Why does the Audi 80 have a pushrod engine?

Can someone explain the technical reasoning behind choosing a pushrod engine for the Audi 80? I am curious about the advantages and disadvantages compared to other engine designs.

The decision to use a pushrod engine in the Audi 80 was primarily driven by cost and weight considerations. Pushrod engines are simple and compact, which helps reduce production costs and overall weight of the vehicle.

Another advantage of a pushrod engine is its low center of gravity, which can improve handling and stability in a vehicle. Additionally, the simplicity of the design often results in better reliability and easier maintenance.

One downside of a pushrod engine is its limited power output compared to more modern engine designs. However, Audi engineers were able to overcome this limitation by implementing advanced technology and optimizing the engine's components for maximum performance.