I think we can all appreciate the value of forced induction and how these small STis/EVOs/SRT-4s and such are real burners - both stock and even with lots of mod potential. However I don't think that a V-8 Mustang or a Corvette or even an M3 - normally aspirated - go fast through different approaches etc - are any less fun (as strictly go fast cars). Even in Stage 2 I never had an STi or an EVO take me...but I've had my *** handed to me by a Mustang Cobra and an L6 Corvette - big time. M3s are awesome too - and EVOs and STis are cool not only becuse they can go fast - but because of their wicked handling and just overall package.

Obviously an S4 and an EVO are very different in many ways - though perhaps not so much in others....4 doors...boxyish (sedan like) rather then a true sports car profile - etc...and obviously they are both "go fast" cars. But the EVO/STi/SRT-4 type vehicals are true boy-racers - not taking anythign from them - as I love them all - particularly the first two - but the Audi is more of a luxury sport sedan. Overall I think S4 owners likely average a bit older (I'm 45 BTW) - and while the speed/power of the car may have been a primary reason for buying - it was not the only reason for choosing the Audi for most. So OK - these are all "go fast" cars on one level or another - and these are cars that many mod to even go faster...well obviously one thing folks do is compare - who's faster - you or I - regardless of cylinders or what have you. I get a special satisfaction dusting STIs & EVOs - because I know that most who have them think they are the fasting thing on the road...and more power to them - enjoy...but I'm going to enjoy dusting them as well. And if one dusts me - well thats OK - I respect that - obviously someone has put some care and attention and perhaps is a better driver to boot. Thats OK. Its all in good fun.

BTW - I'm not advocating crazy races and insanity though kids...even if I might push it a bit - often - I try to be aware of my suroundings ancircumstances and I am very aware of the performance limits of my vehical and concious that others around may not drive so well and could do just about anything (I see it every day...)...all that being said - and always keep your head on - I see no problem with an occasional "run" or such or even a more formal challenge - as long as circumstances are favorable (not in heavy traffic or where kids are playing ball or such...) and the drivers are sufficiently skilled and aware...(as a more or less responsible adult I felt the need to at least express my position on this)...anyway - so yeah stomping the sh*t out of ricers or American muscle or BMWs or whatever can be great fun - regardless...and sure a Honda civic pushing 300hp or what have you is pretty impressive...but I sure as hell will show him who is boss! ...or not...most of the time - though I am a fast/skilled driver - and generally drive faster/more agressively then most (concerning the road...not other drivers...) - I'm pretty mellow...none of my passengers ever seem to see/understand this however...wonder that?

 

agreed ^^^^.. i will respect any car that has put some decent time in and done well. Although, myself, i generally have a problem with american muscle..mostly mustangs. more so, most of the drivers. i dont know what it is.. but 90% of the drivers ive met, think theyre car is the fastest thing on the planet and nothing can beat it... its their general ignorance and thinking that "theres no replacement for displacement" and bigger is better. They dont seem to understand the concept of forced induction.. Yeah, theyre are some of these cars that are truly fast and very well done... but there is always someone out there that can beat you, and everyone needs to understand that. It gives me great joy to put them in their place every once in awhile. like when i spanked this c5 vette at the track... he came up to me afterwards and was like... "man, is that thing stock?? i didnt know what you were at first thinking maybe you were one of those srt neons.. then you took off at the line and just left me in the dust...." but he was a cool guy and appreciated solid "stealth" power.

 

Yeah I like the somewhat stealthyness...and for me a wagon to boot! I also hear you concerning certan drivers - Mustangs or otherwise...I also find a great many M3 drivers to be real ****** who think that they own the fastest and most sought after car on the planet...sure its a great car...but really now...of course there are many M3 drivers who are real enthusiasts and appreciate other vehicals as well (and they more then most seem to be aware of the capabilities of the S4...though I've come accross doubters as well...)

 

Since I own both a 05 EVO & a 00 S4, I feel like I can comment.

Stock VS stock, the EVO will leave the S4 wondering if the race started. It's got more HP & torque, also 400lbs lighter.

Now both of them are chipped, & intake. The EVO has a turbo back.

The EVO still wins, it's just so much faster! That doesn't even get into the handling of the car. Of course the EVO wins there also.

Not sure about stage 3, but give me some time!

They are very different cars. The EVO is loud, raw, and very uncomfortable on long drives. It rides harshly, and is very sharp steering. Totally stands out where ever you go.
Also there are not a lot of lux items in there, no cruise control, no heated seats, basically, just AC & power windows. Even the Infinity sound system is not as nice as the Bose.

The S4, quiet, very stealthy! Very conformable, you can carry on a normal conversation at 75mph. nice power seats, nice stereo, nice gauges, etc.. It's smooth, and very bearable in traffic.
It also kills the EVO with the low end torque. The EVO needs to be rung up a bit to get the power down.

My biggest complaint with the EVO is the dam gas tank! It's only 12g, and last 300mi if driven nicely. So far with 13kmi on it, the EVO has never been in the shop, it's a solid car.
Now with getting big HP out them, the EVO is much cheaper! But, will be much more high strung then the S4 at the same power level. The EVO's power band is no where as smooth and broad as the S4.

Sure a S3 S4 would beat a stock on, but will a S3 EVO beat a S3 S4? Honestly, on the track, I'd rather have the EVO, and on the streets, or going on a trip, the S4!

Really, you guys need to go & drive one, they are a great performance car.

 

I just have to say I love this forum. I used to have a 2000 grand prix and was/is a member of clubgp.com. there are some amazing people over there, but it always seemed that a discussion like this would blowup into a flame war after a max of 5 replies. So kudos to you all, I'm much happier w my audi than my grand prix (for an unimaginable amount of reasons hehe) but having more mature forums where people actually discuss and debate rather than bash and b*tch is a great change of pace from what I was used to for 6 years (not totally true, it was good until about 4 years ago when rep's from vendors started getting into it). And its especially hard when some of those reps were your friends from the begining, and after they started companies that competed things went downhill from there. So keep it up

 

Great input 2K S4. You really captured each car well I think. S4 - with its broad power band and monstrous torque is likely a better driver around town I would think and for longer trips certainly - and more comfortable with better amenities just in general (but if that is what I valued perhaps I would be driving a lexus eh?). Just as it is more civil then a tricked out A4 - though the A4s can be made to be track or drag strip super fast - by their nature they are a lot more peaky - and I see the EVO as being similar. Nothing wrong with that - but I think the S4 gets the nod for being a somewhat better all around driver...as well as being plenty quick in its own right. EVO def is handling champ - but with some drawbacks (rough & perhaps a bit darty ride). I like that the S4 is a great long haul cruiser for instance - plants itself well on the road - even at high cruising speeds). And still have to say - even at stage II I was able to take every EVO that came at me (barely in some cases - but always...) - one being at least somewhat modded (don't know any particulars)...and the other day I just demolished one (who initially zipped by me as I was just mellowly cruising along - OK still quickly...so yeah he was pushing it). Stage III S4 is just so very beefy....

 

You need to learn how to drive the s4 then. I killed an evo with chip, intake, downpipe and exhaust. He knows how to drive as well. My car has a chip and diverter valves thats about it. From a dig I had him by 3 1/2 car legnths. from a roll no contest walked all over him. The evo is a damn fast car ill give you that, the 4g63 motor has been around since the early ninetys thus a broad spectrum of performance parts that have been tested and tuned over and over making the engine perfect. Me personally i like the evo, besides the fact that where I live theyre played out. but if youre going to state some "facts" I suggest that you do some research. Also Ive never seen anyone EVER hit a low 13 in stock mode in an evo ever. Whats that tell you ? how hard the car is to drive or maybe stupidity with the people and kiddies that own them.

 

I would say to that that the guy in the evo doesnt know how to drive or had a bad launch or did somethign wrong. Because he actually has more work done to the evo than your s4 its going to be faster plain and simple.. not trying to knock you as yours is tuned well..obviously.. but the evo is a fast f*cking car and takes better to mods then even our s4's do.

 

I do know how to drive, I have a race car license, & instruct for the BMW CCA. I've been driving on the track for about 12 years now.
But will admit, I don't drag race, fun is in the corners.

I'm not talking about a straight drag race. On the streets you can't really do that.

Really the EVO must have had something wrong with it. S1 VS S1, the EVO will win, it's just simple physics. When you launch a EVO it's violent, very violent!

My "facts" are from me, owning both cars, and driving them. My EVO walks my S4, here are my mods.....
2005 EVO 8
Works Turbo back
Works ECU flash
Works drop in filter
Works under brace
Rallyart grounding wires
SS brake lines
Hawk HPS pads
Full Redline fluids

2000 S4
GIAC chip
ARP Bi pipe
Samco hoses
Autospeed trans brace
ITG drop in filter
Forge 007 DV's
SS brake lines
Hawk HP + pads
Redline fluids

The S4 just had it's 65kmi tune up, and fluid flush. The EVO just clicked 13kmi.

Get in a EVO & do 60-80 mph in 5th, do the same in a S4. Let me know how it went. The EVO will do it in 1.8sec & the S4 will be 2.8sec.

I have also used my G-tech on both, the EVO puts down 331WHP & the S4 does 265whp. Don't forget the EVO is over 400lbs lighter!

If you took one, great for you, it's a good win. But with MY OWN CARS, the EVO walks the S4. After all, what one is made for the track?

 

Thanks for the posts 2k S4--highly informed and a fun read. I agree it's great to have an amicable discussion rather than a flame war.