How big of a performance difference am I giving up if I buy the 1.8t avant wgn with out the sports suspension? Our local dealer is wanting to unload 5 speed manual at what looks to be good deal but it doesn't come with a sports package/suspension. Can I go with the sports tires and be close?<ul><li><a href="bbrower@northlink.net">bbrower@northlink.net</a</li></ul>

I wouldn't hesitate if the deal is good and you do not mind going to the aftermarket for better suspension. If you live in snow country, you could use the stock wheels/tires in winter and change to larger wheels with more performance oriented tires for summer. There are also options for suspension upgrades.

Expenses for upgrades could quickly offset the savings by buying the non-sport, however.

99 1.8qms Melange AutoThority

I just want to say, that I drove both a non-sport and a sport A4. Comparing the two, I can't say that the ride on the non sport wasn't stiff and solid. It drove awesome. The difference is that your car would be a little lower... no performance gain that I can tell unless you want to cut corners really fast... in which case it probably isn't low enough. Tire wise, the tires on the non sport will last longer and go better in snow and rain.... I ended up buying the sports model because it gave me all the options, but comparing ride quality it's not that evident until you push the car.

I hope this gives you a prespective. WHy don't you drive both and compare....
Dimitri

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99.5 1.8TQMS

If the deal is good enough you can always upgrade the wheels and suspension if you "want" a sportier ride. Then you could either sell your old wheels or mount snow tires on them.
By relacing the shocks, installing sport springs, performance wheels, and larger sway bars,you will actually end up with better handling than with the factory sport pkg. The sport pack is just a great value for what you get.

Of course this all depends on how you drive. You may not need any of it. Before I bought my 1.8tqms, the car I test drove was a 1.8 manual w/o the sport pkg and it impressed me enough to buy it.

Just my $0.02

Good luck...the Avante is awesome, too bad its not avail. here in canada or else I'd be driving one too :)

Bill,

Where would this Avant be? I've noticed a Hibiscus 1.8T w/o sport at my local Dealer in the NY Metro area for a while now and am just wondering.

Bill,

I just took delivery of my Avant w/sports package last Saturday. Had to wait 2 months while they made it and shipped it over, but it was easily worth the wait. I'm no expert on this stuff and this is my first Quatrro, but I love it. I drove one without the sports package and it is not nearly the same. The sp brings all the best attributes of the car together at a very good value.

cj: sorry about delay I was out for a while. Dealership is in northern michigan.