av_audi

If you wanted to step down from the sport/18" combo but wanted to have sportier handling than the standard/17" combo, which would you rather have? Sport/17" or standard/18"? The latter is an easy option, but the former would require an actual wheel swap as sport comes with 18" standard. I wonder what the differences would be between the two setups. Which would be an overall better package? I wonder how the setups would compare in comfort, steering sharpness, ultimate handling in the twisties, etc.

Just wondering

MonzaA5

Assuming we are talking the same tire type (i.e. 17" summer vs. 18" summer or 17" all-season vs. 18" all season), sport suspension will make a much bigger difference than than the slightly stiffer sidewall of the 18" tire.

JD15

Why are you avoiding the 18" + sport combo? I use 18" wheels in the winter and drive on many poor roads, and don't find the combination to be too harsh. IMO, the A4's large wheel wells make 17" wheels look ridiculously undersized.

08CW6MT

I also have 18" with sport and love the combo- it is not too harsh- really!

Barrels41

I can vouch the 18" sports package is great summer and winter. I hear it now comes with all seasons. Mine came with 18" summer P7s.

I am taking delivery of a 2012 Prestige S line with 19" summer tires. I will need wheels for winter tires. Either 18" OR 17". Next winter is a while off. This one never happened.

taxman1

I had a late 2008 Special Edition B7 Avant with 17" wheels and Sport Suspension and now have a late 2012 B8 Avant with the 18" wheels and Sports Package.
I put Conti Extreme Contact DWS UHP all seasons on the B7 for the last 15K miles.
The lower profile Conti standard all seasons on the B8 ride a bit harsher for sure.
I have the exact same profile wheels and tires on my 2012 Volvo S60 and have the same opinion - about as harsh as I could stand.
I'm getting used to it and like the crispness of the car overall.
I'll run the tires that came with the car for 15K+ miles before I replace them with better rubber.