hi. im new to this forum and wanna say hi. I was really considering the new S4, E46 M3 and C32 AMG, but i narrowed it down to c32 and s4. (my bro will get m3). I would really want to get S4 but I read ubiquitous tranny and clutch problems on the new s4. Is the car really reliable? neone with the new s4 didn't have clutch and tranny problems at all? which one do you prefer, S4 or C32 AMG?

 

Reliability is second to speed in my book. If you want a tank geta volvo. If you want something to rub in your brothers face as well as a car that will throw you back into your seat get the S4. The C32 may be nice, but look at the displacement difference. There is truely no replacement for displacement. All the turbo people can toot their own horns about how FI makes up for it, but at the end of the day, the bigger engine displaces more.

As for your brothers choice.... I can't argue, the M3 is a wonderful car, I know two people who own them. However, that being said...the M3s are high tuned so there is much less room for power increases. The S4 on the otherhand is not tuned AS MUCH (granted the ultimate untuned engine would probably be american, lazy bums) so there would be room for appreciable gains. Just my 2 cents

 

Not lazy... too many governmental and DOT restrictions.
But you're right - the M3 is pretty much maxed out.
The S4 has a lot of potential.

 

*shakes fist* DAMN DOT *shakes fist* I know my friends Mustang has 6 cats stock.... IF thats not enough, looking at the horsepower per liter ratio for the V8 models is lower than for the V6 models. In general if you take a look at the compression ratios on most american "muscle" cars they are obscenely low and begging, pardon, craving for forced induction, but aside from the 03+ cobra, most muscle cars only dream of being blown from the factory [X(][X(]

Sorry for the Hijack.
Get the S4, I saw both on the road today. The S4 made me drool, and the C32 made me check my rear mirror as i spooled up and let him study my rear liscense plate.