Hi everyone:
As I brought my A4 into the 48000 km oil change and check-ups this morning, my dealer gave me the 99.5 A4 1.8T Quattro non-sport, Tiptronic with sports steering wheel. What a big surprise.
I always thought the A4 is softly sprung without sports package just like the BMW E46 non-sport, the reality told me its opposite. The car handles extremely flat even in triple digits speed on freeway on and off ramps. Very stable, very controllable and a lot less body rolls than I expected from standard suspension systems. All the road feels and precision are exactly the same as my 97's.
The biggest disappointment was the standard leatherette interior. I felt very sticky and unsupportive when compares with 97 1.8T sports seats and Jetta's velour standard seats. The car was a Jaspis Green/Advance Ecru/Onyx interior atmosphere.
What I like about the 99.5-2000 design is the climate control finally has an OFF button like the A6. I personally don't care about the relocated cupholders anyway.
Tom
97 A4 1.8TQMS
99 JETTA IV GLS 2.0
00 NEW BEETLE GLS TDI (ON ORDER)
98.5 A4 1.8TQAS WETTED

Fine handling, true comfort. I wouldn't have it any other way. (Don't let the secret out!)

I notice a significant but acceptable amount of body roll on our 97 1.8T non-sport auto. In fact, a 99 A6 2.8 handles flatter and more stable. Perhaps they firmed it up in later years. By the way, we have the 15" wheels.

The funniest thing of this drive of the non-sports package A4 is it feels as solid as the 2.8 12V from 96-97 which didn't have either choice between sports and standard suspensions. Many posers here think the 12V suspension is the middle of the optional sports and standard package. Maybe Audi really firming up the standard suspension in order to competes with E46 standard package; however, Audi has a way better roll control and feel than the Bimmer.
I have driven the 97 2.8 12V before I purchased my 97 1.8T sport. I feel exactly the same feel between the 12V and this 1.8T standard. Anyone has the same throught as mine? Or am I never driven a standard suspened A4s before?
Tom
97 A4 1.8TQMS
99 JETTA IV GLS 2.0
00 NEW BEETLE GLS TDI (ON ORDER)
98.5 A4 1.8TQAS WETTED

...you can probably confirm this in the buyers guide or by searching the archives...the 97 sport package had sport seats, the 5 spoke rims, and the sport steering wheel...but NOT the sport suspension if I am correct...the 98s had the sport suspension (20mm lower with thicker anti-roll bars etc) instead of the seats, and came with tbe 7 spokers and Z-rated rubber...

Cheers,
-Ash 98.5 1.8TQMS

I drove sport and standard versions of the 99.5 A4 1.8T before settling on the sport. There is a noticeable difference. As tight and secure as the standard suspension is, the road feel through the wheel is still slightly remote. My first thought as I drove it was, "very Audi". I liked it and wondered why I'd want to spend money on the sport suspension. Then I drove the sport suspension. Slightly stiffer yes, but also more road feel, more "feedback". To me it afforded a greater sense of immediate control. A good part of that may be psychological, I'll grant you. Even so, I went with the sport as there was a noticeable and, for me, a positive difference. As always, your mileage may vary.

Rick