Yeah it would have to be quattro. FWD is not an option.

Bad news then, the quattro is still only available for the V6 version, at least for now.

Is this worldwide or just in Australia Monster?

Just Australia, guess we have to wait til the end of the year to get the full range of options for the A4.

Well, I know a few things about the current Mercedes' 200K engine. But I don't know much about the replacements of these engines.
The Audi's engine, they made alot of versions of the engine by adjusting the ECU and turbo during the years, so there were alot of updates and versions.



MERCEDES-BENZ 200K ENGINE

2000-2002
The engine made its first appearance back in 2000 in the previous generation W203 pre-facelift C-class.
I believe this engine was based on the 200 engine dated back in 1994 which made its first appearance in the first generation W202 C-class.


Engine specifications:
Power: 163 hp at 5300 rpm
Torque: 230 Nm at 2500 rpm

Performance*:
Topspeed: 227 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9,7 s
Fuel consumption city: 13,8 l/100km
Fuel consumption highway: 7,0 l/100km
Fuel consumption combined: 9,5 l/100km
CO2 emission: 227 g/km


2002-2007
The new W211 E-class and the W203 C-class had a revised 200K engine in 2002. It's a new engine I believe or a major update, it's different from its predecessor. It's cleaner, more fuel efficient and slightly faster.

Engine specifications:
Power: 163 hp at 5500 rpm
Torque: 240 Nm at 3000 rpm

Performance*:
Topspeed: 231 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9,4 s
Fuel consumption city: 12,7 l/100km
Fuel consumption highway: 6,4 l/100km
Fuel consumption combined: 8,7 l/100km
CO2 emission: 209 g/km


2006-now
The new revised 200K made it's first appearance in the facelifted W211 E-class. Based on the previous engine, 2002-2007. Later made it into the new W204 C-class and other models.

Engine specifications:
Power: 184 hp at 5500 rpm
Torque: 250 Nm at 3500 rpm

Performance*:
Topspeed: 230 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8,8 s
Fuel consumption city: 11,0 l/100km
Fuel consumption highway: 6,1 l/100km
Fuel consumption combined: 7,9 l/100km
CO2 emission: 187 g/km



AUDI 1.8T ENGINES
I don't know really much about the Audi's 1.8T engines but the first engine named "1.8T" is way back in 1995 and made its debut in the first generation Audi A4 as replacement of the Audi 80. The engine itself was based on the 1.8 5V engine which dated back in 1994.
If I'm incorrect in any way, please correct me fellow members.

1995-2007
In this era there were some small updates to the engine and were available in 150, 163, 180, 190 and 225 HP versions.
The engine is basically the same during the years.

Engine specifications:
Power: 150 hp at 5700 rpm
Torque: 210 Nm at 1750 rpm

Performance*:
Topspeed: 214 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9,5 s
Fuel consumption city: 12,9 l/100km
Fuel consumption highway: 6,9 l/100km
Fuel consumption combined: 9,1 l/100km
CO2 emission: 223 g/km


2007-now
New generation 1.8 TFSI engines, available in 120 and 160 HP.

Engine specifications:
Power: 160 hp at 4500 rpm
Torque: 250 Nm at 1500 rpm

Performance*:
Topspeed: 218 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8,6 s
Fuel consumption city: 10,3 l/100km
Fuel consumption highway: 5,7 l/100km
Fuel consumption combined: 7,4 l/100km
CO2 emission: 179 g/km



*= Performances figures based on the C-class or A4 both with automatic transmissions.
Obviously the performance figures can differs due to new generations (heavier) cars during the years.




Well I hope that was useful, unfortunatly it's more history than future information that I can give to you.
Anyway have fun testdriving the cars tomorrow and hopefully we can see some photos and your personal experience very soon.

The 1.8TFSI in the new B8 A4 is completely new - imagine it as a smaller displacement GTI engine, it's exactly that. It has nothing to do with the 1.8Ts of the B6.

Bear in mind though, the B8 1.TFSI has a gem of an engine but a questionable gearbox. From what I heard multitronic gives quite a lot of problems and it limits the upgrading potential of the engine (the engine can do much more than 160bhp safely). The Merc has a more tried-and-tested 5 speeder but then again its engine isn't exactly new either.

It's a tough call between the two but I think I'll pick the Merc. FWD & multitronic strikes the Audi out for me, until a S-tronic version arrives I won't consider a 1.8TFSI B8. As for your mum, she'll probably appreciate the Merc better.

^^ I second that. AFAIK the 1.8TFSI has nothing to do with the old 1.8T. And I heard too that Multitronic is not exactly the most reliable gearbox you can have from Audi.

FWD is a problem. But with 160hp, if you Mom does not drive like a mad(wo)man and needs the ultimate handling, I don't think it's such a problem. It's often a question of principles, especially on these not so powerful motors.

The thing is that the Audi isn't very comfort oriented... Here is the biggest advantage of the Merc. Very comfortable and relaxing, without beeing a rhino to drive.

WOW thank you sooo much for that Alwing.

Test drove both vehicles today quite extensively. Will write up the result tomorrow.

Any guesses who's going to take the cake?

My guess, none??

Honda Civic Hybrid.