S3 v S4(B5)

[davs4]

Going to have a test drive in a new S3 next week or so. Has any one changed there S4 for one? if so any downsides?

Could do with owning a hatch again despite my S4's mods... or maybe even buy a new Subaru STI flame suit on

[ZeroK66]

I think it would be very nice drive... but I expect it will be quite peaky and gutless lower in the revs. Be interested to see what you think.

The new scoobie just looks absolutely incredible!! 12.9 1/4 VERY quick round a track... its just a shame it does not look like a scoob anymore

[davs4]

I will let you know my thoughts after my drive as I think low down power may be a factor. From a drivers perspective though the the seats (non bucket),steering wheel and pedal layout were spot on when I sat in one.

I agree the new scoob isn't a scoob anymore, but I read this months EVO shootout and it's definately a car worth considering.

[davs4]

Test drive tomorrow in a Sprint blue one......

[mikeyquattro]

Test drive tomorrow in a Sprint blue one......

Well.............. What did you think of it?

[davs4]

Sorry been busy watching 6 Nations

Have to say that driver feedback through steering wheel was better than my S4 seemed more alert to input.
Chassis had very good handling capability through twisty B roads little to no body roll.
Interior from a drivers point of view superb, seats (non bucket) supportive with good side bolster comfortable and no slide even in leather. Narrow seats IMO obviously ideal for myself (non fat boy).
Gearbox very positive seemed on a par to my Tanoga. All 6 gears pulled to the red line (much to the shock of the Audi guy).
Brakes very good out the box with (I think same size f & r discs) good feel in pedal.

Performance..... hard to recall what a standard S4 is like to compare against but.... engine was keen to rev and regularly stayed above 5k with no hesitation or painful screaming once there.
Torque was a factor (as expected) the same kick in the back of the seat occured a lot higher in the revs.
Allthough an unfair comparison to my car, every time I looked down at the speedo when pulling away at traffic lights/junctions at the same revs, I was roughly a good 10-15 mph slower!!!

To conclude though I would (am ) consider to buy one but would need a re map quite soon.... But would be in black not Sprint Blue...Want a black car again so either re spray mine black or buy a B5 RS4 in black instead is my other option

[coxw]

I went out to buy an S4 (4.2 v8), and came back with a new S3. The S4 was 8 months old and not massively specced, the S3 was new and they came in at the same price. S3 was in desperate need of remap to give it some more mid range urgency, but with that done it is a better car to drive. The S4 is lovely and sounds a 1000 times better, but I just found it a bit lazy for my liking. I guess I have had too many turbo cars on the trot. Both very nice cars, but aimed at slightly different markets. S4 a real cruiser, S3 a bit rougher round the edges but more agile.