Do u watch taht show reguarly? I do and they love oversteer. They also are biased towards it but they pretty much said that the M3 is just a little better than the s4. Too bad tehy didnt compare a B5 s4 to it. I think they would have liked it more especially if it was chipped.

U do know taht the s4 beat the M5 by almost a second around the track. AWD is amazing. M3 if u wanna go ***** out and crazy around a track and the s4 if u wanna take a good car atht is very fast around a track and can hold a line like crazy. I liek the twisties so thats why i love the s4.

 

Stock for stock , the B6 S4 owns the B5.

 

I know but im not sure in handling. It b/c it has teh V8 with a crap load of TQ> But what about a B6 S4 vs B5 S4 chipped?

 

I don't own an M3 - but I do own a 330 ZHP (Performance Package) sedan which is a very nice ride in itself and it shares much interior and some exterior look to the M3 as well as a very nice hunkered down rwd ride with decent - but not m3 power - but quite quick enough (0-50 = 5.6 sec 1/4 around low-mid 14s). I also own a B5 S4 Avant thats GIACX chipped and has some exhaust mods (Apexi free flow), dvs, HKS air intake etc. Obviously in this case the S4 is the faster car - apreciably in terms of thrust feel - but perhaps not greatly so - but yeah more stright line grins (and Gs on acceleration) certainly. While the ZHP is no M3 I feel that they resemble one another quite a bit - particularly in handling - and some report that the ZHP actually handles better then the M3.

Anyway - I quite enjoy both the S4 and the BMW. They are very different but each provide tremendous driving satisfaction. Both handle great as well (I'm lowered with H & Rs - and ride on 19" wheels - yoko AVS etc - so very tight). In some cases I can do things in the Audi that I couldn't match in the the BMW - the reverse is also true. The BMW has the quicker steering feel - you feel the heaviness in the Audi (steering) immediatly going from one to another. The BMW is an easier drive - my wife greatly prefers it...the factory short shifter in the BMW is a bit smoother then either the stock (too high) S4 shifter and is smoother then my very nice B & M short shifter. BMW is grippy and taught - yet somehow more compliant over most rough roads and has somewhat better road feel then the Audi. I like both interiors, controls and seating - prefering each for specific things - but like them both equally - perhaps a slight edge to the Audi - same with the stereo - both are nice but nothing great. For everyday driving the BMW would be an easier and more plesent ca - but I still prefer the S4 - its more unique, is faster (BTW - I haven't come against an M3/5, STi or what have you I haven't been able to take...), I loev the quattro in the rain & snow - love ruling the road in bad weather - and just being able to drive with supreme confidence in it. I like the Avant for the cargo capacity and I often put it to use (I also think the S4 Avant is a **** hot looking car and I prefer the Avants to the sedans personally). The e46 3 series - particularly in M3 or performance package guise - is really a looker as well. I get lots of compliments about each car. If I could only have one it would be the Audi...but I have to say the BMW is perhaps a better (certainly easier) daily drive - it really borders on driving perfection (for a car of its size...too me these are large cars - bloated - not true svelt sports cars in the true sense...but for what they are they are where its at IMO). Anyway both are great cars and I have to say the BMW drives superbly certainly something to be said for well executed rwd!) - it cruises at very high speeds like nothing else and in general I would say has the superior ride...still the S4 is something truly special - I love the quattro - I love the loook of the car - I love the torque! It can handle just about anything and in the end it is the vehical I prefer overall - but its close...

 

good write up. I have driven a 5 series and my audi and my moms (2005.5 a6) and i say that the BMW is nice but i like audis cause of the quattro. Reason i want the s4.

 

Hi,
I currently own a 2004 Nogaro Blue S4 and a 2004 Pheonix Yellow M3 vert. I can tell you that if I had to pick just one car it would have to be the M3. I disagree with the folks who say that the fit and finish are not on par with the S4. I bought the S4 as the car I drive when it rains or snows. I love the way both cars drive, and to me it is like night and day. Althoug the S4 is actually lighter then my M3 with a curb weight of 3660, it actually feals "heavier" when driving, the M3 vert comes in at 3,781 pounds, with the coupe being lighter then both. Then again it's just me and others may feel differently. It really ends up being personal preference, you will not go wrong with either car although remember that if you live someplace where there are harsh winters you will have to consider that as well. What about passengers? Will you be carting others around? S4 definitely is more suited for passengers then the M3 is. Because both cars are great choices you will have to start looking at other factors to make your decision for you. At the time I purchased the M3 I was driving an '04 STi, and did not need another AWD car. Drive both cars a few times before making your decision and most of all have a good time with what ever car you decide to buy.

2004 Pheonix Yellow M3 Cabriolet
2004 Nogaro Blue S4
2004 Imola Yellow TT Quattro

 

WOW.
You got three really nice cars there

 

Ahhh, the 2004 S4 sedan weighs in at 3825, so it is NOT lighter than the M3 coupe or convertable.

fyi.....


But, when the e90 M3 saloon is announced in a few days at the Frankfurt show, it'll compete with the RS4 and not the S4.

It's going to be a 406-420bhp v8.
It's going to be about 3450 lbs
RWD, so less driveline loss.
I'd guess a 4.6 second time to 60, so it'll be close.
SMGIII and LC and it'll be a beast off the line and at the track.

I'm just as much an Audi-holic as the rest of you.
In 'not so perfect' weather the S4 will be capable.
But the e90 will embarras the B7 S4.

I've taken many M3's in my modded S4, so if it's just e46 vs. B6/7 S4, I'll take the S4 as I did when not purchasing the coupe.
I needed 4 doors.

BUT, depending on the cost, looks and performance of the e90 M3, it could post serious competition for the RS4.
The B7 S4 won't even be close though.

I also prefer the interior of the Audi over the Bimmer.

It all boils down to what car YOU love to drive, not what others think.

kj