5000
Audi 4000 replaced the Fox for the 1980 model year. It was slightly larger than the car it replaced. The wheelbase was 99.5 inches, versus 97.2 on the Fox. Curb weight was about 2200 lbs. versus about 2100 on the Fox. Unlike the Fox, just two body styles were offered at first which were a 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan.

Powering it the first year was a 1.6L SOHC EFI I4. It produced 78hp and 84tq. California cars got a 1.6L SOHC EFI I4 tuned for CA-emissions. This one made 76hp and 83tq. One transmission was offered with these engines, which was a 5-speed manual.

Added late in the model year, the optional engine was a 2.1L SOHC EFI I5. It made 100hp and 110tq. The sole transmission with this one was a 3-speed automatic. This upgraded combination was quite expensive for the time at $1500.

In 1981, the 1.6L engine was dropped and replaced with a 1.7L SOHC EFI I4. This new engine went down in power compared to the old engine and made 74hp but went up in torque to 90.

Also new this year was a top trim called the 4000 5+5. This package netted the buyer cloth sports seating, adjustable driver seat height, cast alloy wheels, black window molding, tachometer and oil pressure gauge. It also came standard with the 2.1L I5/automatic combo. It was only offered as a 2-door coupe.

For 1982, the 5+5 package was dropped and replaced with the 4000S. The ‘S’ netted the buyer chrome trim, rear head restraints, trip odometer, vanity mirror, center console, and a sport-style steering wheel. Unlike the 5+5 it replaced, this one was offered only as a 4-door sedan.

Also added in 1982 was an optional 1.6L SOHC Diesel I4. It made 52hp and 72tq. However in 1983, a 1.6L SOHC TurboDiesel I4 was also made available. It made 68hp and 98tq.

The Audi 4000 nameplate carried on until 1987.

Share

Quantum
It replaced the Dasher in 1982. The same 3 body styles were shared with its predecessor, which were 3-door hatch, 4-door sedan, and station wagon. Wheelbase was longer though at just over 100 inches. Base and GL were the trim levels offered.

The only power source for ’82 was a 1.7L SOHC EFI I4. It made 74hp and 90 ft/lbs of torque. This engine carried forward as standard equipment for ’83. Added optionally for ’83 was a 1.6L SOHC Turbo-Diesel I4, which made 68hp and 98 ft/lbs of torque. Also added for the ’83 model year, although late, was a 2.2L SOHC EFI Audi I5. This one put out 100hp and 112 ft/lbs of torque.

A usual fare of 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic were what did the gear changing. The diesel had a unique feature in its 5-speed transmission though. It had a feature called ‘E-mode’ which totally disconnected the engine when the accelerator pedal was lifted from.

This is where we end…

Share

Quattro
The early 80s were the height of the 4×4 craze, and Audi connected its rally racing heritage to that craze when they brought out the Quattro for 1983. It was a hatchback coupe with four wheel disc brakes, independent rear suspension, and full time four wheel drive. It was the STI or Evo of its day.

Powering it was a 2.1L SOHC EFI Turbo I5 with intercooler. It made 160hp and 170tq. The only available transmission was a 4-speed manual. It evolved slightly after 1983, but that’s where we stop.

Share

5000
The Audi 5000 replaced the 100LS for 1978. It was a slightly larger car at 105.7 inches of wheelbase and 189.4 inches of length. Just one version was available at first which was a base model 4-door sedan. For power, the standard engine was a 2.1L SOHC EFI I5 which made 103hp and 110tq.

A new luxury trim called 5000S was added for 1979. The ‘S’ added a power antenna, air conditioning, front vent windows, height-adjustable driver seat, alloy wheels, power windows, remote trunk release.

For 1980, the 5000 received a slight appearance upgrade to rectangular headlamps. This year the 2.1L I5 lost a few horsepower, down to 100.

The 5000 Turbo came to light. The ‘new for 1980′ 5000 Turbo received a 2.1L SOHC EFI Turbo I5 which made 130hp and 142tq.

Another engine was added in 1980 as an option which was a 2.0L SOHC Diesel I5. It made only 67hp and 86tq. For 1983, this diesel was replaced with a 2.0L SOHC TurboDiesel I5 making 84hp and 127tq.

The Audi 5000 nameplate carried on until the end of the 1980s.

Share

924
It essentially replaced the 914 and short-lived 912E. It was the new ‘starter Porsche’. The year was 1977 that it arrived in North America.

While the body shape was sleek, the rest of the car was a hodge-podge of parts. The engine was a 2.0L EFI Volkswagen I4 of 95hp in U.S. trim. The transmission was a 4-speed Audi manual. The front strut/rear trailing arm suspension system was based on a Volkswagen Golf setup. The braking system was regarded as antiquated for Porsche, seeing how it was of a front disc/rear drum arrangement.

Late in 1977, a 3-speed Audi automatic trans became available. This was the first automatic ever in a Porsche product. A 5-speed manual replaced the 4-speed for 1979. Also new in 1980 was the 924 Turbo, which utilized a 2.0L EFI Turbo I4 making 143hp. In fact, the 924 Turbo were nearly as fast as the 911 Turbo of the time. These are easily identified by the extra venting at the nose.

In 1980, horsepower in the base 924 crept up to 110. The 924 Turbo got its performance increase in 1982, which was now rated at 154hp.

A few limited packages were offered mid-run of the 924. One was the 924 Championship Editon which added a color keyed interios, and exterior striping. Another was the 924 Limited Edition in 1978 which added a few luxury features. Also made was a 924 Sebring ’79 in 1979, which was commemorative of Porsche’s racing heritage.

The Porsche 924 today is a nice deal. The market for used 924s prices these quite reasonably. The major components are commonly available to this day. They’re a good car to use in auto-crossing or even low-budget oval racing.

Share

100LS
The Audi 100, in general, was in its fourth American model year for 1973 with base, LS, and GL trim. But as of ’74, 100LS was the sole trim level and model name. It was marketed here as a midsize car. Wheelbase was small for the time at 105.3 inches. New in ’73 was a redesigned rear suspension that was now coil-sprung rather than the previously used torsion springs. It was sold here only in two door coupe and 4-door sedan styles.

Powering one of these was a 1871cc I4 making 91hp. Available transmissions were a 4-speed manual or 3-speed Volkswagen automatic. Motivation was supplied by the front wheels.

As far as we can tell, the 100LS was sold in the U.S. through model year 1977. This version stopped after 1976 for the rest of the world, as it was updated. The U.S. version hung on one more year. Our next version became the Audi 5000 for 1978.

(can use some more information here— any help is appreciated)

Share

Fox
It was America’s version of Europe’s Audi 80. In 1973, the Fox was in its second model year here in the states and was one of the earlier front wheel drive vehicles in the U.S.

The ’73 & ’74 versions were powered by a 1471cc OHC 2bbl I4, which put out 75hp. Both automatic and manual gearboxes were in the offerings. Zero to sixty times were in the mid 12 to 13 second range.
The ’75-’79 model received a power boost to 78hp, thanks to a 1571cc EFI I4.

For 1977, the car’s appearance was updated. The most perceptible feature was the quad headlamp arrangement. In 1978 & 1979, a performance variant called the Fox GTI was sold. This package deal added spoilers, firm suspension, striping, and full instrumentation.

The Fox was sold in North America through the 1979 model year. Three body styles were tendered over the model run which were the standard coupe, sedan and station wagon variants.

Share

Fox, 4000, 100LS, 5000, Quattro

Share