1982-1991
Front 3/4Click to expand
Engineering first
The aerodynamic revolution. The C3 100's 0.30 drag coefficient was the lowest of any production sedan — a technical achievement that reshaped the entire industry.
History
Audi invested heavily in wind-tunnel development for the C3, and the results were visible in every surface. The flush-mounted glass, smooth underbody, and tapered tail weren't styling — they were engineering. The Quattro variant brought all-wheel drive to the executive class.
Timeline
1982Production begins
1991Production ends
Production & Heritage
Production Total1,072,846
DesignerMartin Smith
Production Period1982-1991
Estimated Value$4K-$12K
Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.
Technical Specifications
Engine2.2L Inline-5 Turbo
Power165 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque240 Nm
0-60 mph7.5 sec
Top Speed216 km/h
Transmission5-speed manual
DrivetrainFWD
Weight1,250 kg
Drag CoefficientCd 0.3
Engine Details
Engine CodeMC
Displacement2.2L (2,226 cc)
Bore x Stroke81 x 86.4 mm
Compression8.4
Valves10
Fuel SystemBosch K-Jetronic fuel injection with KKK K26 turbocharger
Engine ManagementBosch K-Jetronic
Performance
0-60 mph7.5 sec
Top Speed216 km/h
Fuel Economy10.8 l/100km
Weight-to-Power7.6 kg/hp
Dimensions
Length4,793 mm
Width1,814 mm
Height1,422 mm
Wheelbase2,687 mm
Chassis & Suspension
Front SuspensionMacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionIndependent, torsion beam, trailing arms, coil springs
Front BrakesVentilated discs
Rear BrakesSolid discs
SteeringRack and pinion, power assisted
Tires195/65R15
Capacity
Fuel Tank80 L
Trunk Volume570 L
Doors4
Seats5
Tags
Designed by Martin Smith
From the 1980s
