ok, i didn't realize you were doing e36 vs. b5 s4. my friend has a b5 s4, and i've driven it. very comparable to the a4q which i have. i didn't really get a chance to drive it like i did the e36, but i'd still pick the e36 in terms of an all out fun/sports car, however, i'd pick the s4 in terms of daily driver. e36 sits lower to the ground, and the seats are more agressive position, where the s4 is more upright. getting into the m3 was like falling into the seat, and climbing out (litereally, i'm 6'2"). s4 was much easier to get out of, and just like the a4. s4 seats are nice, but for hard cornering, i'd pick the m3.

s4 might be faster in a straight line and around bends, but the m3 gives me bigger smiles b/c of it's more aggressive feel.

compared to the m3, i felt like the s4 had slightly slower steering, not as much on the dime, but it could have been all in my head. i felt like he m3 was much more planted.