If anyone

 

I've only ever owned and still own a B5 S4. Your concerns are valid (while I love the car I don't love the care & feeding). I'm not sure you are addressing all the right issues in your comparison (unless you are just planning to drag/track the car). I think you should be more concerned with the feel and type of drive you get with each and what turns you on more. Sure the B5 (St 3) is going to be a quicker car - its also going to likely feel lighter and more nimble - smaller - then a B6/7. The B6/7 is going to be a plusher, smoother. larger ride - and while ultimatly perhaps not as quick - its in the ballpark - it will still be quite fast and rewarding. I imagine it will also have less maintenance issues. You should definatly do your best to test drive each - and that may be all it takes for you to decide whats right for you. They are definitely different cars - and not just with the engine. My preference is the B5 - but that doesn't mean that its right for you. And if I had a chance to switch out I might - considering the expenses and headaches - but only if I could go back in time and not have speant all that money in the first place.

 

The stage 3 is going to be much much faster than the v8, although the v8 is still a quick car, I can however still achieve decent gas mileage in my b5when i baby it and dont spool the turbos, the v8 on the other hand is always gonna suck up a decent amount of gas

 

I think they outlined it pretty well.

I'd also like to ask, What's your ultimate goal? Speed? Comfort? Reliability? These are important points that will differ (possibly greatly) between the two different platforms.

 

How did motortrend get a 4.99 0-60 out of it? I've got exhaust, chip and intake and I'm pretty sure I'm still in the mid 5's (tip). It sounds great and I love the car, but quick off the line it is not.

I agree with the above that the B7 interior is very nice. However, the ride is not luxurious by a long shot. It's quite hard, even stock.

Also, with gas at $4.75 a gallon, definitely take into account that the B7 gets about 15mpg on average. All freeway you'll get around 20 if you take it easy (which is hard to do).

 

^ cause we all know we always drive hard and we are not meant for mpg's I love it so true yesss. Well man honestly I'd go for the newer car, everyone already mentioned the bulk of the stuff.

 

A B7 S4 with downpipes, catback, tuned ECU, and CAI made 260whp, and about 20 minutes earlier I made 310whp on my stage 2+ B5 S4.

Stage 3 is a whole other world, and will make about 400whp. There is no comparison in performance. Interior wise the B7 is obviously more updated and more spacious.

 

In the end if you want looks, in and out, with great performance get a B7

If you're dying to have 400whp with an older looking car, go with the B5

When I was buying my car some girls I was with said the B5's just look old... dont get me wrong I love the B5's but I also love having a 115k mile warranty and better looks.

 

I agree the b5's are slowly becoming dated and they are very easy to pick out of a crowd but after riding in a b6s4 and owning a b5 s4 i would take the B5 and use the extra money inmods and have a little monster on your hands. thats my plan anyway.

 

i say test drive them both and see which one you like better and which one you can use more