Wondering if I found a rare gem?

[midnightmekanik]

I've been reading around, and the thing I seem to see alot is that the 4motion 5spd passats are rare.

Now, I'm a noob to vw, but I know cars. I bought this car on the weekend thinking it was just a regular 1.8t 5spd FWD. When I went to check it out, I popped the hood and saw a longitudinally mounted engine, and cv shafts going to the front wheels. Now adding up two and two, I figured it was an AWD.

Now my question is that would this be a quattro like the audis, or a 4motion??

I wanted to take pics of it, but looks almost as if we're going to have a tornado!

It would be nice if this was a rare find. Would make up for all the bs and scams i've encountered over the years buying off classifieds websites lol

Should have mentioned its a 1998, and is immaculate condition, aside from little things to be fixed.

[rhodri45]

4motion. idk what engine it really is, i don't remember a AWD passat w/ 1.8t

[midnightmekanik]

4motion. idk what engine it really is, i don't remember a AWD passat w/ 1.8t

That's what I'm saying... I've looked around, but can't find anything on an AWD passat. Everything drivetrain related matches up to an A4...

[Rockerchick]

I may be a bit confused, but you do know the Passat is FWD right?

[speedtek40]

They did make a 4-motion passat and yes there were versions that had a 5-speed (although very rare, most were automatics), however....All passats from your era had longitudially mounted engines as they were based off the Audi chassis...most were just FWD. If it doesn't say 4-motion on it or doesn't have a rear diff, it's only a FWD

[midnightmekanik]

They did make a 4-motion passat and yes there were versions that had a 5-speed (although very rare, most were automatics), however....All passats from your era had longitudially mounted engines as they were based off the Audi chassis...most were just FWD. If it doesn't say 4-motion on it or doesn't have a rear diff, it's only a FWD

You're totally right lol! Told ya I was a noob to vw's

I have never seen a longitudinally mounted engine be solely for fwd. leave it those pesky Germans to force me to re-learn everything about cars again!

Only saw it today because I got it up on a hoist to give it a once over for safety inspection. I still would have bought it regardless.

Thanks for the info!

[speedtek40]

You're totally right lol! Told ya I was a noob to vw's

I have never seen a longitudinally mounted engine be solely for fwd. leave it those pesky Germans to force me to re-learn everything about cars again!

Only saw it today because I got it up on a hoist to give it a once over for safety inspection. I still would have bought it regardless.

Thanks for the info!

No problem, the Germans have been mounting longitudal engines to FWD setups for years......
VW/Audi Fox
Audi 100
Audi 5000
Audi 80/90
VW Passat
The list goes on....

[feels_road]

Mine has the Torsen AWD - but I have the V6.

1.8T 4Motion is extremely rare in the US. I don't think any were MT, though.

The B5 Passats have a great feel to them with the extended Audi A4 chassis - you can tell it has a longitudinal engine the minute you drive it.

Unfortunately, they take some TLC, and used ones that are neglected may cost several $1,000 in repairs and maintenance in the first couple of years.

[rhodri45]

Mine has the Torsen AWD - but I have the V6.

1.8T 4Motion is extremely rare in the US. I don't think any were MT, though.

The B5 Passats have a great feel to them with the extended Audi A4 chassis - you can tell it has a longitudinal engine the minute you drive it.

Unfortunately, they take some TLC, and used ones that are neglected may cost several $1,000 in repairs and maintenance in the first couple of years.

could have been a manny swap. but yes, very rare. most are just imported from europe. they're super sweet though.