Audi is a very popular brand in Russia. These cars are attractive in their design and powerful engines. Today we will pay attention to one of the most popular models from the “junior” segment of Audi. This is an A4 sedan and station wagon in the back of a B5. This model has become the successor to the legendary 80s. The machine was mass-produced from 1995 to 2001.
Design
Externally, the Audi A4 1997 differs from its predecessor Audi 80 due to new, more rounded headlights and bumpers. The body became more streamlined, appeared linzovannaya optics. The car looks fresh and modern compared to the 80's.
Among the main advantages of the “Audi A4” 1997 reviews note corrosion resistance. Unlike the analogues of the BMW and Mercedes brands that were produced in those years, Audi is not so afraid of salt and moisture. A lot of copies in the secondary market are in really good condition. Paintwork also deserves praise.
Sizes, clearance
The 1997 Audi A4 belongs to the D-Class and is offered in two versions (as we said, this is a sedan and station wagon). What is noteworthy, their sizes are almost the same. Station wagon is only two millimeters longer. The total length of the machine is 4.48 meters, height - 1.42, width - 1.73 meters. The ground clearance is 11 millimeters. This is a very small clearance - the owners say. And if you can feel confident on German roads, in Russia (especially in winter) Audi A4 owners will have a hard time. And with the installation of additional protection, the clearance is reduced by another couple of centimeters. Yes, many Audi had four-wheel drive. However, this does not mean that the car is imprisoned for off-road. Four-wheel drive is needed here for a better grip and a confident start from a place. But also four driving wheels help to get out of the snow captivity. However, the broken road and primer for this car is a taboo.
Salon Audi A4 1997
Let's move inside the car. The interior design is typical for all Audi of the late 90s and the beginning of the "zero" years. The driver is greeted by a large three-spoke steering wheel, an arrow instrument panel with an on-board computer and a wide center console. On the last is a climate control unit, as well as a radio. What deserves attention is the quality of the finishing materials. Salon assembled soundly, plastic does not rattle and does not make noise. Armchairs are comfortable and do not wear out to 200 thousand kilometers.
Another plus is the quality of sound insulation. The sound of the engine and wheels is almost inaudible on the go. But there are also disadvantages. Since this is the most compact Audi among others, space is limited, especially for rear passengers. Yes, you can’t walk around here, as in A6 or A8. Nevertheless, ergonomic miscalculations are not here - say the reviews. This is not to say that this interior is worse than in the BMW third series or C-class Mercedes.
Audi A4 1997 - Specifications
The base for the Audi was a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 101 horsepower. With this engine, the car accelerated to hundreds in 11.9 seconds. More common is the 1.8 motor. This engine has received several modifications. So, the atmospheric version develops power of 125 forces, and the turbocharged one - 150. The latest versions were all-wheel drive. Acceleration to hundreds took from 8.3 to 11 seconds, depending on the transmission. By the way, it was installed on the Audi as an automatic machine with five or four steps, as well as a mechanic. The latter had from five to six gears.
The most popular diesel version is Audi 1.9. This motor also had several degrees of forcing. Power ranges from 90 to 116 horsepower. Up to a hundred, this car rushes in 10.9-13.3 seconds.
Next in the line is a 2.4-liter gasoline engine. It has a horsepower of 165 horsepower. Up to 100 kilometers, the car accelerates in 8.2 seconds. The 2.5-liter diesel engine develops 150 horses. With it, the car “Audi A4” in 1997 rushes to hundreds in 9-9.8 seconds. Sometimes you can find A4 with a 2.6-liter engine. This motor has the same power characteristics as the previous one. But up to a hundred, the car accelerates in 9.1 seconds.
Which motor is better to choose? If priority is given to efficiency, diesel engines with a volume of 1.9 should definitely be considered. But if there is a desire to "drive", it is better to opt for gasoline engines V6.
Chassis
The 1997 Audi A4 was built on the PL45 platform, where an independent four-link suspension was used in front. Rear mounted double wishbones. There is also a stabilizer bar. The braking system is disc (both front and rear). In addition, a ventilated disc is installed in front. According to reviews, the car behaves well on our roads. The suspension is downed and at the same time swallows bumps well. The car comes into turns confidently. On the track at a speed of 120-140 it goes like a glove - say the reviews of the owners. The brake system is not bad. But, unfortunately, the resource of the suspension parts is small. Reviews say that you need to regularly monitor the health of levers and shock absorbers. Another problem is wheel alignment. If you do not check it in time, the car will eat rubber.
Conclusion
So, we examined what a German D-class car Audi A4 B5 is. Among the positive qualities of this car is worth noting:
- Nice design.
- Corrosion resistant body.
- Powerful engines.
- Comfortable suspension.
- Good maneuverability.
- Ergonomic and high-quality assembled interior.
Among the shortcomings are fragile suspension, low ground clearance and high consumption in versions with a six-cylinder engine. Also of the minuses, the owners note the high cost of spare parts. Although the Audi of the late 90s costs little in the secondary market, spare parts for it are by no means cheap. You need to understand that after the purchase there may be unforeseen investments.