comparison questions - new member

hello,
new member seeking some better info than what the Newbie Guide Version 2 gives. as a bit of background, in 1996 i test drove a new A4 2.8l Quattro Tiptronic but i dont really recall its performance.

ive decided that im shopping for a 1999 to 2001 A4.

ive already decided ill choose the 2.8l over the 1.8T. personal preference, please dont knock it.

while id prefer to have a 5 speed, id like to hear pros and cons to both the 5 speed and the Tiptronic.

Quattro vs FWD: from this standpoint, which requires more maintenance and/or is more reliable ?

Performance: i used to own a 1991 Ford Taurus SHO. if you dont know anything about these, they are high revving(7300RPM redline) fast and durable engines built by Yamaha mated to a 5 speed Mazda transmission. in stock form, an SHO could hit the 1/4 mile in just under 15 seconds at 98MPH and 0-60 was just under 6 seconds. so, with that said, how does the 2.8l 5 speed compare to an SHO ?

i may have more questions later, but if so, ill add them to this thread.

thanks for looking and if you responded, Thank You as well.