How can you make a Passat faster? Can you?

[jimbo69ny]

I am interested in buying a Passat. I test drove my first one today. It was a turbo 4 cyl auto. It seemed pretty slow. Unless I was shifting myself, it was slow to get moving. My question is what can you do, if anything, to make these cars faster? Are the 6cyl Passats better?

Thanks
Jim

[00Psst]

There are a number of things you can do:
1. Chip it. Wetterauer, Neuspeed, Upsolute and others make a chip for the 1.8T that will increase HP at the crank by as much as 50HP. Cost $200-500.

2. Upgrade the turbo - go to K04 version. This will increase boost significantly - pretty expensive.

3. Better intake and exhaust - lower HP gains to be sure but lower price too. K & N Filter $50 and cat back exhaust approx $500

4. Small upgrades for small bucks also include upgraded diverter valve - $75-$125.

Typically increasing HP with a chip or new turbo will cause the shortcomings in the stock suspension to become more noticeable so for significant HP increases you should probably factor in upgrades to shocks and springs as well as a good wheel and tire package. The 6 cyl does offer more HP than the 1.8T so if modest gains and smoother delivery are what you want it might be worthwhile to stick with the 6 cyl.

[MrHans]

Originally Posted by jimbo69ny

I am interested in buying a Passat. I test drove my first one today. It was a turbo 4 cyl auto. It seemed pretty slow. Unless I was shifting myself, it was slow to get moving. My question is what can you do, if anything, to make these cars faster? Are the 6cyl Passats better?

Thanks
Jim

How about a 4.0L W8?
If you're not happy with it walking (driving) out the showroom door, why bother messing with it? Learn it, explore adhesion and elements, and then boost power, brakes, suspension etc...
I'm trying to get a friend to let me borrow his brother's (as yet unmodified) Audi RS6. Might be the next trade up after this 03 W8 wagon gets tiresome...