Okay, I'm confused. What are the differences, besides the engines. I would love to have the <br>'98+ with more power but $$$ may dictate that I get a '96 (wife wants a new car too). Assuming<br>I can live with "only" 172 horses, what are the major differences? Can you get sport suspension<br>& sport seats with the '96 2.8?? That's really what I'm looking for... '96 with sport seats and<br>upgraded handling. Or will I have to save more $$$ for a used '98? <p>Thanks everyone!<p>Mark Collett

As far as I know, '96 A4's did not come with sport seats or suspension. As for having "only 172 hp, that's 22 more horsepower than any year 1.8T. Sure, you won't win drag races with a Corvette, but if you're looking for a dragster, buy something else. The '96 2.8 is a fine car ... I have one, and I won't trade it in until the completely new body style arrives. There should be a lot of '96's and '97s coming off lease right now, and since they've maintained 100% under warranty, they should be good buys.<p>PS: The '96 A4's don't have that mirror burnout problem that everybody else is complaining about. Their mirrors are turned on with the defroster switch; not on all the time like newer A4's.<p>StevenN '96 A4 2.8 qm

Besides the engine...here is what the various years DIDN'T have:<p>1996:<p>1) Didn't have sports package (lowered stiffer springs, HD shocks, sways, and ZR tires)<br>2) Didn't have sports wheel (I am pretty sure of this)<br>3) Didn't have sports seats<br>4) Had Delta head unit/Alpine CD changer ($$$$$$$!!!)<p>1997:<p>Same as 96<p>1) Did have "always on" mirrors (mine just burnt out and<br>were fixed under warranty)<p>1998: <p>1) Had the Panasonic head unit and CD changer<br>2) Had the New atmospheres<p>If you are debating .....a nice 96 2.8QM will go for $20-22K, a nice <br>97 2.8QM will go for $22-25K, a nice 98 2.8QM for $25-28K, and a <br>new 99 2.8QM for $31-34K. Depends on how much you got to <br>spend...all I can say is even a 96 2.8QM with 45K miles is better <br>than a new Accord.<p>That is my 2 cents worth and pure speculation on my part.<p>Steve S.<br>97 2.8QM<p>P.S. A pic of my car

When you say it "didn't have the sports wheel," are you talking about the 7-spoke alloy wheels? Because the '96 A4's DID come with the 3-spoke sports steering wheel as an option. I have the '96 Audi brochure which shows this.<p>StevenN '96 A4 2.8 qm

There were two 1998 2.8l models. The first ones came out in June '97. They had the 2.8 30V engine and the sport package was available on them but other than that they were essentially carry-over '97's - I have one. In October/November 1997 the second series '98's came out. Outside they have different taillights and inside they have the Atmospheres interiors. In technical specificaitons, I believe the the only difference was a updated ABS system

i love my 1996 but:<br>if u can't spring for the 30v, DON'T DRIVE ONE.<br>i did and i am still yearning, but like Steve, i will probably wait till the new body style. <br>I bought mine used, and it is an EARLY1996. The trip computer i believe was not even available until later.<br>Also check the FAQ on 1998 differences as well. There are tonnes of little enhancements. A couple extra i noticed that aren't documented anywhere else i could find:<br>1/ lower door sills-1998 has extra moulding on door to prevent water spill buildup on the door sills. U will notice a black plastic piece on the lower edge of the door, missing on the 1996.<br>2/ perforated wind buffer on sunroof. On the 1996, when u open the sunroof, a wind deflector pops up on the leading edge. On the 1998, this deflector is separated into ridges. I dunno if this smooths air flow or not.<p>Hey STEVE:<br>i am --->| |<---- this close to getting the r-28 here in to (Tanya refered me to dealer here who seems quite good) But i am still grumpy about the weight! (i have read lots in the archives about this)<br>1/ have u ever bent a rim? I am assuming the weight translates to very tough rim that will not damage easily.<br>2/ Do u notice anything with the extra lbs? I was looking at Borbet type T and E which at 17 x 8 are 20 and 21 lbs.<br>3/ I heard u had to roll a fender. can u confirm?<p>thankx dude<p><br>1996 A4 2.8 qm (RED)<p><br>

u could probably still save using that route.<br>last time i checked there were people looking to sell their sport springs in the classified<p>this may still be cheaper than a 1998<p>1996 a4 2.8 qm (red)<br>