Classic Audi Gas Engine: Diesel-Like Performance?

Translated on 12-10-2026, 4:44.

Hi.

A colleague is supposed to get an old Audi (possibly a 100?) that has a 2.3-liter 5-cylinder gasoline engine, which produces its maximum torque at a very low RPM, almost like a diesel.

Does anyone know anything about this engine?

m;

Translated on 12-10-2026, 4:44.

Hi,
I once had something similar from 1987. I'd need to check the manufacturing code. It doesn't sound like a diesel. However, it pulls fairly evenly from 2000 to 5000 RPM. It's also okay below that. There are no noticeable dips or flat spots anywhere, but it also doesn't have a strong power surge.

Translated on 12-10-2026, 4:45.

That's not very informative. There were countless variations of this engine. I myself have driven a 2.3-liter engine. The maximum torque was 1950 rpm. However, that one had a turbocharger.

The 2.3 model was available as the "old grandpa" version, just like the S4. Ask them how many horsepower it's supposed to have.

Best regards,
Uwe

Translated on 12-10-2026, 4:46.

I inquired again.

He should have the MKB "KZ" code.

m;

Guest Free account, no CAN development support

Hi,

Should VAG really be tasteless enough to name an engine 'KZ'?

Hmm... I did a search on Google.

This is a 2.2-liter 5-cylinder engine with 115 horsepower.
It seems to be quite rare, at least in the Audi 100 Type 44.
After that, it would be gone for good.

The 2.3-liter engine was called 'AAR' or 'NG' in the C4, producing 133 horsepower; it was also available in the Type 44.

One cannot really speak of high maximum torque from the very beginning.
I believe the maximum is 4400 RPM with 190 Nm of torque (AAR).
He pulls very smoothly, as christianS already mentioned. That's how I remember it from the C4 AAR that I used to drive.

Translated on 12-10-2026, 4:49.

Uwe wrote:

That's not very informative. There were countless variations of this engine. I myself have driven a 2.3-liter engine. Maximum torque at 1950 RPM. However, that one had a turbocharger.

The 2.3 model was available as the "old grandpa" version, just like the S4. Ask them how many horsepower it's supposed to have.

Best regards, Uwe

There were only two 2.3-liter engines available for the 100 series. The 44 model had 136 horsepower, while the C4 had 133 horsepower. All other models had 1.9, 2.0, or 2.2-liter engines.