Audi 80 B3 was my first car. In fact it was the car my family had when I was learning to drive. For some people Audi 80 is just an old underpowered German saloon, but for me it was first driving experience and I’ve also learned some car maintenance routines, because old car may have some faults.
When this car was launched in 1986 it looked very futuristic with sleek and aerodynamic body. The main feature was fully galvanized body. Audi 80 was the first car in its class to have such a great rust protection. So Audi could give 10 years corrosion perforation warranty.
It had wide range of engines starting with 1.6 carburetor and ending with 140 hp 2.0 16v. Usually Audi 80 came with front wheel drive, but Quattro versions were also available on 2.0 little engines and also 1.9E. It also had 1.6 and 1.9 diesel engines and I want to mark out the 1.6 turbo diesel. Giving you 80 hp it was remarkably economical. More interesting 5 cylinder engines you can find on Audi 90.
I had 90 hp 1.8i with complicated injector which used to glitch sometimes. Not the best choice I should admit. 1.8S mono-jetronic is more reliable with almost the same power and fuel economy. 0-100 kph takes boring 12 seconds, but fuel consumption is just 7.4 litres per 100 km. We’ve done trips with more than one car and I was struggling to keep behind more powerful Alfa Romeo 155 2.0 16v on the motorway. Underpowered Audi 80 can’t overtake as fast as 150 hp Alfa Romeo. I’ve also driven 113 hp 2.0 E and I should say it feel much more dynamic. There are also 1.8E and 1.9E giving you almost same power as 2.0 E.
I must admit Audi 80 is reliable for such an old car. You can feel German quality and mostly problems are due to cheap unoriginal parts which previous owners used to fit. Interior is lovely and doesn’t feel cheap like on some Japanese rivals, but there is no electro package like power windows, electric mirrors etc. The equipment is quite poor, there is no ABS and seats are not really comfortable for long journeys. Also there is lack of space for back passengers and back doors are too narrow. The boot is quite small and you can’t fold backseats, because the fuel tank is located behind these seats. Audi took into consideration these drawbacks when they were making next generation Audi 80 (B4). Suspension is not durable and not sporty with plenty of bodyroll and understeer when you drive it enthusiastic. It not pleasant for high speed motorway cruising.
Despite the age there are still lots of Audi 80 alive, because there are plenty of parts and they are well protected against rust. Fully galvanized body is very important for an old car. I don’t think Audi planned such a long term use of these cars when they were making them. Audi 80 is cheap to buy, cheap to maintain with cheap unoriginal parts. But original stuff can cost quite a lot, but you can always find them secondhand.
My first car review was about Audi 80. We shot it just half year after I got my driving license.
