Tony320

Audi S4 that is, one w/ the 4.2L v8 pushing 340chp. And damn, it was a nice ride. Gave quite the nice kick to the backside when I laid into it, sounds great, awd is great for the snow here in the winters.... only trouble is, I'd likely have to sell one of my 928s to get the go ahead to buy the s4.

On the one hand, the s4 would make a great DD over my rather anemic 1.8T A4, and I would be less concerned about tearing into the 928 for some major restoration because I would still have a "fun" car to drive around. It would also clear up some garage space, which is at a premium, for me to work in. On the other hand, since I would care more about the S4, it might deflect some of my attention away from my 928, and I might be tempted to spend (waste) money on it instead.

That said, I was on my way into work today when a guy in one of the newer retro style mustangs starts honking at me and waving. He roll my window down expecting him to tell me I have a flat or something is caught under my car and he starts asking me all these questions about the 928, what year, what's under the hood etc. So here we are in the middle of the damned highway, I'm stopped in a line of traffic, he's stopped in the lane next to mine, several car lengths behind the next guy in line, traffic backed up behind him, and he's complimenting the 928. Sort of gather that that wouldn't happen in the s4...

Decisions decisions...

MFranke

For some reason especially the last few years the 928 seems to get a lot more attention. This is from both the younger and older generations. Back in the 90s I don't remember so many people asking me about it as now.
If it were me I'd keep the 928 for its character. I'd also give the 928 priority for garage space - get a lesser car for the snow and leave that one outside if need be.

A. Reimer

S4 and similar vintage S8 are now big bang for the buck. Would LOVE to have an S5.

gcthree

Wait until you go to repair it! I had an A6 4.2; bad boy A6. The a-arms are made of 2 pieces each X 4 a-arms = 8 pieces. Cost from Audi per piece? Around $400....EACH! That's right, $3,200 just for the parts to replace ball joints.

Great car, provided it's under warranty.

SMTCapeCod

Well, the Audi forums can be fun...little less shadetree stuff going on though.

I was seeking an '05 or so and drove a nice Ocean blue/silver auto S4. I also previously had an '02 A6 4.2L. I ran the 4.2L up to 112K miles or so, trouble free. Concur that parts do come with a significant hit, but the build quality is terrific, the interior was comfortable and extremely solid, a slight be of exhaust work yields a terrific noise- but the AWD does tax the output quite a bit. In the end, I decided that while in the DC area the AWD would be nice but a little superflous, as would be the second set of doors.....so I then found my 86.5 for faar less money. Miss the Audi heated steering wheel and climate control, though....

gcthree

Totally agree. The A6 felt like you were driving something hewn out of block of billet steel.

Now, the RS6 is the one to have....

Tony320

Thanks for the input gents. I've actually got the go ahead to keep both 928s and just trade the a4, so now the question is one of fund allocation- dump the money in the 928 or the S4...

mi650

Good move keeping the 928. I can't stop for gas without getting compliments.

I had a guy a couple months ago, fight his way thru some very thick traffic to stop and talk to me about it.

Tony320

Oh, there was never a question of not having at least one 928, but I was thinking I'd either have to sell my driver or my project to get spousal approval.

ThetaTau87

You're correct that there are 4 control arms on the multi-link Audi A6 front suspensions. Each with its own ball joint, but you're a bit off on the pricing, at least the current pricing. Both upper control arms are $85 each. The uppers are the ones that wear more quickly and need replacement. The lowers are $188 and $404, but commonly last for over 200k miles.

ThetaTau87

I am partial to the original Audi S-car, the UrS. Sold in the US from 92-95 (Canada 92-97) it has a 2.2L turbo 5 cyl and is a gem of a car. They are solidly built and can be very reliable if maintained properly. Mine has 240k miles on it and I have no plans to sell it or buy another one with lower miles. The QuattroWorld UrS forum is extremely helpful when something does need fixing. It's a tight knit community similar to this one.

The V8 S4 that you're looking at (B6 chassis 2003-2005) is not quite as well built as the cars from the 90's and doesn't have the iconic turbo 5 cylinder. A UrS turbo with just a chip will run circles around a V8 S4 and you can get to 400chp easily with a bolt on turbo upgrade for <$5k. The turbo engine will also get much better fuel economy than the V8. You can find a nice UrS for well under $7500.

Just my biased $.02 to not overlook the earlier turbo Audi S-cars. I absolutely love mine.