S4 or S3?

[paulo]

I have a bit of a strange dilemma. I can't decide between an S3 (8P) or an S4 (B7).

- Both would make suitable family cars, but the S4 obviously gives a bit more room.

- The S4 has an amazing sounding engine, but I love the fact the S3 is turbo'd.

- The S3 appears to have a slightly newer, more sporty look, but I still love the look of the S4.

- The S4 has more power, but the S4 would be pushing my budget a bit.


I realise I have posted this in the S4 section, so I'm expecting slightly bias responses, but please, try and be as impartial as you can.

What do you think? Any advise?


Paul

[Merlot]

Depends on what size car you want. I would have thought that at transaction prices and after discount then spec for spec the difference is about £6-7k so quite a lot of £ plus the S3 will have better residuals as the S4 will get replaced within the time you probably keep the car.

On the plus side the S4 has a big engine with lots of low down pull and 'proper' quattro. It also has about 20 bhp more per tonne.

Both would be a good choice, just make sure you get 10% off an S4.

[paulo]

Both would be a good choice, just make sure you get 10% off an S4.

10% Why? and how would I do that?

[david7m]

S3 is being replaced very soon too

Climbing in and out of the back of my S3 is somewhat cramped and far from practical. Maybe you should try this yourself...

I love my S3, but do not have a family to move around...

Dave

[paulo]

S3 is being replaced very soon too

Climbing in and out of the back of my S3 is somewhat cramped and far from practical. Maybe you should try this yourself...

I love my S3, but do not have a family to move around...

Dave

Yeah, I'm talking about the new S3 which is due for delivery in Jan 07. That's one of the problems really, dealers aren't getting their cars until mid Nov, so I can't even have a look at one yet, but if I want if for Jan I'll have to put a deposit down now.


Paul

[ZeroK66]

I debated on this for ages and decided the S4 was:

A: Newer looking car
B: Had far better status and has a boot!
C: Looking at power upgrades etc - the S4 had the edge money wise, as a decent S3 (at the same year and mileage as the equiv S4) was only a few thousand cheaper. To get the performance up you would have to spend more than that and then not get your money back when you sell the car.

I ended up getting an older S4 turbo as a really good deal came up. Did have my heart set on the v8 though! Certainly was my verdict after months of agonising over it.

[ZeroK66]

Oh well scrap everythign I just said. Realise you were talking about the newer S3...

My choice then, if you dont need the room, get the newer S3... but then suffer devaluation of a new car

[Pete.S]

That new S3 does look very impressive - factory figure of 5.7 to 62 is only 0.1 slower than that of the S4, shorter wheel base...it will be a very quick car. And if the size of the rear of my mate's new Golf is anything to go by, rear leg room should be vastly improved over the current model.

I've driven the current S3 - FANTASTIC round corners, could literally plant my foot on the floor on the throttle & the car did the rest, but was very cramped in the driver's footwell, right foot kept catching a bulge to the right of the throttle. New model will surely have more room down there.

Personally, I see the S3 as a car that really suits twenty-somethings, the S4 suited to more mature drivers. There's also no doubt the S4 has more road presence, but that's without having seen the new one in the flesh, obviously.

[Merlot]

Both would be a good choice, just make sure you get 10% off an S4.

10% Why? and how would I do that?

Ring six dealers. Some will offer 5%, some 8% but 10% is possible. Try some internet brokers to price check.

[david7m]

....

Personally, I see the S3 as a car that really suits twenty-somethings, the S4 suited to more mature drivers. ....

Yeah, i'm 26

Dave

[paulo]

Ring six dealers. Some will offer 5%, some 8% but 10% is possible. Try some internet brokers to price check.

Thanks.

So is a new S4 expected soon?

I'm sort of talking myself out of the S3 now. I'm worried that with a 2yr old and another one on the way that there isn't going to be enough room.


Paul

[DuncS3]

I have a current S3 and have two young kids - I really think you need a 4 door with kids, hence why I wont be wanting a new S3 - A4/3 series or above is the size I need next.

Dunc

[Pete.S]

I've read somewhere the B8 A4 will be unveiled next year, and now that Audi are actively introducing "S" ranges earlier in model lifecycles I would guess at 2008 for the S4.

I think you may be pleasantly surprised at the amount of room the new S3 will offer.

[Pete.S]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_A4

..mentions B8 at the bottom.

Also, click on S4 right at the bottom, mentions the B7 has the 60:40 torque split. It's been asked several times on here before but without a definitive reply - can any B7 owners confirm the UK B7 features this torque split?

[TopTrump]

I have owned an S3 and now drive an S4 (b7) and both are fantastic pieces of kit - but very different.

The S3 is great fun in the bends and you can use all the power 95% of the time plus the remaps are cheap and make a big difference to the performance.

The S4 is a totally different beast - it is a total weapon! Don't be fooled by the 0-62 times posted as standard, I owned a BMW M3 in between the S3 and S4 and on the roads the S4 is certainly the quicker car.

Out fo the two I would go for the S4 everyday but be prepared for an expensive ride - they drink like a whale and the servicing costs whilst reasonable are a load more than the S3.

Either way you are in for a lot of fun!