Top 10 Performance AUDIs : 1) Series 2 80 GTE /Sport (1983-1986)

Series 2 80 GTE /Sport (1983-1986)

Some may argue that we should have included the Series 1 80 GT and GTE as the first candidates in this ‘Top-10’ round-up, but there can now only be handful left in serviceable condition in the UK.  So, its spiritual successor, the Series 2 80 Sport, is a more natural choice, although itself fast achieving relative rarity and modern classic status. Introduced in April 1983, it was known as GTE in countries other than Britain but was only available here as a four-door Saloon and badged as the 80 Sport. Its 1781 cc (1.8-litre) DZ engine with K-Jet injection was essentially the same as that of the early Mk 2 Golf GTI, but mounted longitudinally. Developing 112 PS and 160 Nm, it powering the relatively lightweight (980 kg unladen) 80 Sport from 0-60 in 9.5 seconds and on  to a top speed of 120 mph, typically averaging around 35 mpg but capable of over 45 mpg on an economy run. With front and rear spoilers, extra instruments in the centre console, cloth-trimmed sports seats, and a close-ratio 5-speed gearbox it was every bit a sporting saloon car, equal to but with a more mature appeal than the Golf GTI. The earliest examples came with the ‘cookie cutter’ 6×14 alloy wheels, with 185/60-14 tyres, plain front brake discs and had a finned alloy sump; later cars had the 6×14 Ronal R8 multi-spoke wheels, vented front discs with a bigger servo unit (but still rear drum brakes), steel sump and the water-cooled oil cooler.

 

At the end of 1984 the 80 was face-lifted with a sloping grille and headlamps, bigger bumpers, a revised boot lid which opened down to bumper level, bigger rear lights and a new facia with revised switchgear, and central locking became standard. For 1986, the last year, it came  with a sunroof and tinted glass. Power steering was an option. Priced between £7,549 and £9,810 when new, asking prices for serviceable cars nowadays range between £1000 and £5000 depending on provenance and condition. It has to be said that only a few have survived in good condition after all these years, due to their dynamic appeal and / or relatively poor resistance to rust, and show-quality cars  are a distinct rarity. We have a great personal affinity for the 80 Sport here at Audi Driver, as both the erstwhile Editor, the late Paul Harris, and myself, Neil Birkitt, owned examples and drove them extensively. Robin Wager ran one as  a company car when he was the Editor of VW Motoring magazine, and several Club Audi members such as Chris Grant (whose restored 1985 example is pictured above), Malcolm Gulliver, John Scott and  Andy Foyle are also great fans of the 80 Sport.