How are the struts on the new one? Are they possibly more worn? Also, is it the same engine as your old one? Springs are different between the two models.

 

Obvious question: are both cars FWD?

 

Sorry guys, yes both FWD 1.8s. Only difference is manual now vs tip. I would think losing the auto would improve things?

Old car had 108k, this one has 67k

 

That's not to say that the struts aren't in worse shape, somehow, on the newer car.

 

Alignment could be off too.

 

or could have been wrecked previously.. I would have alignment checked 1st.

 

Probably worn control arms, or struts, or TREs, or loose subframe.

 

Its a totally different suspension AFAIK. My first Passat was a '99 and I drive an '03 now. While the '99 was not much better, I have always hated the '03s handling. It has way more lean-wobble side to side than the older one. Both have too much nose dive as a result of the spring and shock rates, and rear brake bias built into the car.
Unless its just a grass-is-greener feel of the pants difference I'm feeling. Both cars need improved anti-sway and better shock rates.

 

Yeah, you've got it backwards. There is less nosedive because of the rear brake bias. That is specifically why it has a rear brake bias.

If you haven't installed a rear swaybar yet, consider doing it. My '99 felt like it was going to roll over on its side in hard turns before I installed my Neuspeed swaybar.

 

Um bronco, the 01.5 and the 03 have the same suspension unless they somehow used b5 parts on a B5.5.

 

The frame could be bent? Maybe the replacement car was in an unreported accident.

Something to have checked anyways...

 

In regards to the original complaint about the rear axle not tracking correctly, that is why I will never again buy a car that doesn't have CCT alignment on all four wheels.

 

Just drove the old car for a comparison.
Steering is so much quicker and light.
Did they change anything with the rack?
Also seeing much more wallow and slack with sideways manuvers, slower to recover, bunny hopping over sharp bends.
Now, I will gladly embrace the improved engine performance (5 speed is a game changer, essential for the 1.8t) and superb braking in the new one (holy crap), but where's my incredible cornering gone?

 

In addition to above responses:

Since you got a 5 speed:
1.Order from Audi the "lighter version of the Chas bar" (do a search) to close off the lower U chassis.
2.Try getting the incredibly scarce, discontinued PureMotorSports upper strut tower brace.

 

my money is on a crap suspension. all it takes is a little dirt to ruin them.

alignment, get your suspension set up like you want, get new tie rods, rock on.

 

Another observation.

Old car had stock tire PSI as 28 front 28 rear

New one is I think 35 front 44 rear

Quite a discrepancy for what is supposed to be the same car.

:crazy:

 

Sidewall stiffness has a lot to do with the tire pressure you need to use.

 

VW started to put all Passats onwards from the late 2003's with the "Full Load" psi settings, my early 2003 came with 28 psi all around and had the label that bore the Full Load settings. The B5.5s gained a little more weight and had slightly re-calibrated shocks, brakes were also slightly upgraded.

 

I have had a similar issue, my 98 handles noticeably better than the 02, both cars are identical in equipment levels, the solution I came up with is to turn off the ASR. Your welcome. LOL

 

First thing I press after starting the car.

Cept on this one its ESP

 

Did you get the alignment checked? When I replaced my front struts, TRE's, and UCA's, I decided to go DIY on the alignment. Small amounts of toe change make a very noticeable change in the way the steering feels. I suggest having the shop set it towards the low end of the spec, but search here for other opinions.

 

Not yet, sure I will eventually get around to it.

Honestly I don't feel anything loose or out of wack, the car just feels less alive and responsive to steering. Bit more lean in corners.

More torque steer too, not sure if that is just a healthier engine and no tiptronic.

 

A toe adjustment can make the steering lively and quick or slow and less responsive. You'd be surprised.

 

I am still left to wonder, like the OP I have experienced the same thing. The B5.5 handles more sloppy, (both bone stock) It feels almost as though the 5.5 has much more body roll. It makes no sense to me because even though the b5.5 weighs more, it has a stiffer chasis as well.

 

Hate to steer this thread off track (no pun intended), but I've noticed that my '99 requires significantly less steering effort than my bro-in-law's '04. Yes, the handling is different, but the steering effort itself is also quite different. Is there less power assist in the steering on the b5.5?

 

That can be alignment related too.

 

even at a standstill or parallel parking?

 

OP et al:

WITHOUT dealing with the BASICS of the condition of the suspension components and the bewildering variables impact on one's ride and the foregoing on one's alignment..........ANY add on's that I volunteered above......... will be negated!

So:
1)go to Firestone and get their lifetime wty alignment package for vehicle.
2) Check ALL of the individual suspension components:
shocks
springs
control arms