Typically the sport version LS's have these features:
- 17" wheels
- SST
- Upgrade stereo
- No chrome on the bumpers
- Leather only steering wheel
- All LSE's are considered the sport version
- All engines/transmissions regardless of sport or non-sport are the same.
There are three different shocks on the LS. There is the base, sport and european shocks with the base being less stiff and the european version being very stiff. If I'm not mistaken there is even different springs for the versions as well.
Here is what LLSOC has on the sport vs non-sport:
A consistent distinction between LS models is that of Sport versus non-Sport versions. The primary difference between these two types is in handling, transmission control, and appearance. The Sport models have a more tightly tuned suspension and larger wheels… 17" versus 16" in the non-sport. The suspensions are geometrically identical but employ different shocks and anti-sway bars. This results in a firmer and sportier ride in the Sport models. Our members report that the difference in handling and ride is not major but, when compared side-by-side, is noticeable. This is largely a subjective matter and we recommend that you drive both before deciding which you prefer. Although both models employ identical automatic transmissions, the shifter is different. The Sport models offer SST (SelectShift Transmission) while the non-Sport offers a standard configuration. The non-Sport versions also have chrome accents in the bumpers and a few other small appearance differences. During the 2000 through 2002 model years, a 5-speed Getrag manual transmission was available with the V6 engine only. All of these manuals were Sport models.
Note that there are other dealer-added packages available. They include names like "Presidential", "New York Edition", "LSC", etc. These packages are not from the factory and are not standardized which means they may mean different things in different areas of the Country. All of these packages are appearance packages and result in no changes to the car’s performance. Note also that the Lincoln-offered LSE model in 2002 and 2004-5 is an appearance package and, therefore, offers no performance improvements.