1990-1994 Audi V8: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes
- Acceleration
- Handling/roadholding
- AWD traction
Cons
- Ride
- Fuel economy
- Road noise
Vehicle Highlights
On sale in July 1989, Audi's new high-performance luxury "flagship" sedan challenged such logical rivals as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar. Exterior styling resembled Audi's 100/200 series, but only the front and front doors were shared with those models. Priced at a hefty $47,450, the V8 Quattro held a 240-horsepower, 3.6-liter aluminum V8 engine with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Power went through a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission to a permanently engaged all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Normally, engine output was split 50/50 between front and rear axles. When wheel slippage was detected, extra power would be sent to the axle with the greatest amount of traction, giving the best possible chance of getting underway properly. In extreme situations, all the power could temporarily go to either the front or rear, wherever it was most needed. This was the first Audi Quattro model with an automatic transmission, fitted with three modes: E for higher fuel economy; S for sportier performance; and M for manual operation. An automatic shift lock required that the brake pedal be applied to shift into a drive gear. Standard features included a driver's airbag, antilock brakes, 2-sided galvanized steel body panels, leather upholstery, a Bose sound system, and a cellular phone.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Audi V8 Quattro Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Audi V8 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Audi V8 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Audi V8 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Fast and powerful with the 1992-94 engine, at least, the V8 Quattro boasted nearly every modern safety and comfort feature for its day. What this sedan lacked was an appeal wide enough to generate substantial sales. Prices remain strong even today, but a V8 Quattro can yield a satisfying--if nonfrugal--highway experience.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Audi V8 Quattro Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $780 |
| Alternator | $475 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,100 |
| Brakes | $745 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $800 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,310 |
| Exhaust System | $775 |
| Radiator | $685 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,660 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $310 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1994 | |||
| V8 Quattro | $3,600-4,400 | $2,900-3,500 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 1993 | |||
| V8 Quattro | $3,000-3,800 | $2,300-2,900 | $700-900 |
| 1992 | |||
| V8 Quattro | $2,500-3,200 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| 1991 | |||
| V8 Quattro | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1990 | |||
| V8 Quattro | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.4 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 60.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3991 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.7 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.0 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 3.6 / 217 | 240 | 245 | 5-speed manual: 14/20 4-speed automatic: 15/20 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V8 | 4.2 / 254 | 276 | 295 | 4-speed automatic: 14/20 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








