Grip was important as the 1996 A4 came only with a fairly powerful V6 engine, rated at 176-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. That said I remember driving the A4 back to back with a 1996 BMW 328i that produced 190 horsepower, and the Audi felt noticeably lethargic in comparison. Model year 1997 ironically saw the standard motor drop in horsepower, fortunately along with the price. The 150-hp 20-valve, turbocharged 4-cylinder 1.8T model was introduced along with unique alloy wheels and an optional sport package that included lowered suspension, higher rate springs and shocks, distinct alloy wheels and Z-rated performance tires - the V6 was still optional. For added safety standard equipment now included Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), an all-speed traction control system. June of 1997 saw the release of a more powerful top engine in the 1998 model, rated at 190-hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) took only 7.1 seconds with the 5-speed manual and 8.2 with the automatic FWD (8.8 with the automatic and AWD). In its last year of development the original A4 received a significant 20-hp boost to its base 1.8T engine, to 170-hp while achieving ULEV standards.
A 5-speed manual transmission was standard with both engines while Audi took the automatic a step beyond most of its competitors by offering five forward gears and Tiptronic manual mode, the latter began in 1998.
The A4 initially scored best in its class in 35-mph (56 km/h) offset crash tests performed in Europe. In North America this means that the Audi will be a safer alternative to that year's BMW 3-Series, Acura TL, Lexus ES 300 and even Volvo 850. The 1996 model also surpassed 1997 side-impact standards. Other standard safety features included dual front airbags, ABS brakes, traction control and a security alarm system. In 1998 side-impact airbags became standard equipment too. Year 2000 introduced optional Xenon headlamps and head curtain airbags, the latter becoming standard across the A4 line in 2001. 2001 also brought standard Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) for added safety in bad weather.