I'm torn (S4 Avant 2.7 vs 330 Sport touring) ADVICE, please!

[Droptheclutch]

Hi Guys

Apologies for the long post, but I really am having trouble deciding...

My wife and I drove both a 2000 2.7 Avant and a 2002 BMW 330i Sport Touring manual (what a mouthful) yesterday. Admittedly, both very different, yet both very capable and lovely to drive!

The Audi had understeer issues due to the 4x4 layout which put me off a little, but loads more grunt than the BMW (of course), and a 6psd box, which was real nice.

The BMW had 18" wheels, sports susp and a more focused turn-in, which appealed to me as we drive loads of B roads. Has anyone got experience of dialling out the understeer and improving turn-in on their cars?

We have 20K to spend, so am wondering about long term ownership costs/warranties etc too.

Any comments greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

DTC.

[toasty]

I sold my S4 just over 18 moths ago, guy who bought it had the same dilemma as you, had driven both and couldn't decide. Eventually he chose my audi over a newer bmw.

Not sure if it was the right choice or not, in all honesty I sold the car as I was starting to worry about reliability considering it's age etc..

Certainly the audi is far faster, but of course being older there is more likelihood of something going wrong, that said they are a reliable car generally so it's not a massive worry.

Probably doesn't help, but just to let you know you aren't the first person in this position.

[mikeyquattro]

I'd try and find some more reddies and get an RS4

[CliveH]

S4 every time! unless you can afford the RS4...

[DavidT]

I think what the S4 lacks in 'handling balance' it more than makes up for in useability through having 4wd, not to mention the power difference between the two cars you are comparing.

Some of the motoring press has made a big issue about Audi handling, you should drive a car or two before making up your mind. In my expereience, even compared to the best front drivers, the inline engined Audis (A4 upwards) handle better. It's all relative.


Good luck.

[bakerdcb]

Not really sure anyone on here is going to tell you to buy a BMW over an Audi in view of the fact that none of us did There are some nice RS4's around now for just a couple grand over your budget. Try one of those and see what you think

[Nige_RS4]

My ex-company car was 3-series BMW with sports suspension and it did handle well, felt very secure when turning in etc.... but a few £'s later and my S4 feels better - I drove them both side by side for 2+ years, so it's not just hearsay - it can be done.

[tartan_rob]

I have switched from an M3 EVo to my S4. My mate has a 2004 M3 and having driven my car over new year is shocked and actually considered going to test a new S4. The turn can be fixed with stiffer anti rool bar (£200) and it'll turn in like your BMW. Both of you drive both in the wet and then in the dry...see which is best, try picking the speed up and see which feels better overall..

[Dippy]

Decent aftermarket suspension will sort the handling on the S4. But if you're REALLY comparing an S4 vs a 330i then I suspect you're the sort of person who is turned on by the BMW badge and that's a factor that defies logic - go with your heart and not your head.

[don]

I don't think you can beat the quattros sure footedness and safety for UK roads.

I also drive a BM 3 series and I too enjoy the nice turn in.

However, as the guys said the understeer problem on the Audi can be easily fixed with stiffer anti roll bars, mainly rear, and a cheap upgrade.

[Droptheclutch]

Decent aftermarket suspension will sort the handling on the S4. But if you're REALLY comparing an S4 vs a 330i then I suspect you're the sort of person who is turned on by the BMW badge and that's a factor that defies logic - go with your heart and not your head.

Your assumption is incorrect. What happens if you ass-ume?

The BMW is a consideration due to the long-term reliability, lack of turbos etc. We do not want to fork out loads of dosh just keeping cars on the road as the car will be a daily driver.

I will be driving more S4's this weekend hopefully, as I spoke with a couple of dealers and they said the car I drove was a 'duff' one more than likely. Extended warranties are also an option we are looking at - does anyone have any views on these?

Thanks for all your comments, especially re larger anti roll bars.

Will keep you posted!

DTC

[tartan_rob]

The S4 need not be a nightmare to run. I have had mine for 4 years now (longest of any car by a long way, inc M3). I have just done the cambelt, water pump, radiator, prop shaft and a driveshaft at a main dealer at a total cost of £2k approx. Now that is expensive but when you consider main dealer prices - and parts that were well into half that amount(prop shaft = £650, radiator = £200), that ain't bad....

Okay I do the servicing myself but outside of the std service items (brakes, oil, plugs, cambelt etc) I have had nothing go wrong (touch wood)...and make no mistake, I drive her hard and when I tow, I tow hard as well....I have had a few glitches but I used to get the glitches in the M3 without the joys of towing or driving hard all the time....respect the car and look after her and she do the same for you, take the piss and she'll win in the end...

PS And the Mrs would not drive the BMW in the wet and that includes her new 325i.