The 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V is a significant vehicle in Audi's history, representing a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology. For car enthusiasts and potential buyers, understanding its specifications is crucial. This article dives deep into the specs and performance of this iconic model.

Engine and Performance

The heart of the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V is its 2.2-liter inline-five-cylinder engine. This engine is not just any ordinary five-cylinder; it's a 20-valve DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) engine equipped with a turbocharger. This configuration allows the engine to produce a substantial amount of power and torque. Specifically, it churns out around 217 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque. This output was quite impressive for its time and remains respectable even by modern standards. The turbocharger plays a pivotal role in boosting the engine's performance, providing a noticeable surge of power when the boost kicks in.

The inclusion of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system is another critical aspect of this vehicle. Quattro ensures that the power is distributed to all four wheels, providing exceptional traction and handling, especially in adverse weather conditions or on challenging road surfaces. This system enhances the car's stability and allows drivers to confidently navigate various driving scenarios. The combination of the turbocharged engine and the Quattro system makes the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V a joy to drive, offering a unique blend of power and control.

Furthermore, the engine's responsiveness and the car's overall performance are also influenced by its electronic engine management system. This system optimizes fuel delivery and ignition timing, ensuring that the engine operates efficiently and delivers power smoothly. The result is a refined driving experience with minimal lag and a broad powerband, making the car suitable for both daily commuting and spirited driving. The 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V's engine and performance characteristics are a testament to Audi's engineering prowess and its commitment to delivering a high-performance luxury sedan.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The transmission in the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V is typically a 5-speed manual, which is known for its robustness and precise gear changes. This manual transmission allows drivers to have greater control over the engine's power, enhancing the overall driving experience. The gear ratios are well-suited to the engine's torque curve, providing ample acceleration in each gear. For those who prefer an automatic, a 4-speed automatic transmission was also available, offering a more relaxed driving experience without sacrificing too much performance. The automatic transmission also features different driving modes, allowing drivers to tailor the car's behavior to their preferences.

The Quattro all-wheel-drive system is a highlight of the drivetrain. Unlike some modern all-wheel-drive systems that engage only when needed, the Quattro system in the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V is a permanent all-wheel-drive system. This means that all four wheels are always receiving power, providing superior grip and stability in all conditions. The system uses a Torsen center differential, which automatically distributes torque between the front and rear axles based on the available traction. This ensures that the car maintains optimal grip even when one or more wheels lose traction. The Quattro system is particularly beneficial in slippery conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, where it provides a significant advantage over front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

The combination of the 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system makes the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V a versatile and capable vehicle. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling challenging mountain roads, this car delivers a confident and engaging driving experience. The drivetrain is designed to handle the engine's power effectively, ensuring that the car remains stable and predictable in all situations. The transmission and drivetrain components are also built to last, contributing to the car's overall reliability and durability.

Chassis and Suspension

The chassis and suspension of the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V are engineered to provide a balance between comfort and performance. The car features a fully independent suspension system, which helps to isolate the cabin from road imperfections and provides a smooth and comfortable ride. The front suspension consists of MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension utilizes a multi-link design. This setup allows each wheel to respond independently to bumps and dips in the road, improving overall ride quality and handling.

The Quattro all-wheel-drive system also plays a role in the car's handling characteristics. By distributing power to all four wheels, the system helps to reduce understeer and improve cornering grip. This makes the car feel more planted and stable in turns, allowing drivers to maintain better control. The suspension is also tuned to complement the Quattro system, providing a harmonious balance between ride comfort and handling performance. The car's chassis is designed to be stiff and rigid, which helps to improve its responsiveness and handling. This is particularly important in a high-performance vehicle like the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V, where precise handling is essential for a rewarding driving experience.

In addition to the suspension and chassis, the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V also features a number of other components that contribute to its handling and stability. These include power-assisted steering, which provides precise and responsive steering feel, and anti-lock brakes (ABS), which help to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. The combination of these features makes the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V a confident and capable handler, whether you're driving on the street or pushing it to its limits on a track. The chassis and suspension are designed to work together seamlessly, providing a balanced and enjoyable driving experience.

Brakes, Wheels, and Tires

The braking system on the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V is designed to provide reliable and effective stopping power. The car features disc brakes on all four wheels, which offer superior braking performance compared to drum brakes. The front discs are typically larger than the rear discs, reflecting the greater braking force required at the front of the car. The system also includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), which prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. The ABS system is particularly useful in slippery conditions, where it can significantly reduce stopping distances and improve safety.

The wheels on the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V are typically alloy wheels, which are both lightweight and strong. Alloy wheels help to reduce unsprung weight, which improves the car's handling and ride quality. The wheels are usually sized between 15 and 16 inches in diameter, depending on the specific model and options. The design of the wheels is also an important factor, as it can affect the car's overall appearance. The wheels on the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V are typically styled to complement the car's sporty and sophisticated design.

The tires on the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V are chosen to provide a balance between grip, comfort, and durability. The tires are typically high-performance tires, which offer excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions. The tire size is matched to the wheel size and the car's weight, ensuring optimal handling and braking performance. The tire pressure is also an important factor, as it can affect the car's handling, ride quality, and fuel economy. The recommended tire pressure is typically listed on a sticker inside the driver's side door.

In addition to the brakes, wheels, and tires, the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V also features a number of other components that contribute to its braking and handling performance. These include power-assisted steering, which provides precise and responsive steering feel, and a well-tuned suspension system, which helps to keep the car stable and planted on the road. The combination of these features makes the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V a confident and capable performer in all conditions.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions and weight of the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V are important factors that influence its handling, performance, and fuel economy. The car has a length of approximately 190 inches, a width of around 70 inches, and a height of about 56 inches. These dimensions make it a relatively large sedan, providing ample interior space for passengers and cargo. The wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear axles, is around 105 inches. A longer wheelbase typically results in a smoother ride and more stable handling.

The weight of the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V is approximately 3,500 pounds. This is a relatively heavy car, which can affect its acceleration and fuel economy. However, the weight also contributes to the car's stability and solid feel on the road. The weight distribution, which is the percentage of weight on the front and rear axles, is also an important factor. A balanced weight distribution typically results in better handling and cornering performance.

The dimensions and weight of the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V also affect its fuel economy. A larger and heavier car typically consumes more fuel than a smaller and lighter car. The 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V has a fuel tank capacity of around 21 gallons, which provides a decent range between fill-ups. The car's fuel economy is estimated to be around 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway, depending on driving conditions and habits.

In addition to the dimensions and weight, the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V also features a number of other characteristics that contribute to its overall performance and handling. These include a stiff and rigid chassis, a well-tuned suspension system, and a powerful engine. The combination of these features makes the 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V a capable and enjoyable car to drive.

Conclusion

The 1991 Audi 200 Quattro 20V stands out as a remarkable blend of luxury, performance, and advanced engineering. Its specifications reflect a commitment to delivering a high-quality driving experience. From its powerful turbocharged engine and Quattro all-wheel-drive system to its refined suspension and braking systems, every aspect of this car is designed to provide optimal performance and control. Understanding these specs is essential for anyone considering purchasing or appreciating this classic Audi model.