I'd say 2001, facelift of course and the ko3s giving a little more power. And for those who disagree I propose the simple question...why is everyone always trying to upgrade to facelift parts?

 

This. Plus better tuning options

 

Exactly, you can't even compare them, facelift looks better in every way. You don't want DBW? Get a '99.5

Also Dallas, what white gauges? The clusters barely changed over the years visually. And I would take a facelift interior over prefacelift any day, it's just so much more modern.

 

Personally I like the non-yellow prefacelift taillights more than the facelift taillights, but otherwise I agree the facelift exterior is more desirable.

Facelift dash gauges are white with red needles right? Prefacelift are completely red.

 

The B5 styling is timeless. I have a 1996, but I would vote for something a bit newer.

The 1996 has various quirks, some endearing, such as the Euro bootlid, and some not, such as the headlights (which I just replaced w/ 2001s).

 

Post facelifts have white backlighting with red needles in the instrument cluster, along with a DIGITAL clock and date display. Preface have red everything, IMO it looks better and is a lot easier on the eyes, it also has an analog clock which looks classier too. So fairly substantial differences in the cluster for a car of the same body style.

IMO, the post def look a little more modern but not any better.. I feel like the only reason people upgrade the interior is so they can put in an after market double din. I just dont like the small screen on the climate control and the cheap feel of the buttons. The illuminated overhead lights in the back is nice on the post though.

For people who mod, most prefer the drive by cable and the AEB head.. DBW has a smoother feel in the gas pedal no doubt, but i like the feel of the drive by cables much more.

I like the xenon lights in the post for sure and the fogs, but I like the grille better on the pre. Other difference is the rims, post wins that one, and the handles which each have their own look. Couple other small things in the post which make the outside look better than the pre, but overall and with the interior I like the pre. But I do own one

 

98, AEB goodness

 

I agree with most of this. The AEB DBC engine has always been more desirable for BAT applications. The head is higher flowing and (i think depending on the year) the wrist pins are much stronger. This is why people with AWM and ATW motors often upgrade to an AEB head. That said....

^He's right. Software tuning on the DBC cars is more advanced and offer's greater HP/Tq numbers. Plus us 01.5 fellas have more stock HP

 

Don't forget the diode mod. DBC guys don't have that

 

Nick,

you said it all. the responses I´ve got are "oh my gosh! 15yo!!!". Sometimes I do it reverse "when do you think this car was made?" generally ppl points to 2002-2004.

And when honda owners starts "I love my car bla bla bla" I just said " I love mine too" and they ask "what´s your ride?" I just say "I have an A4" then silence... and the silence stills... No one asks what year, what model... A4 is enough!

And here in Brazil Audi sold a hell lot of A3, if you say "I have an Audi" ppl asks "Is it an A3" (like "just an A3"). if you say A4 there´s no questions after. I love my car!