Audi Quattro

vs

Porsche 924 Carrera GTS

Germany vs Germany — 1980 vs 1981

Audi Quattro (1980)
Porsche 924 Carrera GTS (1981)
Specifications
Quattro Ur-Quattro 20V924 Carrera GTS
Horsepower220 hp245 hp
Torque228 lb-ft217 lb-ft
Engine Size2,226 cc1,984 cc
0-60 mph6.1 sec5.5 sec
Top Speed143 mph155 mph
¼ Mile14.8 sec13.9 sec
Weight2,471 lbs
Wheelbase2,524 mm2,400 mm
Length4,404 mm4,213 mm
Units Produced59
Original MSRP$73,500
Value (Excellent)$120,000$1,200,000
Collectibility5/1010/10
Rarity7/1010/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1980 Audi Quattro Ur-Quattro 20V offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.

Overview

In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1980 Audi Quattro Ur-Quattro 20V versus the 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS. Both hail from Malaise era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS holds a clear advantage in raw power with 245 hp compared to 220 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Audi Quattro uses a Inline-5 SOHC 10V / DOHC 20V Turbocharged displacing 2,226 cc, while the Porsche 924 Carrera GTS relies on a Inline-4 SOHC Turbocharged 8V with 1,984 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.1 seconds. On the collector market, the 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS commands a significant premium over the 1980 Audi Quattro Ur-Quattro 20V, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.