“Totally different by design.”
Audi’s Quattro had been changing the perception of all-wheel-drive in Europe since late 1980, but finally made it to American soil for the 1983 model year with a few modifications (such as larger bumpers) specific to the market.
The only available engine was the WX turbocharged and fuel0-injected 2.1 liter inline five cylinder making 160 bhp and running on premium gas. This engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission connected to (of course!) the Quattro generation I all-wheel-drive system with manually lockable center and rear differentials. Motor Trend clocked a 1983 Quattro with a 0-60 time of 7.9 seconds—not bad for the early eighties. Fuel economy was 17 city/28 highway by the day’s standards (14/20 by today’s measures).
The Quattro was an expensive car, especially for an eighties Audi—almost three times the cost of the far more plebeian Audi 80 coupe it was based on (and whose squarish styling it closely resembled). At $35,000 (about $114,000 in 2025 dollars), it was approximately $5,000 more than a 1983 Porsche 911. But, there was nothing like it.
All 1983 Quattros included tinted glass, front and rear spoilers, halogen headlamps, an independent suspension, four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes, power rack and pinion steering, and 205/60R15 steel-belted radial tires (a size still readily available) on 6J x 15-inch light-alloy wheels. Inside, power door locks, power window lifts, full gauges, cruise control, and an AM/FM stereo cassette were all included.
Options & Production Numbers
Options for the 1983 Quattro were few—a removable sunroof panel ($450), special metallic exterior paint, leather upholstery ($1,500), electrically heated front seats, floor mats, and a rear-window wiper/washer ($210).
Total sales in the United States were only 664 over the three years between 1983 and 1985.
The View From 2025
Original (“Ur”) Quattros have a strong following. Quattros sometimes appear in the Hemming’s Motor News classifieds and Bring a Trailer, but there just aren’t that many to sell. According to Hagerty’s valuation tools, all the money for a 1983 Audi Quattro in #1/Concours condition is $100,000. A more “normal” Quattro in #3/Good condition is valued at $47,100.
Color is a tough choice here, but I’m going to violate my usual “it is a German car, it looks good in silver” rule and ask that mine be Mars Red.
The only other Audi I have written about is the 1984 5000S sedan.
Last updated April 2025.
Eighties Cars 