New vs Old...

[tartan_rob]

Guys - I've got a '98 S4 and cannot fault her at all. I've had her over 3 years and she stills pulls big grins on my face frequently. I also use her to tow our boat and she is excellently adapted for that - up and down slipways etc.

My question is, although I'm as happy as could be with her, when I change (and indeed should I change at all?), should I go for a newer 2.7 or go for the V8 S4? Has anyone here done the switch from V6 to V8?

I love the quietness and subtleness of the S4 and it being so easy to drive, I just don't know what to do for the best...

[Dippy]

Rob,

If you haven't had a test drive of a B6 S4 then do so.

Remember that off-boost (most of the time), your car just has a low-compression 2.7 litre engine. The B6 S4 has a 4.2 litre engine all of the time. That may affect your decision in respect of current and future petrol prices!

[tartan_rob]

what kind of fuel consumption are the V8's getting? The V6 is quite reasonable as long as your not trying to hit the speed of light + quite a small tank 55 litres or so, I'd get 400miles on a run or around 330 miles is I was being daft with the right foot....

[Pete.S]

Rob

I swapped from B5 to B6 last summer. The following threads should provide you with all the answers to your questions:

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=47011

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=46832

PS now covered 22k miles, average 21 on the nose (though a lot of my mileage is motorway cruising with cruise control @ 70mph-ish). Still absolutely love the car

[daveweld]

hi rob,
move from s4 2.2 to s4 2.7 to a6 v8 to rs4 to rs6.
so have tried a fair spread, also test drive in s4 v8.
IMHO the v6 is the finest engine i have ever experienced,
pure magic, such a hard act to follow, i found the v8 does just
not give the same thrill or excitement, the urge to want to
give it more & more, to me the v8 just does not suit the a4
size,
maybe consider newer s4 or rs4, bear in mind this is just one opinion
and there are many avid v8 lovers who think they are++++++++
regards
dave

[Merlot]

I went from a 98 S4 to an 03 S4 and have now done 23k miles. Its a much better car with loads on low end torque (even below the impressive low end kick from the V6's turbos) and far better handling. I am also getting 21/22mpg and find the range marginal with fill ups at 250-280 miles. The poor range would probably put me off buying a new RS4. I think that the tank on the B7 S4 is 3 litres smaller (63 v 66) than on the B6 version so it gets worse! Only other problem with the B6 S4 is the narrow sports seats and I'm not that large. Still recommend the car though...