Wow, good posts sourdiesel. Yeah, in your situ (daily driver, winter snow) I'd go with the B6 over the M3 because of the quattro, interior, and 4 doors. If you were in Cali or something or tracked the car, then I'd go M3.

 

i really have nothing more to say. everything has been said already. lol

I've driven both, and currently own an e46 and I'm presented with the same dilemma.
IMO it all depends on how you want to use the car. DD / snow... definitely the S4.
don't get me wrong the M3 can be a daily driver, but its a pain. The SMG is very unrefined for lack of a better word, and the stick get to be a pain after a while. IF you're going for some heavy mods and track days with some flare... E46 M3 ftw.

 

Yea, daily driving the e46 m3 is do able but a pain. I would rather have the s4 for daily driving in all weather situations.

 

I would daily drive the **** out of an M3..... If it didnt snow and i could have performance tires year round (not New England)

 

I have one of each dude and they are so different but quite alike......if you get my drift....which is something the S4 does not do to well lol..

The V8 S4 Avant of mine has had work and needs it to really compete with the M car. Still the M is quicker away but the S is absolutely and hands down the winner in the mid range. Mine running about 365/375 is like sh*t off a stick from 60/70 to 120 but the M would (maybe) catch it back up in the 125 to 155 bracket.

My M is an 04 SMG Cab and i love it in the summer. Build is better on the M car and the engine is totally free of oil leaks or drips. The S however is in Wednesday for both rocker cover gaskets and rear timing covers are a known leak issue. That job is 20 hours + parts. almost $3K if you have no warranty.

My real love is the M but the S makes an awesome work vehicle.

One thing to bear in mind however is the M's engine is pretty much all you can make it. Not much in the way of mods with out spending a LOT of money. Supercharger being the best option. The S motor on the other hand is game for quite a bit of work. 340 stock. The RS4 is 420 so quite a bit of room there. M engine is 333 stock and about 350 is a much as you can do for cheap.

You'll have to do what i did dude and get one of each.

BTW the M is way better on fuel. 24/24.5 average where the S is 17.8 to 19.5.

If you cant do both get the M and lighten is as much as you can. every 7 pounds is 1 BHP.

Happy motoring.

 

Just made that decision ... S4!