I'm going to be in the market for a new vehicle here soon. I've always been a honda guy, but looking for something a little more luxurious and bigger. I really like the S4 because it has 4 doors, fast, AWD handling, ect. Most go for $28,000 to $32,000. While an awesome car to begin with, there are very few aftermarket options for the 4.2l V8. Keep in mind I haven't driven an S4 yet. On the other hand I could get an 1.8t A4 with similar miles for about $18,000. I've been looking into the APR Stage III kit which would be, I figured, around $6,000-$7,000 installed and make more power than the S4 and be cheaper with also better mpg. The A4 wouldn't have the sexy recaro seats or interior or s4 suspension. On the other hand, do I really want to dump money into a car with aftermarket parts like that again knowing I'll never see any return on my investment? What are your oppinions?

 

If you can afford it and the gas get the S4 for sure. Putting 5,6,7 grand into an A4 is like flushing it down the toiltet trust me because no matter how much you spend you will never be satisfied and you will never feel that your car is quick enough. With the S4 ,the v8 roars and you will never ever ever have to worry about turbo lag or all the headaches a turbo can and will cause... S4's will hold value so much more because of the rarity as A4 are a dime a dozen... Soon as I can afford it, I am getting an S4 myself... in the end either way you can't really go wrong, because after all it's an Audi

 

Depends on if you have the cash then the A4 1.8 would be the quick easy way to get tons of power. If your lower on cash but can make the payments on the S4 I would go with the S4 as it can make tons of power with a little extra over $7k and a custom shop.

But with gas creeping to $4.00 a gallon the 1.8t sounds a LOT better.

 

I have 2 cars that I'm getting rid of plus savings so I should have about $18,000 down. If I bought the S4 I would put all the money down on the car, but if I got the 1.8t I would save $8000 and put it into a turbo setup. I couldnt really find any times for the 1.8t stage III+ anywhere. What are they running in the 1/4? What is the handling difference between the two?

 

Good driver can get mid to high 12's on 1/4. I don't live 1/4 mile at a time and I've run a 13.1. Stock B6 S4 is slower than a well-modded 1.8t. But the S4 just sounds so pretty and those seats are the bomb.
Overall, I'm happy with mine, it beats B6 S4's, and I get low to mid 20 miles to the gallon still.
EDTI: Oh, about handling, well, that's all in the mods, too. You def need better brakes. The S4 has it stock there. And good coilover/sway kit. But again, modded, the 1.8t is a little lighter and handles pretty good once you upgrade suspension and brake components. The B6 S4 doesn't really have much better of a suspension than the 1.8t when stock, the shocks and springs are essentially the same as a 1.8t sport but set up for the heavier front end) but it does have thicker rear sway (front sway is same part number as sway on 1.8t sport). Combine that bigger rear sway with better brakes fr/rr andthe B6 S4will feel like a more sporty car stock.
If I were to do it all again today, I'd still get the 1.8t, because the possibilities are endless for mods, and there still is only so much that you can do to the S4. To have a V8 that you're stuck getting crushed by forced induction 4's out there.... well, that would suck.

 

im looking into the gtrs kit for mine which when im done ill have more horsepower to the wheels then an s4 and boosted cars r amazing. i looked at an s4 as an alternative but ucanthave any funwith the engine and its so much more satisfing to put those parts on and see ur car evolve into amonster then it starting out as one.

 

basically it all just comes down to what you want here...If you want an investment get the S4, if you want a project get the A4. I have personally seen someone dump 30 grand into an 04 A4 and not even be able to sell the car for 25,000$ and this car was featured in numerous magazines and was the by far the best looking A4 I have seen personally. A turbo is a gift and a curse, with the right turbo and the right mods of course you can make it faster than an S4 but at the end of the day its still an A4. Just my .02

 

I love my S4... it's not the fastest car out there, but it is such a joy to drive. As for the handling, I'm doing suspension this week. I skipped the coilovers because I don't want to slam my car, just close the wheel gap and get flatter cornering. The H&R springs work great. I've had them in other cars I've owned. I also went with the Hotchkis tubular sways and Koni Sport adjustables. I'm certain that I will be pleased with the handling when all is said and done.

 

S4

 

how about go for a happy medium.... an A4 3.0. Its a great engine..... a nice mix of power and efficiency. With gas prices going through the roof, you might regret that V8- though, it truly is a magnificent engine.