Four to reckon with: Audi E-Tron GT vs Quattro Car News

Both run a Quattro four-wheel-drive system and both represent the epitome of accessible performance that’s been a Quattro hallmark since 1980. And while the E-tron GT struggles to match the star-studded heritage of the Quattro, coming as it does among a series of electric performance cars, its launch was still quite the moment for Audi: if a brand’s halo car can be electric, it’s obvious which way the wind is blowing.

But first, the Quattro. It defined the genre, so it makes sense to start with it and see if its traits carry over to the E-tron GT, over 40 years later. When a car has so much character, it’s hard not to be a little grumpy about the state of the world today: why can’t everything be so fun? From the trigger-style door handles to the five-cylinder thrum, you know the journey is going to be special.

That thought is only reinforced when you slip into the seats and grip the slim, perfectly round steering wheel. Brown velor seats, might I add. It is the essence of the 1980s expressed in upholstery fabric.

Key turned, throttle pushed slightly to get a little more fuel into the pistons as the starter spins, then it revs, smoothly with a hint, but not too much, of five-cylinder character. It comes later when you stretch the revs and that unique sound comes back into the cabin.

It’s not loud or rude – it’s not really the style of the Quattro – but it’s enough to let you know there’s something interesting going on under the hood. That and the hiss of the KKK fan turbocharger as you take off to change gears via the five-speed manual gearbox.

The pace isn’t outrageous – 0-62mph takes 7.1 seconds thanks to 197bhp and 210lb ft – but it’s incredibly effortless. Often, if you’re driving an old car in modern traffic, you feel outclassed, like the world has suddenly become much busier and pressed for time, but the Quattro doesn’t suffer from that.

With a flexible torque curve and minimal turbo lag, allied to the light 1287kg curb weight, it’s a remarkably easy car for any trip. It’s no longer a supercar-baiter these days (in its heyday it rivaled the Ferrari 308 GTB for acceleration), but it’s more than capable of keeping pace on Autobahns and A-roads.