Intro...Audi B8.5 S4 to 2017 F80 M3 MG/SO

[Ultimate Driving Giraffe]

Originally Posted by neilum

The new EA888 engines are absolutely incredible. They are so easily tuned and smooth. I am not a fan of 4 cylinder turbo cars but I really like them.

^^^ For some reason people like to sometimes compare the S4 to the M3. I think part of the reason is that a lot of people just look at 0-60 times without understanding how shallow that number is, and how little it tells you about a cars overall performance. I've had to remind several people in real life that the S4 and M3 are not competitors, there is definitely confusion here amongst casual car people.

The M3 and S4 are definitely competitors in the sense that they are cross-shopped quite a bit. Want a really fast fun european car that has some exclusivity, a real back seat and a trunk? I cross shopped the B8 S4 against the E90 M3 and know others who did as well. The clever thing that Audi did with the B8 S4 was to slightly reduce the price from the B7 generation, making it neatly split the difference between the approx. $44K E90 335i and the approx. $60K E90 M3. That caused BMW to come out with the 335is and spawned the proliferation of "M Performance" variants as well as things like the MB "AMG C43."

Add to that the fact that the M3 has, over time, gotten more extreme in its performance chops, whereas the S4 has gotten a little softer, probably to make room for the proliferation of "RS" models (which used to be really special and rare). This really started in the B8 era, when Audi effectively killed the 'tweener naturally aspirated V6 A4, creating a pretty big performance gap between the 2.0T and the S4. Prior to that, I think that the B6/E42 were direct competitors, even in price, and despite what people selectively remember now, both the B6 and B5 S4s beat the then-current M3 in comparisons.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by M4FOREVER

I understand these guys owned the S4 and swith to the M3. So I understand where they are coming from. What I would like is to hear from someone who owned or have driven a RS5. I'm curious to hear there comparison.

On paper it's got 25hp on the M3/4, but it weighs over 4000lbs and almost 100 less lb-ft tq.

They have the same 0-60 in 3.9 sec. I bet on the track the RS5 gets raped depending on the road conditions and the driver of course.

[doberzus]

I'm sure brava09 will be in this thread shortly to shed some light on how the RS5 is so much better than the F80/82

[M4FOREVER]

Lol. Let's go bravo09

[Someone?]

Congrats on your beautiful new ride, Two words for yah=Downpipes,Jb4! unleash that beast! lol
The Audi 4.2L never performed as good as it should have IMO.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by doberzus

I'm sure brava09 will be in this thread shortly to shed some light on how the RS5 is so much better than the F80/82

It probably sounds spectacular being a V8.

[Flacht3]

Congrats! Came from a 2011 S5 myself (V8) and couldn't be happier.

[Frank M3 NJ]

welcome! enjoy your car

[Supervene]

Congrats! Great color combo!

[-JLT-]

former B8 S4 owner here also. good car but M3 is in another league.

[Wanted_M]

Bunch of traders JK, enjoy your new rides.

[ptper]

Thanks for everyone's well wishes! Wow, didn't realize there were so many former Audi S4 owners. And, didn't realize it stirred up this much reaction, lol. I really did like my S4, especially when tuned with Stage 2. Best I ran was 12.03@114mph on pump gas. The AWD was also great. But, in the end, it was a pig at 4k pounds and the body lines weren't nearly as aggressive as the M3. Never had a RWD car, so I'm looking forward to having some fun with that, plus it already feels way more nimble on the road. I'm sure the modding bug will catch me at some point, but just stock is what I had been trying to achieve with the S4. I may want to look at the RS4 if it ever comes over, but I'm not holding my breath, and I think I will be happy with this car for awhile. Can't wait to put some miles on her!

[ctgeorge]

I came from a B7 RS4, been a VW/Audi guy all my life, but gave up as Audi is taking their time getting the B9 RS4 over here. Been enjoying the F80 the past 6 months. Congrats on the new car.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by ctgeorge

I came from a B7 RS4, been a VW/Audi guy all my life, but gave up as Audi is taking their time getting the B9 RS4 over here. Been enjoying the F80 the past 6 months. Congrats on the new car.

Beautiful ride, ctgeorge. If they make an RS4 again, its a definite consideration for me too.

[frankiebones]

We should have a subgroup for former S4/current F8x drivers.

Living in New York I need to go through a full calendar year (including the fast-approaching winter) before I assess the idiotic decision to buy a RWD performance car. As of right now I am thrilled with my decision.

Regarding the S4, I was really excited prior to purchase but it got old....fast. 3 months into owning an F80 and I cant wait to leave for work each morning just to drive it.

The S4 stylistically drew little attention from anyone because its a true "sleeper" and looks way too much like the A4. Very rarely did anyone say "hey man, nice car." They have never done enough to distinguish it from the lower model the way Bimmer has with the F8x.

[ptper]

First Mod...tint 35% (3M CS)






Sorry for the pic, pretty crummy outside today.

[SherM4n]

Originally Posted by ctgeorge

I came from a B7 RS4, been a VW/Audi guy all my life, but gave up as Audi is taking their time getting the B9 RS4 over here. Been enjoying the F80 the past 6 months. Congrats on the new car.

Here as well; loved and miss the RS 4. That engine, especially with the Milltek exhaust that was on it, sounded absolutely magical at 8000 rpm. Despite several things about the M4 that annoy me, though, it's my favorite car to date. Still have a couple Audis, for what it's worth, in the form of an '02 TT and a '12 TT RS.


Congrats on the M3. Nice color.

[ptper]

Proper detail....

[ctgeorge]

Originally Posted by SherM4n

Here as well; loved and miss the RS 4. That engine, especially with the Milltek exhaust that was on it, sounded absolutely magical at 8000 rpm. Despite several things about the M4 that annoy me, though, it's my favorite car to date. Still have a couple Audis, for what it's worth, in the form of an '02 TT and a '12 TT RS.


Congrats on the M3. Nice color.

I recognize those sig pictures from Quattroworld. You had the Misano with KW3s. Like you mentioned, I miss the exhaust note as well. Nice to see some former four ring owners here.

[m3rxn]

Originally Posted by ctgeorge

I came from a B7 RS4, been a VW/Audi guy all my life, but gave up as Audi is taking their time getting the B9 RS4 over here. Been enjoying the F80 the past 6 months. Congrats on the new car.

Wow that's stunning. Is that Sepang Blue?

[ctgeorge]

Originally Posted by m3rxn

Wow that's stunning. Is that Sepang Blue?

Sprint Blue

[ptper]

First wash since coating...