1.8t question: 2002 vs. 2003

[MikeWire]

This may be a naive question:

In a B6 A4...is the 2002 1.8t rated 150 whp and the 2003 rated 180whp? I know the MKIV Jetta, GTI are this way but I don't know and can't find a clear answer. Can I get an expert answer here?

[B6JoeS4]

im pretty sure it is the same. 02 had lower sport suspension

2002 is the best year for the b6!!

[cyclo]

Both are 170hp.

[MikeWire]

im pretty sure it is the same. 02 had lower sport suspension

2002 is the best year for the b6!!

Thx - can you elaborate a little on why an 02 is the best year?

Edit - I ask because I'm looking to buy and Iwas leaning to an 03...but if an 02 is a better choice I am listening.

[cyclo]

I have an 02 as well. I have the factory sport suspension and the car is much lower than the other years.
But I'll let the other dude answer why cuz he said it!

[dougyfresh]

2002 also has the perforated seats. I think its leatherette if I'm not mistaken.


What are your modding goals? The ECU controls fueling differently in 2002 and any other B6. So far, the most powerful B6s on AZ are 2002 model years (okay. well. except maybe two cars). However, there are no direct correlations between why that is the case and the different fueling control logic on the 2002 ECU.

[MikeWire]

2002 also has the perforated seats. I think its leatherette if I'm not mistaken.


What are your modding goals? The ECU controls fueling differently in 2002 and any other B6. So far, the most powerful B6s on AZ are 2002 model years (okay. well. except maybe two cars). However, there are no direct correlations between why that is the case and the different fueling control logic on the 2002 ECU.

After I get it I'm looking to REVO Stg 1+, test pipe, exhaust and intake, and maybe coilovers. FMIC and more as the budget allows.

I have a buddy with an 03 5sp with REVO stg1, FMIC, 380cc, and a test pipe putting down around 230whp (supposedly ;) ) and I have driven it, and it is fast.

So basically I would like to keep it tasteful and mild modding. But overall I just want a car that I can drive and show when it's time. In the models I have looked as, it seems like there is a jump in price when going to an 03, and I can't tell if it's mileage, the seller, or if there is a significant difference in the years, so if anyone can school me in the early B6 I would appreciate it.

[Spinnetti]

There's no big difference, especially if modding. Generally, newer is better as there are little improvements in many areas (I work for a car mfg). However, the option mix is different from 02-03, so it depends on if you get what you want. My 02 has perforated leatherette seats which I really like, but (not sure which year it started), later years were cloth or leather only (neither of which I like).

Basically, go where you get the best deal.. Had mine since late 2001 and its the best of more than 30 cars I've had.... (GTRS makes me happy too :)

[jessefrank]

Besides what has already been said the 02's have heated rear seats if you have the cold weather pkg...and it's been debated many times, but somehow/someway the 02 sport pkg is slightly lower than other years.

I would get the lowest mileage/best condition B6 with in your price range and most importantly, that has the options you want. The only real change came in the later 04 models that got painted lowers, sat radio option, 6 spd manual and you can get the ultrasport pkg.

I wanted a ultrasport, but at the time they were a little more than I wanted and it took me several months to find a low mileage B6 with sport pkg, quattro, bose, xenons and a certain color. I wish I had the 6 spd, but besides that (and maybe the USP pkg) there's no real reason not to get a 02-03.

IMO the 04.5's and 05's seem to have fewer maintinace issues, but I wouldn't deter you from a 02-early 04. Also if getting a 02-03 audi still specified the 10k oil change intervals with dino oil so definately check for sludge. A warrany is a good idea and having a service history.

[kastro]

early b6s were treated with NON synthetic till audi change that is late 2003, creating some sludgy engines.. thats why i aimed for a 2004.5 b6.. my 2cents

[MikeWire]

Great advice. Is the USP only in the 03? What's the difference in the S-Line vs. USP? I thought it was the same, but only in 03.

[OneBadAudi]

2002 is the only way to go...ive heard people talk S**t about 02's but i have had nothing but good luck with my 02 and i love it...the corrado on the other hand, i had a 90 which was the first to come to America, but it always had problems....Good luck...

[dirtybrd]

early b6s were treated with NON synthetic till audi change that is late 2003, creating some sludgy engines.. thats why i aimed for a 2004.5 b6.. my 2cents

If the oil changes were done every 3k, they still wouldn't be sludged. I believe sludge is the result of 5k recommended oil change intervals.

[jessefrank]

Great advice. Is the USP only in the 03? What's the difference in the S-Line vs. USP? I thought it was the same, but only in 03.

The USP option came in 04...and they are all later 04.5 models. Some of the 2005's had the S-line badging, some didn't and I've seen a few with a combination of both (my buddy has an 05 with the S-line steering wheel and shift knob, but no badges on the outside).

My 02 service manual says to do oil changes every 10k miles and it dosen't specify synthetic (and lighter weights like 0w30)...which resulted in the sludge. In fact when I got mine at 32K it only had 3 oil changes over 4 years ! I've, had various parts of the engine apart and don't really see any signs of sludge (just a little varnish up top), but have taken steps to clean it anyhow.
One intresting fact is that if you have audi's service plan they still only change the oil every 10k, but use synthetic and a 5w40 weight now. My frind with the USP has nearly 70k on his (and has the audi service to 100k and thus far seems to have been fine...although I told him for peace of mind to do his own oil changes at the 5k mark).

[Trev]

Besides what has already been said the 02's have heated rear seats if you have the cold weather pkg

False

My 02 dose not have rear heated seats. But the fronts are heated. I also dont have the ski sack between the rear seats.

[jursch2211]

^Then you probably don't have the cold weather package. I have an '02 and my friend has an '03. My sport is lower than her sport suspension but I do like her seats better. Non perforated but leather instead which gives it more of a luxurious feel The '02's I know have the radio antenna somewhere inside the rear glass panel so reception isn't that good but I never use the radio so I don't care. My $.02