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Category: Double Take

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Double Take: Dueling Volkswagen B4 TDi Passats

Published April 19, 2014 by Carter

As enthusiasts cars go, the words “TDi” and “Passat” don’t generally generate a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. Of course, that belies the entire subculture of Volkswagen enthusiasts that are diesel obsessed; but even amongst them the Passat TDi is rarely the first car they’d choose. Perhaps the exception to that is the wagon version of the B4, which offered smart looks and unbelievable fuel mileage. However, we looked at one on our Facebook fanpage, and people baulked as the price approached $15,000 on a high mile, 20 year old Passat diesel. So what’s here today then? Well, if you need a smart commuter, want to get 50 miles a gallon with a bit of sleeper style, the Passat sedan offers arguably better build quality than the Mk.2 and Mk.3 Jetta diesels did and can be had for a more reasonable budget. Today, there are two nearly identical mileage B4 TDis available on Ebay – let’s start with the older one:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi on eBay

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Tuner Tuesday Double Take: Two Supercharged Audi A4s

Published April 15, 2014 by Carter

The Audi B5 was really the first Audi chassis that gained mass appeal for modifications. Sure, the Quattro, 5000, 200, S4 and S6 all had crowds that followed them and modified them, but it was really the B5 that took the Audi tuning theme to the masses. Most of those masses focused on two models; if you were new to the brand you bought and modified the plentiful and relatively cheap 1.8T, and if you could swing the hefty payments you bought the twin-turbocharged S4. Both accepted increased levels of boost easily, making them a no brainer for the tuning crowd. But quickly forgotten in the mix was the silky-smooth 2.8 V6. Initially available in 12 valve form, in 1998 Audi upgraded to the 30V heads. For the first time, the Audi V6 produced power levels near its competition, and the smooth and responsive V6 was a nice match for the slick look of the A4. But easy to tune it wasn’t; you weren’t left with many options outside of exhaust and intake if you wanted to turn the wick up on your 2.8. Unless, of course, you turned to unnatural forms of aspiration – happily supplied by PES in the form of a supercharger:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 Audi A4 quattro on eBay

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Front-engine Freedom: 1990 Porsche 944S2 Cabriolet & 1992 Porsche 968 Cabriolet

Published April 9, 2014 by Paul

$_57

For years, the Porsche 944 soldiered on as a sports coupe. It wouldn’t be until 1990 that Porsche decided to test the waters with the 944S2 Cabriolet. Sold in limited numbers, the car would offer buyers a cheaper alternative to an open roofed 911. It’s longevity in the market was short, as Porsche unveiled a 944 replacement for 1992 in the form of the 968. Porsche would yet again offer a drop top variant in the new lineup, however. Let’s look at two very nice examples of these rare convertible Porsches, the first a clean 944S2 Cabriolet for sale in Maryland.

Click for more details: 1990 Porsche 944S2 Cabriolet on eBay

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944 S3 – 1993 and 1994 Porsche 968s

Published March 20, 2014 by Carter

Another week, another set of watercooled, front engined, 4-cylinder, non-turbo Porsche coupes. This time, though, it’s the cream of the crop; the highly regarded 968 Coupe. While recently I’ve covered several944 S and S2s, the 968 remains pretty firmly the most desirable of the non-turbo models by most enthusiasts. For good reason, too – it’s a good looking, relatively cheap to maintain Porsche that’s a great driver and combines the awesome look of the 928 and 944 turbo into one package. What’s not to like? Well, in some cases, the pricetag; we’ve featured a few lower mile examples and the asking prices seem to be quite high. The first example is a good illustration of this:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1994 Porsche 968 on Craigslist

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Homologation Special: 1979 and 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 5.0s

Published March 19, 2014 by Carter

It’s hard to believe it’s been over two years since Paul last wrote up a 450SLC 5.0, a homologation special intended to get a big motor into a lighter SLC to make it competitive in World Rally Championship. Remember, this is the pre-Quattro days, so a heavier rear driver wasn’t such a crazy proposition. It was aided by a fair amount of aluminum, too – the engine, doors, hood and trunk all were switched to aluminum. In the case of the hood – long enough to land a small aircraft on – that change made a difference. They didn’t sell like hotcakes though, and few remain today; they’re rare sights for sure, and it’s a treat to get two at the same time. Let’s start with the 1980:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 5.0 on Carandclassic.co.uk

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