My S4 - the verdict
Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 4:08 pm
Well, I finally gave in to the temptation and bought myself a phantom black S4 saloon. 6-month old manual car (as thinking ahead in terms of modifying) with around 7,500 miles and in great condition. Options-wise pretty much everything except audi lane assist and rear parking camera.
Having come from a B7 RS4, I wasn't expecting as much straight line performance or finesse in terms of handling. Boy was I pleasantly suprised! I would go as far as to say that in real world driving this thing will edge an RS4 in a straight line. The torque is relentless and yet all very quiet and relaxed with a feint hint of V6 growl and no detectable supercharger whine. I need to test this a little more but I think it is also longer geared than an RS4 and this will help it 0-60, 0-100 etc.
Handling-wise I went for the sport diff, damping control and dynamic steering. This is quite handy for a mix of town, motorway and spirited driving. In dynamic mode, the car becomes generally nice and tight with fast turn-in and sharp steering. Front-rear balance is impressive and the lighter engine certainly makes it easier to negotiate tighter fast bends compared to an RS4. Again, I don't think much would separate the S4 and RS4 in real world and normal track driving.
Quality is as usual superb. I particularly like the seats which feel very nice and are not as creaky as my RS4 seats were. In comfort mode, I can actually notice a small difference in terms of improved ride quality.
Overall, this car is an absolute gem and a bargain for the price you pay. I have absolutely no regrets.
Having come from a B7 RS4, I wasn't expecting as much straight line performance or finesse in terms of handling. Boy was I pleasantly suprised! I would go as far as to say that in real world driving this thing will edge an RS4 in a straight line. The torque is relentless and yet all very quiet and relaxed with a feint hint of V6 growl and no detectable supercharger whine. I need to test this a little more but I think it is also longer geared than an RS4 and this will help it 0-60, 0-100 etc.
Handling-wise I went for the sport diff, damping control and dynamic steering. This is quite handy for a mix of town, motorway and spirited driving. In dynamic mode, the car becomes generally nice and tight with fast turn-in and sharp steering. Front-rear balance is impressive and the lighter engine certainly makes it easier to negotiate tighter fast bends compared to an RS4. Again, I don't think much would separate the S4 and RS4 in real world and normal track driving.
Quality is as usual superb. I particularly like the seats which feel very nice and are not as creaky as my RS4 seats were. In comfort mode, I can actually notice a small difference in terms of improved ride quality.
Overall, this car is an absolute gem and a bargain for the price you pay. I have absolutely no regrets.
