Top 10 Performance AUDIs: 2) Series 2 80 quattro (1983-1984)

Series 2 80 quattro (1983-1984)

On the face of it, as a contemporary four-door Saloon, the Series 2 80 quattro looks similar to the 80 Sport but they couldn’t be more different under the skin. Introduced in December 1982, the 80 quattro was essentially the Audi 80 bodyshell but with the four-wheel drivetrain from the Ur quattro, along with the non-turbocharged five-cylinder 2144 cc (2.2-litre) engine with K-Jetronic injection developing 136 PS and 176 Nm. Essentially the same engine as that used in the Audi 100 it was designated with a ‘KK’ engine code, which is why you’ll sometimes hear the Series 2 80 quattro referred to as ‘KK quattro’. Although 200 kg heavier than the 80 Sport, the 80 quattro was more powerful and just as fast, especially in wet and slippery conditions when its four-wheel drive system, with lockable centre and rear differentials, would provide superb traction. It was capable of 0-60 in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph, with typical fuel consumption averaging just 30 mpg with 35-37 mpg on a long run. Much more expensive (£2,500 more) than the 80 Sport, UK models came with power steering, central locking, electric windows, Cibie headlamps and fog lights as standard, as well as a leather-rimmed steering wheel. With front and rear spoilers very similar to those of the Sport, it was only readily distinguished from a distance by the different headlamps and up close by the quattro lettering in the rear side windows and in the heated rear window elements as well as the boot badge. Early examples had a 5E badge on the grille, but this was superseded by a quattro badge. Standard wheels were 5.5 x 14-inch steel rims with 175/70 HR 14 tyres, but many came with the optional 6×14-inch Ronal R8s and 195/60 HR 14 tyres, very similar in appearance to those of the Sport but with the 4×108 mm bolt pattern rather than 4×100 mm. Other options included a steel sliding sunroof, electric mirrors, tinted glass and leather upholstery.
Suitably prepared, the 80 quattro also made its name in rallying, most notably when Stig Blomqvist came second overall on the Swedish Rally in 1983, and Bernard Daniche won the Group A category on the 1984 Monte Carlo Rally. It was superseded in 1985 by a 112 PS 1.8-litre four-cylinder version of the Series 2 80 quattro, cheaper but ultimately not as rewarding to drive. As with the 80 Sport, we also have a strong association with the 80 quattro as Volkswagen Audi Car ran one as a project car during the mid-90s and Neil Birkitt ran a 1983 example for many years. That same car has recently been restored by Chris Hoyle of the Classic Audi forum and we look forward to featuring it in the near future.