M3 vs. S4

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

The S4 is every bit as capable as the M3, but just drive both and you can see how vastly different they are. Also, gears 4-6 are useless in the S4...try it None of them accelerate you with any kind of reasonable thrust.

[m3f_KUpolo]

yea he plans on gettin like a 2000-2001. i still think a m3 is a better overall and more of a sports car. thanks for the replys.





Better is very subjective. They are both great cars. Just keep in mind that if he drops $600 for a chip his car will be at 307 hp. $600 on the M3 will get you squat.

[m3f_84ability]

The S4 is every bit as capable as the M3, but just drive both and you can see how vastly different they are. Also, gears 4-6 are useless in the S4...try it None of them accelerate you with any kind of reasonable thrust.

Are you joking? Top end in an S4 is incredible, buddy.

[m3f_84ability]

Better is very subjective. They are both great cars. Just keep in mind that if he drops $600 for a chip his car will be at 307 hp. $600 on the M3 will get you squat.

Yes, if he were to get just a chip, like the GIAC-X he would be at something like 380 ft lbs of torque. S4's are quite the machine in their own respect. I want a v8 next.

[m3f_M-avant_0baeb1c2f5]

Another option to consider is a stage 3 A4. They are slighly faster than a stock S4 and easier to work on, and you won't have to worry about the turbo issues.

yeah buddy. its even better if you stuff it in the Avant :thumbsup:

when the boost hits, it HITS - no where close to the linear power delivery of an //M.

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

No no, I should have been more specific. I think S4's barely have any go from 60-70 in gear 4-6. Our cars are geared so shortly (which is kind of annnoying...given) that they have power in top gear at those speeds. So you have plenty of psasing power regardless of gear in an M3..which gives the illusion of being a more powerful car.



I tell my friends I drive a lazy man's stick because 5th gear is sufficient for most regular highway passing.



I almost bought an S4...and I really liked it overall. Just not a big fan of the gearing.

[m3f_KUpolo]

I just check the gear ratios on the S4 and astan is right:



4th Gear Ratio 0.97:1

5th Gear Ratio 0.81:1

6th Gear Ratio 0.68:1

[m3f_crankinpedro32]

yea i still like the overall m3 better and i think that he does too, just the fact that hes not gonna juke me out of gettin one. he has to settle for something that he isnt gonna be as happy with...

http://www.surfjunky.com/?r=crankinpedro

^make money by having your comp go on sites (.45c an hour) can go through pay pal.

[m3f_M-avant_0baeb1c2f5]

the other factor you might want to look @ are the types of common failures between the 2 cars. for example my buddy's S4 has needed a cam seal replacement, my //M3 - a brake light switch. while i'm spending $ on mods, he's spending it on repairs. :-(

[m3f_KUpolo]

the other factor you might want to look @ are the types of common failures between the 2 cars. for example my buddy's S4 has needed a cam seal replacement, my //M3 - a brake light switch. while i'm spending $ on mods, he's spending it on repairs. :-(





Werd. I'm not sure I would want to own an Audi out of warranty. The turbos on the S4 have been notorious for going out and the cost is $5K when it happens.

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

Werd. I'm not sure I would want to own an Audi out of warranty. The turbos on the S4 have been notorious for going out and the cost is $5K when it happens.

Let alone how packed in things are in the engine bay. There must be a lot of heat generated under the Audi's hood. Another factor to consider is VW's less than adequate reliability record when it comes to things Electrical. I have a long list of Corrado electrical glitches. (Still love her though)

[m3f_M3Trav]

..an '01 S4 with ABT chip. 4/5/6 gears were very useful. I think the M3 requires a downshift far more often than the S4 did to pass on the freeway. Don't forget the S4 has boat-loads of torque at relatively low RPM. My buddy who had the same S4 setup and now has an e46 M3 has made the same conclusion.







I just check the gear ratios on the S4 and astan is right:



4th Gear Ratio 0.97:1

5th Gear Ratio 0.81:1

6th Gear Ratio 0.68:1

[m3f_M-avant_0baeb1c2f5]

Werd. I'm not sure I would want to own an Audi out of warranty. The turbos on the S4 have been notorious for going out and the cost is $5K when it happens.

I agrre. the Magnusson-Moss act did not save him this time, the mods he put on the car apparently "voided" his current term of warranty. and like Salty mentioned - the heat generated by the motor and the cramped space of the B5 chassis prolly did not help the situation.

[m3f_M3Trav]

I'm one of three friends who sold their B5 S4's shortly before the warranty ran out because of the huge cost of turbo replacent. Regarding heat dissipation: Every time I took the S4 to the track the temp gauge would creep higher and higher towards red. The m3 stays pegged in the middle...even on hot days. That said, the S4 was a really nice car.





Werd. I'm not sure I would want to own an Audi out of warranty. The turbos on the S4 have been notorious for going out and the cost is $5K when it happens.

[m3f_Brent_Vino]

i was on the highway sunday and saw an S4 cabriolet... red. some guy and his girl driving... i tried to bait them, but to no avail.. id like to see what that heavy monster can do.