive was available for both models. BMW and Mercedes-Benz made attemps at all-wheel drive and failed miserably. The 325 iX and the 4Matic cars were crap, to put it kindly, and were subsequently dropped. Quattro adds to the appeal of an Audi, and desireability for foul weather driving, especially. In fact, the only 4000s that most people want are the quattros, I’m assuming that most front wheel drive 4000s have been crushed. Early 80s and 90s were differentiated by the use of a 4 or 5 cylinder motor, then only by trim, and lastly, the 80 was dropped. The desireable 90s are the quattros, and the rather rare 90 coupe quattro. V8s are gas hogs, and if you think 5000 parts are pricey, wait until you need certain V8 parts… But if you want exclusivity, get a V8. By the way, the only Audis that did not have a model insignia was the V8 and the 200 quattro. Okay, there was one year that a "V8" badge was used, but most V8s only had the four rings badge. Audi changed body styles in 1992 for the 100, and dropped the 5 cylinder motor for a new V6. This is NOT a Volkswagen motor. Audi is a 60