Verdict
C
BHP
150 bhp
0–60
8.4 s
Top speed
137 mph
MPG
27 mpg (US)
Used
$1,000-$4,400
Strengths
- Original modern A4 — defined the segment
- Quattro grip
- Avant estate practical
Weaknesses
- Cabin tiny by modern standards
- Rust on UK cars
- Multitronic CVT reliability
Notable tech
- B5 platform shared with VW Passat B5
- Saloon and Avant bodies
- First-gen 1.8T petrol family
- Quattro Torsen centre diff
Common issues
- Rear axle bushes
- Multitronic CVT failures (early)
- Coil pack failures on 1.8T
Engine derivatives
US-spec trims and engines offered across B5's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.
1.6 petrol
BHP101
Torque140 Nm
0–6012.5 s
Top116 mph
MPG (US)28 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT
1.8 petrol
BHP125
Torque170 Nm
0–6010.5 s
Top124 mph
MPG (US)28 mpg
DriveFWD / quattro
Gearbox5MT
1.8T petrol
BHP150
Torque210 Nm
0–608.4 s
Top137 mph
MPG (US)27 mpg
DriveFWD / quattro
Gearbox5MT
2.4 V6 petrol
BHP165
Torque230 Nm
0–608.7 s
Top139 mph
MPG (US)22 mpg
DriveFWD / quattro
Gearbox5MT
2.6 V6 petrol
BHP150
Torque225 Nm
0–609.5 s
Top134 mph
MPG (US)22 mpg
DriveFWD / quattro
Gearbox5MT
2.8 V6 petrol
BHP193
Torque280 Nm
0–607.9 s
Top143 mph
MPG (US)22 mpg
DriveFWD / quattro
Gearbox5MT
1.9 TDI 90 diesel
BHP90
Torque210 Nm
0–6013.5 s
Top109 mph
MPG (US)42 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT
1.9 TDI 110 diesel
BHP110
Torque235 Nm
0–6011.5 s
Top121 mph
MPG (US)42 mpg
DriveFWD / quattro
Gearbox5MT
2.5 TDI V6 diesel
BHP150
Torque310 Nm
0–609.5 s
Top134 mph
MPG (US)32 mpg
DriveFWD / quattro
Gearbox6MT / 5AT