Post
by Dippy » Wed Jun 30, 2004 12:45 pm
1) In standard form:
a) Handling. Nothing special, and certainly worse than a WRX. However with aftermarket suspension it can become comparable, especially with the ESP and other gizmos. But don't forget that it is a heavy car compared to the WRX.
b) Performance. In standard form it is similar to the (basic) WRX, expect that the torque range is extremely broad and the lag is negligible compared to the WRX. With a stage 1 remap it outperforms the WRX. But you should note that the S4's advantage is in the low and mid-range because of the torque. It is restricted at the top end mainly due to the restriction in the exhaust (which can be partly alleviated with free-flow cats). Therefore you tend tp have a different driving style in an S4 compared to a WRX.
c) Reliability. This really tends to vary. My car is a 2001 and I have had negligible problems with it. Others have had serious problems. It depends how old the car is (earlier cars have known problems), and of course how the previous owner treated it!
d) CofO. The servicing schedule for the S4 is actually not too onerous, so as long as you don't get it serviced by an outfit who makes big profits from servicing (dealers in the UK tend to), you shouldn't find this a problem. Fuel consumption is around 5 miles per litre on average. I don't think tyre wear is excessive for the model. As for insurance that will be a local issue for you - it's bound to be a lot cheaper than the UK!
2) As I suggested above, the suspension really is not that good and there are good aftermarket replacements available. The gearshift is long so it needs a short-shifter. I also think the brakes are not too good and a kit for the front should be considered. A basic remap will take the power up from 265PS/400Nm to about 310-320PS/500Nm with 98 RON fuel. Replacing the cats and remapping can get you to about 340-350PS/550Nm. To go further you need new turbos and upgrades on the fuel/air system. This can achieve 400PS/600Nm or more, but I believe that this is close to the limits of the transmission.
3) No, that is not true. However without work on the faceplate an aftermarket head would look rather...aftermarket.
4) I have not read/heard many complaints about the S4 gearbox, although it is true that if abused it will fail. It appears that the RS4 gearbox is unreliable however.
If you do buy an S4, there are a few components which should be upgraded as a matter of course (TBB, f-hose, DVs).
2001 Silver S4 Avant
AmD remap, APR R1 DVs, APR bipipe, Full Miltek exhaust
H&R coilovers, AWE DTS, Porsche front brakes, Short-shifter, 18" RS4 replicas
Defi-HUD boost gauge / turbo-timer (with afterrun pump modification), Phatbox
