97-99 A4 1.8T model year comparison question
07-01-2000, 05:34 PM
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97-99 A4 1.8T model year comparison question
Could someone please post the mechanical differences in these models, and why one year is preferable over another? Thanks for your help.<p>Jared Michalik
07-01-2000, 07:18 PM
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We've owned both...
The 1999 has the 1998.5 model updates, which include the loss of the football emblem, the restyled taillights, the emergency triangle in the trunk (the 1997 has a place for the triangle, but only included it in Germany and Austria in 1997), the new door locks with arming lights, "atmospheres", and about two dozen other "features".
Features is in quotes because I don't think any of these things makes the car materially better, and some make the 1999 car worse like half of the instrumentation always being lit (not just when you have your headlights on) and half of it being lit only in a lights-on condition. The only two things I like about the 1999 that the 1997 didn't have is the switchblade key and the loss of the old football emblem on the front fender.
Cars owned:
1997 A4 Casablanca White / Onyx, quattro/conv./heat
1999 A4 Casablanca White / Ambiente (?), quattro/conv./heat
There are hundreds of immaterial differences between the years, change in cupholders, change in wiring to the ABS computer under the rear seat, change in how the deck speakers connect, etc.
I'd buy a 1997 A4 1.8TQ over a 1999 A4 1.8TQ in a split second if given a choice between the two on a used car lot at an identical price.
Cameron
Features is in quotes because I don't think any of these things makes the car materially better, and some make the 1999 car worse like half of the instrumentation always being lit (not just when you have your headlights on) and half of it being lit only in a lights-on condition. The only two things I like about the 1999 that the 1997 didn't have is the switchblade key and the loss of the old football emblem on the front fender.
Cars owned:
1997 A4 Casablanca White / Onyx, quattro/conv./heat
1999 A4 Casablanca White / Ambiente (?), quattro/conv./heat
There are hundreds of immaterial differences between the years, change in cupholders, change in wiring to the ABS computer under the rear seat, change in how the deck speakers connect, etc.
I'd buy a 1997 A4 1.8TQ over a 1999 A4 1.8TQ in a split second if given a choice between the two on a used car lot at an identical price.
Cameron
07-01-2000, 08:20 PM
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without a doubt the newer model is always preferrable
<p><a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=4681"><IMG SRC="http://members.aol.com/lechterbub/sigfile.JPG" border="0"></a>
07-03-2000, 04:08 AM
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Mechanically,
the key difference is that the '99 should have all the turbo 'bugs' out of its system. The '97's and maybe early '98's (?) had a problem with the turbo wastegate in some cases. The later models also had a new heat shield design for the oil feeding the turbo. The later models also had a fix for a rare but known moan/groan from the turbo hoses. If you have a choice, go with a late '98 or '99. And one further item, the sports package on the '97 was not a suspension mod - just 16" wheels and a sports steering wheel.
Tom
1.8TQMS Silver/Ecru ('98)
Tom
1.8TQMS Silver/Ecru ('98)
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