A friend of mine is thinking about buying a 1990-1991 AWD TSI. I heard that the rear ends and the tranny aren't as strong on them. He plans on some fairly heavy modifying and taking it to the track. He had a '96 AWD TSI and has a habit of launching quite hard. Would it be better for him to go for the '92-'94 because of the better drive line, or if he can get the '90-'91 really cheap, are the drive lines really bad?? like I've heard? Any of you guys that flog them regularly have any advice for my friend.

Thanks.

95 TSI AWD

I have heard the same thing.
But I launch my AWD hard all the time. The weakest part is the stock clutch. That's what you have to worry about. If he puts in a stronger clutch, like an ACT 2100 or 2600, the stress will be on other parts. But I've launched everywhere up to 5500 rpm without incident. IMO, they can take the abuse. And I'm running 16/17 psi on a big 16g turbo, with 211K.

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'91 AWD