History 1980s

Audi Quattro / Sport Quattro / S1 E2

Overview Specs Highlights Characteristics

Overview

The Audi Quattro debuted in 1980 and changed the face of rallying forever. It was the first car to combine turbocharging with a full-time all-wheel-drive system in top-tier rally competition. This innovation gave Audi an unmatched advantage in traction, particularly on snow, gravel, and loose surfaces. Over the course of the 1980s, the Quattro evolved into the shorter Sport Quattro and the legendary S1 E2 — each more radical and powerful than the last. Audi's pioneering AWD concept forced every other manufacturer to rethink rally car design.

Technical Specs & Innovations

The real breakthrough wasn’t just power — it was traction. Audi's quattro system provided grip in all conditions, especially in snow and mud, giving them a technological edge over traditional RWD and FWD rivals.

🏆 Competitive Highlights

  • 1981 WRC Season: First WRC win at the Swedish Rally with Hannu Mikkola.
  • 1982 WRC Manufacturers’ Champion: Audi becomes the first AWD team to take the crown.
  • 1983 WRC Drivers’ Champion: Hannu Mikkola wins the title in the Quattro A1/A2.
  • 1984 WRC Sweep: Stig Blomqvist wins Drivers’ title; Audi takes the Manufacturers’ championship.
  • 1985 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb: Michele Mouton wins in the S1 E2, setting a new record.

Across the decade, the Quattro secured over 20 WRC victories and forced the end of rear-wheel-drive dominance in rally. Its legacy is deeply rooted in the shift toward AWD rally cars.

Driving Characteristics

The Quattro was heavy and nose-heavy, especially in early versions, requiring a more measured driving style than the lightweight RWD cars of the time. But its superior traction allowed earlier acceleration out of corners, especially on loose surfaces. As the platform evolved into the S1 E2, it became brutally fast and physically demanding, with extreme turbo lag and monstrous power — rewarding aggression, precision, and experience.

← Previous Car —
Back to Cars Index
BMW M3 E30 Next Car →

Watch rallies anywhere — bypass region blocks with NordVPN.

Fast servers for HD streams Servers in 60+ countries 30-day money-back

Unblock coverage — Save up to 77% + 3 months free

Sponsored link. Using our partner links helps support Compromised Internals at no extra cost to you.