Jibou

I am currently shopping for a new A4 2003 1.8TQ. And I am hesitating between taking the regular suspension with the optional 17" wheels, or the sports package. I get confusing messages from dealers, some tell me that the sport suspension is harsh, and that with our road (living in Ontario, Canada) the regular suspension is a better choise. Also they are telling me that the 2003 regular suspension is actually equivalent to the sports suspension of the previous generation, any comments ?

Thanks,
GD
1.8TQ 1997

initialA4

Well...the ride is not harsh at all. I think its not as harsh as my previous car with Bilstein. =P Plus I think its a good deal...but keep in mind that you may need winter tires since you are around Canada area. Another thing to keep in mind is the road conditions. Personally I think it is find in Ontario area...i have been up there once in a while.

Dr. Bombay

I have the sports suspension and have no issues with it - I'm in Ottawa. It is slightly harsher than the regular suspension, but not enough to cause any problems.

RajeshR

kyan

Some said the B6 sport suspensions r even stiffer than stock B5 S4.

What u looking for in ur new car? More sport to cut thru canyon roads or just a daily driver from pt. A to pt. B?

imho get the sport pkg., well worth it. And don't listen to ur dealer unless u know he / she is reputable. Some sales tend to talk **** a lot to make u buy a car. When I was in the market for a B6, one dealership had my exact car but the sport pkg. The saleswoman told me there's no need for sport pkg. b/c of quattro. "<i>Quattro is just amazing, there's no need for sport pkg.!</i>" In the end I got my exact car w/ sport pkg. at a different dealership.

mykel8

I was in the same situation as you. I test drove both, yes, the sport package car was tighter, stiffer, rougher, what have you- in comparison to the non sport package car. I did not mind the ride of the stock car but I was kind of looking for the "German feel" in my Audi and I love to feel the road as I travel upon it. Also, I live in South Florida where there is no snow so the tires are fine- but you will need snow tires badly regardless of suspension living in Canada. IDK, it's an extra $500 and to not have to worry about wheel gaps from the smaller tires is great- plus, my A4 sits lower and looks more aggressive. Interestingly enough, my dealer only had TWO A4s on the lot without sport pkg and 14 on the lot with it. According to my sales rep, people seem to love the sport ride over the stock, and, so do I. However you will save some cash going with just the tires but if you're anything like me you will always be wondering what you missed out on. On another interesting note, my ex-gf (we're friends now, kind of a Jerry Seinfeld-Elaine relationship type of thing) also drives an A4 but HATED the sport pkg ride, she doesn't like to be so in touch with the road. Her dad leased the car for her though, so maybe he figured he'd save some coin.

shadyraven

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/37283/view2.jpg"></center><p>

s4LEX

I think the better question is whether you think the sport is sporty enough, or if you really like the 17" sport rims and tires (i.e. will be happy with them long term). For the $$$ the sport package is a super bargain if you answer yes to both of these questions.

I've driven non-sport B6's for several days as loaners and I'm much *much* happier with the stock sport.

However, I also go on runs with modded A4's in the local canyons. My '03 stock sport suspension just can't keep up with even the basic aftermarket coils, etc. Sometimes I wish I'd skipped the sport pkg and save my money towards an aftermarket sports suspension. Plus, with so many A4's in my area it would be nice to have some unique 17" rims to stand out from the crowd w/o spending another $1K+.

Seymour

Personally, I can't live without doing a bit of spirited driving here and there so I can't imagine the car without sport suspension -- and the attitude of the car is completely different (gets a lot of attention), if you're into that sort of thing.

--Seymour
02A4TQMS

Bob Loblaw

I bought snowies for driving up to Whistler. I only saw three days of snow in Whistler. ZERO in Vancouver. Kind of made me think why I spent the dough - but better to be safe, and next winter (and the next after that) could be much different.

But I agree - sport is the way to go. And Ontario roads aren't that bad. At least not in major urban areas. I've seen much worse roads in other places in Canada and the US.

ILMA_Revo_Stage_2+

I test drove both and found a stiffer ride with the Sports Package. Since you're in Toronto (WINTER POTHOLES!) you might want to decide if it's really worth the extra discomfort. I find mine to be a bit stiff but better than after-market models. But mind you, roads in MD are decent and I don't really drive much. You could spend the extra $1000 for the Sports Package on something else for your car. Get the PhatNoise Phatbox .
Yes it's true, the current non-sports suspension was really the sports suspension offered in the previous generation A4.
If your dealer himself says not to get the Sports Package, I would listen. As a car salesman, its in his best interests to make as much $ as possible for the dealership. But he is advising otherwise. Think about it.
Good luck...