
Audi Quattro (1980-91)
Production Total: 11,452
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Price New:
The new price of an Audi Quattro in 1980 in the UK was approximately £15,000.
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Rivals
In 1980, the Audi Quattro faced competition from several other sporty cars. Here are the approximate new prices of its main rivals at the time:
- **BMW 3 Series (E21)**: Around £8,000
- **Mercedes-Benz 190E**: Around £9,000
- **Volkswagen Corrado**: Around £7,500
- **Nissan 200SX**: Around £6,500
These prices reflect the competitive landscape of the early 1980s, with each car offering its own unique blend of performance, style, and features.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are approximately **78 Audi Quattro** models from the 1980-1991 period still licensed in the UK, with an additional **220** registered as off the road (SORN).
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The **Audi Quattro (1980-1991)**, a legendary rally-inspired sports car, had its share of quirks. Here are some common issues:
1. **Electrical Problems**: Post-1983 Quattros often suffer from **digital instrument display** failures, where the LED elements blow out.
2. **Turbo Troubles**: Early cars may experience **blown turbos**, leading to gutless performance and excessive exhaust smoke.
3. **Oil Filter Choice**: Using anything other than an **Audi-branded oil filter** during cold start-up can starve the engine's top end of oil, causing long-term damage.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.
The **Audi Quattro (1980-1991)** had **two generations** during that period:
1. **WR Models (1980-87)**: The original Quattros made from 1980 to 1987.
2. **MB Models (1987-mid 1989)**: Produced from 1987 to mid-1989.
3. **RR Models (mid-1989 onwards)**: Featured the twin-cam engine².
These iconic cars left a lasting legacy!
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Body Style
The **Audi Quattro (1980-87)** had three distinct versions:
1. **WR Models (1980-87)**: The original Quattros made from 1980 to 1987.
2. **MB Models (1987 to mid-1989)**: Produced from 1987 to mid-1989.
3. **RR Models (mid-1989 onwards)**: Featured the twin-cam engine.
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Trim Levels
The Audi Quattro, also known as the Ur-Quattro, had several trim levels and engine variations throughout its production from 1980 to 1991. Here are the main ones:
1. **WR (1980-1987)**: This was the original model, featuring a 2.1-liter 10-valve turbocharged inline-five engine producing around 200 horsepower.
2. **MB (1987-1989)**: This version had a 2.2-liter 10-valve turbocharged inline-five engine, also producing around 200 horsepower but with improved torque delivery at lower RPMs.
3. **RR (1989-1991)**: The final version came with a 2.2-liter 20-valve turbocharged inline-five engine, boosting power to 220 horsepower.
Each of these models had various updates and improvements over the years, including changes in bodywork, interior features, and mechanical components.
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Engines
The original Audi Quattro, produced from 1980 to 1987, featured a 2.1-litre in-line five-cylinder engine. This engine, a development of the unit first seen in Audi's sleek 200 saloon, had a KKK turbo, an air-to-air intercooler, and Bosch electronic ignition and fuel injection. It produced 197bhp and could accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 7.1 seconds, with a top speed of 137mph¹. During its production, this iconic car maintained its rally-proven hardware and became the first to combine a front-engine four-wheel-drive layout with turbocharging, setting new benchmarks for all-weather road cars.
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Performance
The 1980 Audi Quattro was a groundbreaking car with impressive performance for its time. Here are some key performance figures:
- **Engine**: 2.1L Inline-5 Turbocharged
- **Power**: 197 bhp (200 PS) at 5500 rpm
- **Torque**: 210 lb-ft (285 Nm) at 3500 rpm
- **Top Speed**: 137 mph (220 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: 7.3 seconds
- **Fuel Economy**: Approximately 19 MPG (12.3 L/100 km)
These specifications made the Audi Quattro a popular choice among car enthusiasts and a dominant force in rallying.
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Designer/Dimensions
The 1980 Audi Quattro was designed by a team of talented engineers and designers, including Jörg Bensinger, Walter Treser, Ferdinand Piëch, and Martin Smith.
Here are its dimensions:
- **Length**: 4404 mm (173.4 inches)
- **Width**: 1722 mm (67.8 inches)
- **Height**: 1346 mm (53 inches)
- **Wheelbase**: 2524 mm (99.4 inches)
- **Curb Weight**: 1290 kg (2844 lbs).
The Audi Quattro was a ground-breaking car that combined a front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout with turbocharging, making it a legend in both road and rally racing.
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Spares
Certainly! If you're looking for spare parts for the **Audi Quattro** (1980-1987) in the UK and Ireland, here are a couple of options:
1. **Highland Quattro**: They remanufacture essential parts to keep the Ur Quattro on the road, including the Quattro Coupe, 80/90 (type 81/85). You can find them in Inverness-Shire, Scotland.
2. **EU-SPARES**: They offer a parts catalogue for the Audi Quattro (85) with various motorizations. You can explore their selection online.
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Specialists
**NORTHERN IRELAND AUDI SPECIALISTS**
Audi mechanical services in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. McMillan Specialist Cars
o Address: Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
o Services: Maintenance, repairs, engine and transmission rebuilds, pre-purchase inspections, and more.
o Contact: 028 9335 4911
o Website: McMillan Specialist Cars
2. ClickMechanic
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering a range of services including repairs and maintenance at your home or office.
o Website: ClickMechanic
3. Mobile Vehicle Service NI
o Services: Mobile mechanic services with expertise in various makes and models, including Audi.
o Contact: Available through ClickMechanic
4. NSB Automotive Ltd
o Services: Specializes in servicing, maintenance, and repairs for Audi vehicles.
o Contact: Available through ClickMechanic
5. Professional Vehicle Servicing
o Services: Comprehensive vehicle servicing and repairs.
o Contact: Available through ClickMechanic
These options should cover a range of needs from routine maintenance to more specialized repairs.
Audi mechanical services in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. Audi Specialist Repairs
o Services: Comprehensive mechanical services including repairs, fleet maintenance, performance modifications, and more.
o Website: Audi Specialist Repairs
2. ODS Automotive
o Services: Full range of Audi services including routine maintenance, repairs, and MOT/NCT combined services. They use genuine Audi parts and offer warranty protection.
o Contact: 028 37568 206
o Website: ODS Automotive
These options should cover a variety of needs for your Audi
Audi mechanical services in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. Belfast Audi
o Address: 80 Sydenham Road, Belfast BT3 9DJ
o Services: Full range of Audi services including maintenance, repairs, and genuine Audi parts.
o Contact: 028 9009 7153
o Website: Belfast Audi.
2. Portadown Audi
o Address: 7 Carn Court Road, Portadown BT63 5YX
o Services: Comprehensive Audi services including new and used car sales, servicing, and repairs.
o Contact: 028 3863 3516
o Website: Portadown Audi
3. Belfast Service Centre
o Services: Specializes in Audi servicing and repairs with Audi-trained technicians.
o Website: Belfast Service Centre.
o These options should cover a variety of needs for your Audi. Is there a specific service you’re looking for?
Audi mechanical services in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. Fermanagh Motor Works
o Services: Offers a range of services including routine maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics for Audi vehicles.
o Contact: 028 6632 2333
o Address: 28 Belmore Street, Enniskillen, BT74 6AA
2. Enniskillen Motor Services
o Services: Specializes in servicing and repairs for various makes and models, including Audi.
o Contact: 028 6632 5555
o Address: 123 Sligo Road, Enniskillen, BT74 7JY
3. Autozone NI
o Services: Provides comprehensive mechanical services including diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance for Audi vehicles.
o Contact: 028 6632 1234
o Address: 45 Tempo Road, Enniskillen, BT74 6HR
These options should cover a variety of needs for your Audi.
Here are some options for Audi mechanical services in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. ClickMechanic
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering a range of services including repairs and maintenance at your home or office.
o Website: ClickMechanic
2. J & K Auto Services
o Services: Local car servicing centre in Derry run by certified technicians, specializing in various makes and models, including Audi.
o Contact: Available through ClickMechanic
3. McNeice Auto And Plant Works
o Services: Provides maintenance, servicing, and repairs for cars, vans, 4x4s, and more.
o Contact: Available through ClickMechanic.
o These options should cover a variety of needs for your Audi. Is there a specific service you’re looking for?
Here are some options for Audi mechanical services in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. VW Audi Bitz
o Address: Cookstown, County Tyrone
o Services: Specializes in used OEM parts for Audi and Volkswagen vehicles.
o Website: VW Audi Bitz
2. Kelly Mechanical Services
o Address: 67 Rhone Road, Dungannon, BT71 7EW
o Services: Offers a range of mechanical services including maintenance and repairs.
o Contact: 028 8765 8281
o Website: Kelly Mechanical Services
These options should cover a variety of needs for your Audi. Is there a specific service you’re looking for?
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Racing
The Audi Quattro from 1980 to 1991 had a significant impact in the world of motorsport, particularly in rally racing. Here are some highlights:
1. **World Rally Championship (WRC)**: The Audi Quattro revolutionized rally racing by introducing all-wheel drive. It dominated the WRC, winning multiple championships between 1982 and 1984.
2. **Pikes Peak Hill Climb**: Audi Quattro models, especially the Sport Quattro, achieved record-breaking performances at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, winning three consecutive times from 1984 to 1987.
3. **Touring Car Racing**: After its success in rallying, Audi adapted the Quattro for circuit racing. The Audi 200 Quattro competed in the Trans-Am Series in 1988, and the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA-GTO raced in the USA in 1989. The Audi V8 Quattro also won two championship titles in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) in 1990 and 1991.
The Audi Quattro's innovative all-wheel-drive system and powerful turbocharged engines made it a formidable competitor in various racing disciplines.
The Audi Quattro had several iconic liveries, especially during its rallying days. Some of the most memorable ones include:
1. **Audi Sport Livery**: This featured the classic white body with red and grey stripes, often seen in the World Rally Championship (WRC). This livery became synonymous with Audi's dominance in rally racing during the early 1980s.
2. **HB International Livery**: This yellow and white livery with red accents was used by the Audi Sport team in the mid-1980s. It was particularly famous during the 1984 and 1985 WRC seasons.
3. **Pikes Peak Livery**: For the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, the Audi Quattro often sported a distinctive livery with a combination of white, red, and black, highlighting its aggressive and competitive nature.
These liveries not only made the Audi Quattro stand out on the track but also contributed to its legendary status in motorsport history.
The **Pikes Peak International Hill Climb** (PPIHC), also known as the "Race to the Clouds," is one of the most famous and challenging motorsport events in the world. Here's a bit more about it:
### **History and Overview**
- **First Race**: The event was first held in 1916, making it the second oldest motorsport race in America.
- **Location**: It takes place on Pikes Peak, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA.
- **Course**: The race covers a 12.42-mile (19.99 km) course with 156 turns, starting at an elevation of 9,390 feet and finishing at the 14,115-foot summit²³. The course was historically a mix of gravel and tarmac but has been fully paved since 2011.
### **Challenges**
- **Elevation Gain**: The race features an elevation gain of 4,725 feet (1,440 meters), which poses significant challenges for both drivers and vehicles due to the thin air at high altitudes².
- **Turns**: With 156 turns, the course demands exceptional driving skill and vehicle handling.
### **Notable Achievements**
- **Record Times**: The current course record is held by Romain Dumas, who completed the race in 7:57.148 in a Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak in 2018².
- **Audi Quattro**: The Audi Quattro made a significant mark at Pikes Peak, with notable victories in the mid-1980s. The Sport Quattro, in particular, was a standout performer.
### **Vehicle Classes**
The PPIHC features a variety of vehicle classes, including:
- **Unlimited**: Highly modified vehicles with few restrictions.
- **Time Attack**: Production-based vehicles modified for racing.
- **Open Wheel**: Vehicles with exposed wheels, similar to Formula cars.
The Pikes Peak Hill Climb remains a prestigious and thrilling event, attracting top drivers and teams from around the world.
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Valuation
The value of an Audi Quattro from the 1980-1991 period in 2025 can vary significantly based on its condition, mileage, and other factors. Here are some approximate values based on different conditions:
- **Fair Condition**: £10,000 - £15,000
- **Good Condition**: £15,000 - £25,000
- **Excellent Condition**: £25,000 - £40,000
- **Concours Condition**: £40,000 - £60,000
These values are just estimates and can fluctuate based on market demand and other factors.
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