Marque: Audi/NSU - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Audi/NSU
August Horch worked as an engineer with Benz in the 1890s, leaving in 1899 to start his own firm; the first Horch car (with a two cylinder engine) was produced in 1900. A multitude of vehicles and engine types followed, including a six-cylinder, eight-litre motor. After differences of opinion between Horch and his partners, he departed in 1909 and started another new car manufacturing concern. Prevented…
Audi/NSU Audi 100 (1976-82)
PRICE: £100-£1800
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1976-82 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon; five-door estate - Engine:
Overhead camshaft in-line four-cylinder 1984cc petrol 115bhp; in-line five cylinder 2144cc petrol 115 or 136bhp or in-line five-cylinder diesel 1986cc 67bhp - 0-60 mph:
11-20 sec - Top Speed:
90-130mph - MPG:
Petrol 18-30+ mpg; Diesel 30-40+ mpg
PAST: A redesigned and very cleanlystyled 100 emerged in October 1976, powered by a detuned Porsche 924 engine. From late 1977 was a fivecylinder, 2.2 litre, employing Bosch fuel-injection. From September 1978, five pot, 2144cc carburettor-fed engines replaced the previous fourcylinders. Avant (estate) versions that same year, with four-cylinder 1.6 litre, five-cylinder 2.2-litre or five-cylinder 1986cc diesel engines.
PRESENT: Arguably the start of the real modern Audi, the 100 was highly acclaimed in the 1970s and they still make decent daily drivers, especially the Volvo-like Avant estates.
FUTURE: These ‘modern classics’ are available at bargain prices but can still give good service so long as you avoid rusty ones. No real classic potential but always an interesting pick.
Audi/NSU 80 (1972-1979)
PRICE: £100- £1800
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1972-79 - Bodywork:
Two-door saloon; four-door saloon five-door estate - Engine:
Overhead camshaft in-line four cylinder 1296cc 60bhp; 1470cc 75 or 85bhp; 1588cc 75 85 110bhp - 0-60 mph:
1470cc (75bhp) 13+ sec; 1588cc (85bhp) 12+ sec; 1588cc GT (110bhp) 9.5 sec - Top Speed:
1470cc (75bhp) 95+ mph; 1588cc (85bhp) 100 mph; 1588cc GT (110bhp) 110+ mph - MPG:
Petrol 25-35 mpg
PAST: 80 was the 3 Series of its day based upon the similar VW Passat, which arrived in Britain in the autumn of 1972. August 1974 saw the introduction of a 1.6 litre GT model that was much underrated in its day. Estates made their debut in June 1975 and 1.5s were replaced by 1.6 units later. For ‘76 Golf GTi-engined GTE models replaced the previous GT versions. Luxurious GLS variants for 1977.
PRESENT: These were smart cars in their time; now scarce (corrosion has despatched most to scrapyards during the last quarter century), liked for their zest and quality build. GTs and GTEs hold most appeal as they are a classier take on the Golf GTi concept.
FUTURE: Car Of The Year for 1973, but apart from the excellent GT versions there’s little chance of this mouldbreaking Audi achieving classic status.
