Monkeyboy

Having frothed over the A4 1.8T for months after doing initial research for a new car, I finally test drove the A4 1.8T, manual -w- sport pkg.
Overall - my impression is "what a blast to drive". This is truly a drivers car. It responds superbly, braking was great, it rapidly raced towards redline when given the juice. It was not a harsh ride by any means, it sucked up the bumps without chattering my teeth. Noise level was fine(considering it was a 4 cylinder). Fit & finish are top notch (the sunroof was amazing - I may have to consider this now).
The items that stood out were the following, and this is mainly due to not being used to driving the car...
the clutch was very light and does not engage until the latter part of letting it out.
the shifting was smoother @3&4 than 1&2
the armrest was a little distracting when shifting - I liked it better with the armrest flipped up.
Again - these are merely my observations, nothing that I feel that I cannot get used to.

I currently drive a '89 Accord manual, had an '88 Integra manual.

I have to say that overall, this car kicks butt. I can't wait to see what a chip, etc. will do to it.

MitchC

I also had an Integra manual - 1987 model. I felt one of its best qualities was its smoothness. I can honestly tell you that my A4 1.8t beats it at smoothness bigtime. Below 3k the Integra was a slug while the low-boost turbo on the 1.8t keeps it moving. If you liked your Integra manual you will LOVE the A4 1.8t Quattro Manual Sport. Of course - my 87 Integra RS was $12,300 (no radio) brand new:-)

MitchC 99.5 1.8tqms

RPF

The armrest height (actually angle) is adjustable...did you try it all the way down?

Dank

You have to hold pressed the button, and then just move it down. But it still does get in the way when shifting. Personally I still drive with it up all the time.

Monkeyboy

Agreed - I felt a huge difference in the A4s ability to charge forward no matter what gear I was in. The Integra was a dog in first gear. No contest in term of the solidness of the A4. All of the fun with a high degree of class.