The Audi 5000s was an intriguing vehicle from the late ’70s to the ’80s, blending luxury with performance in a way that resonated particularly with North American consumers. With over 133,000 units sold, Audi found success, though not without overcoming some unique challenges.
I’ve always found it interesting how the 5000 in the U.S. was quite different from its European counterpart. In North America, the 5000 was only available with a five-cylinder engine—something that stood out at the time. Audi’s choice to initially limit the availability of diesel engines in California due to the state’s tough emissions standards was a bold decision. Of course, this changed by 1983 with the arrival of the turbo diesel, making the car compliant with 50-state emissions. This was the moment when Audi truly brought the 5000 into the mainstream in the U.S., especially with the turbo diesel, which was available only here.
One of the more fascinating elements of the Audi 5000 was the 1980 arrival of the Turbo model. While the European version boasted an impressive 160 horsepower, the U.S. version was dialed back to 130 hp due to emissions regulations. Despite the reduction in power, it still carried the turbo badge, and it wasn’t all bad. This model featured a sportier suspension, aluminum wheels, and some snazzy performance upgrades—though, oddly enough, it was paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission, which didn’t quite match the performance feel of the car. Still, with a top speed of 113 mph, it was a solid performer for its time, but it’s hard not to wonder how much more it could’ve been with just a little more boost.
Of course, Audi wasn’t finished with the 5000’s performance variants. The Turbo Diesel saw an increase in power and torque, which helped it keep up with its gasoline-powered counterpart. The only downside was that it was tied to Audi’s “3+E” automatic transmission, which was a bit of a letdown for enthusiasts seeking more control over their driving experience.
Audi 5000 Engine Specs (1978-1991)
| Engine Type | Power (hp/kW/PS) |
|---|---|
| 2.1 L I-5 (MY 1984) | 100 hp (75 kW; 101 PS) |
| 2.2 L I-5 (MY 1985) | 115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS) |
| 2.2 L I-5 (MY 1986-1987½) | 110 hp (82 kW; 112 PS) |
| 2.3 L I-5 (MY 1987½-1991) | 130 hp (97 kW; 132 PS) |
| 2.1 L I-5 Turbo (MY 1984-1985) | 140 hp (104 kW; 142 PS) |
| 2.2 L I-5 Turbo (MY 1986-1987½) | 158 hp (118 kW; 160 PS) |
| 2.2 L I-5 Turbo (MY 1987½-1991) | 162 hp (121 kW; 164 PS) |
| 2.2 L I-5 20-valve Turbo (MY 1991) | 217 hp (162 kW; 220 PS) |
From a personal perspective, the Audi 5000 is a car that stood out because of its distinct blend of performance and sophistication. It was never quite the sports car, but it offered a luxurious ride with decent power—especially with the later turbocharged and 20-valve models. If I were to own one, I think I’d lean towards the 2.2 L Turbo with the 160 hp—because it really felt like Audi was hitting a sweet spot between performance and practicality.
The 5000 was ahead of its time in many ways, offering a mix of technology, performance, and styling that other manufacturers couldn’t quite match during that era. Sure, it might not be as fast as the European models, but for the U.S. market, it represented a high-water mark for Audi in the luxury sedan game.
