S4 or S3?

[ZeroK66]

He is talking about the NEW S3... and that chipped will probably rape, pillage & leave a 4.2 S4 for dead. There is not much between the 4.2 and the current S3 chipped. THe new S3 is going to be quite something.

[PetrolDave]

There is not much between the 4.2 and the current S3 chipped.

I swapped from a chipped (265bhp) "old" S3 to a 4.2 S4 - and the S4 is a whole lot quicker in the real word because there's no off boost periods - it just goes whatever the rpm - and the power band is a whole lot wider, you can use 1000rpm to 7000rpm all day, every day (the S3, especially a chipped one, only really has a 2500rpm to 6000rpm power band).

Having said that, since the new S3 will be 261bhp "stock" then a chipped new S3 will show a 4.2 S4 a clean pair of heels - especially if, as expected, it's had it's suspension tuned in the same vein as the RS4.

[Merlot]

Would you want to appreciably chip a turbo car that is already putting out over 130 bhp/litre?

[Pete.S]

I swapped from a chipped (265bhp) "old" S3 to a 4.2 S4 - and the S4 is a whole lot quicker in the real word because there's no off boost periods - it just goes whatever the rpm - and the power band is a whole lot wider, you can use 1000rpm to 7000rpm all day, every day (the S3, especially a chipped one, only really has a 2500rpm to 6000rpm power band).

Interesting thoughts there Dave. I know you're comparing the S3 & B6/7 S4, but swapping from the B5 S4 to the B6 S4, I actually thought the B5 was more "flexible" around town - ie more torque on tap from low revs because of the way the turbos spool up quickly at very low revs, and thus (IMO) make it more fun to drive. However, get higher up the rev range & the B6 way surpasses the B5 for enjoyment.

[PetrolDave]

Interesting thoughts there Dave. I know you're comparing the S3 & B6/7 S4, but swapping from the B5 S4 to the B6 S4, I actually thought the B5 was more "flexible" around town - ie more torque on tap from low revs because of the way the turbos spool up quickly at very low revs, and thus (IMO) make it more fun to drive. However, get higher up the rev range & the B6 way surpasses the B5 for enjoyment.

The B5 S4 has the advantage over the 8L S3 of having twin turbos instead of just one.

The two smaller turbos on the B5 S4 will spool up faster than the one bigger turbo on the 8L S3 - so the 8L S3 will be off boost more of the time.

[Pete.S]

Quite. How are you finding the RS4 at low revs compared to the S4?

[david7m]

I have posted two S3 reports in the new S3 section...engine lets it down apparently (but reports are by the same author as someone pointed out).

Dave

[PetrolDave]

How are you finding the RS4 at low revs compared to the S4?

With Sport mode off it's a little bit weaker than the S4 up to about 1200/1500 rpm (I often stay in 6th gear right down to 20mph or less and ride the torque), but with Sport mode on it pulls stronger whatever the rpm.

There's quite a different feel to the engine, I summed up my thoughts to my brother last week after my first month with the RS4 - the engine in the S4 feels like it's from a big old cruiser (lots of torque, a refined V8 rumble, and gathers revs OK), but the engine in the RS4 feels like a race engine (sometimes weaker on torque, sounds quite demonic at times - cold starts especially where for the first minute or so it spits and pops and bangs, absolutely loves revs). The S4 made me smile, but the RS4 makes me grin like a Cheshire Cat.

[david7m]

With Sport mode off it's a little bit weaker than the S4 up to about 1200/1500 rpm (I often stay in 6th gear right down to 20mph or less and ride the torque)....

Will that not damage the engine and gearbox?

Dave

[PetrolDave]

With Sport mode off it's a little bit weaker than the S4 up to about 1200/1500 rpm (I often stay in 6th gear right down to 20mph or less and ride the torque)....

Will that not damage the engine and gearbox?

Dave

Why?

I drove both my S4's exactly the same and they were trouble free when I sold them with over 30,000 miles on the clock.

With strong torque available to low revs and with the electronic engine management to control the timing and fuelling there is not even the remotest chance of damage to either engine or gearbox.

[david7m]

Just thought it would put excess pressure on the crank with it labouring. But I suppose I'm used to cars with less torque....

30k miles is low, and doubt any problems would show by then, just my 2p's worth.

Dave

[PetrolDave]

Just thought it would put excess pressure on the crank with it labouring.

IF it WERE labouring I'd agree with you! But slight pressure on the throttle and it accelerates smoothly and easily.

[paulo]

Being as I started this thread I thought I better show my face again.

Thank you all for your help, but although I titled this thread S4 or S3.... I ended up getting an RS4.

I went in to order my S4, and ended up walking out with as RS4. It was too hard to resist. It was preregistered on an 06 plate, but for me that just meant I didn't have to wait. To be honest it was perfect anyway. I couldn't have spec'd it better myself.

Thanks again,



Paul

[PetrolDave]

Thank you all for your help, but although I titled this thread S4 or S3.... I ended up getting an RS4.

Good choice!

I liked driving my S3, I enjoyed driving my S4's, but I love driving my RS4. Friends and family say I get out grinning.

I'm sure you'll love it. Enjoy.

[david7m]

Nice one.

Dave