Previous Generation S4 Vs. M3
 

Hi all, I apologize in advance if this has been posted to death but I didn't find anything in my search. So, I am considering purchase of either a 2004-2006 S4 (sedan, avant or vert) OR an '04-'06 BMW M3 (coupe or vert). I know they're both great cars and haven't driven either yet. But what are your thoughts?? What helped you to make your decision?? Thanks!

The E46 M3 is a great car, it used to be the meter stick to which all other sports cars of the time were compared. It looks agressive, handles like an M car should, has enough power to get out of its own way, and sounds raspy and angry.

The S4's your are looking at are 2 generations, the B6 from 2003-2005.5 and the B7 2005.5-2008. Differences are mostly cosmetic, they both have the 4.2 V8. The S4's are 4 door sedans and are also AWD so they are heavier than the M3. The AWD and low end torque of the v8 helps the S4 cope with the weight but around a track id bet that the E46 M3 gets through the turns faster. In a straight line theyre probably pretty similar.

The S4 is an All-weather car. Snow, Rain, Ice, or mud you dont have to think twice. The M3 on the other hand should remain in the garage when it rains or snows.

If your using the car as a daily driver all year round, and/or have kids then the S4 is probably the better bet. The interior is vastly superior to the M3, and on the street the precieved speed is about the same.

If this is just a fun car for you id go with the M3. Theyre freaking amazing cars


Im 19 years old, if given the oppurtunity i would take the E46 M3 over either S4 despite the fact that id have to drive it in the winter. I really love M3's. However i have a B5 S4 and given the choice of my current S or an E46 M3 i would certainly take the B5 S4. The twin turbo V6 is just too good for me to turn down. Even though its rated for 250 HP stock with just a ECU reflash to turn up the boost& fuel the B5 is right nexto the E46 M3 in a straight line race. It may not be as good at cornering as the M3 but hey thats what modding is for

Thanks. That's good information. The car would be my DD and I live in the south Rockies where Winters mean snow. But I am drawn to that raspy sporty feel the M3 is known for.

How is the reliability of the 4.2 S4 overall?

You can't beat the sound of the 4.2 v8 either though. My next car purchase will be an M3 or B6-B7 S4. Probably the M3.

A B6 s4 with header back exhaust, coilovers, race gas tune, JHM short shifter, lightweight wheels, and some other goodies would be more or equally as enjoyable loud and sporty as an M3.

If your gonna see snow and its a daily driver then the S4 is PERFECT. Seriously these cars fucking love snow and youll have much more fun than an m3. With a few mods the S4 will perk up a little bit and much more enjoyable to drive.

Overall the 4.2 is very robust, if you look around in here youll find 99% of all the posted problems are for the B5 s4. The b5 s4 was a service nightmare for audi so they made sure not to make the same mistake again. The biturbo is great for tuners and enthusiasts but the stock turbos arent up for the boost

I mean listen to these

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcnvTNmrgPo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17IDPX5F910

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiwrRsSKR3E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KxQZd0HG6c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq324LpuzJc

This should help I posted this awhile ago.

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/B...ast_598862.htm


B6 S4 Vs. BMW M3

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/B...-M3_203342.htm

The sound of the V8 dose it for me. I was able to drive one the other day and I can say its much more responsive then the 2.7. From what I hear maintenance is not that big of an issue other then at 100k you should check to see if the chain tensioner is still tight

I would definitely go with the S4 no question. If you lived somewhere warmer I would say M3 for sure because it is a more exciting car to drive I think but the RWD sucks in snow.

The interior is the clincher for me. Just sit in both. And ditto the comment about the V8 with aftermarket exhaust. The sound is intoxicating.

i was at the same situation a while ago so i went to a big import/euro dealership and the had 3 m3s and about 4 s4s 3 avant and 1 black sedan so i went there looked at all of them (didnt like the avants that much)....then when i'm about to leave the dealership....this imola yellow s4 on a truck along with some other audis ,and i just fell in love....salesman was amazed, the car barely came from florida and i was buying it....
still have it now and will have it until the warraty experation date which is in 4 years....
and for my new england weather s4 is best...

bad weather, nicer interior, larger size, S4. sportier looks, drifting fun, bad ass engine sound, bmw power, M3