Viken

That can be said about the entire model range. Especially, compared to current Audi models.

nota_troll

hmmm...obviously I'm in the minority.

KOAN

I've had a 2000 S4 as my daily driver since new, and my 993 mostly as a track car. I love it. I drove a partner's new S4. It feels like it has a stiffer chassis, better shifter and better brakes. The power delivery is impressive, as is the exhaust note. It feels like a V8. The interior is about the same, to a very high standard. I really like having my S4 as a daily driver. It has had a few...eh...mods, which make it as fast as the 993, and I've even taken the S4 to a few track events when I see lots of rain in the forecast. It has been as much fun as I've ever had on the track, ripping out of corners while others (BMW) are tip toeing.
S4s are great in the snow and rain. They cruise at high speeds quietly and comfortably. I've had a few repairs, all covered on the warranty. It isn't an M3, which is good and bad. I'd buy another, but frankly, I like the old style (and turbo) more. I'll bet the newer one will be more trouble free.
The quality of the service should be a concern. Ask around and see if your local dealer has a good reputation. Mine has really improved, and I'd recommend them now...quite a change since my last Audi.

Chuck

Alfie

Let me know when you want to come up to Boston, I have S4's in stock you can drive...

TheOtherEric

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the new S4's are the first in recent years to use a N/A V8 instead of twin-turbo V6. I'd think that would make a diff in feel.

My g/f has an '01 S4, very modified. Scary fast, and she can smoke me on the racetrack. And I'm no slouch myself (for being fully stock). I doubt you could do many mod's to the new V8 S4 since the engine is in there REALLY tight.

BCAT

Its easy and very rewarding to modify a B5 S4 to stage 2 and maybe coilovers/brakes and have an awesome daily driver. I love mine

KOAN

BCAT,
It might be a little OT, but what have you done to your S4? Mine is a project in evolution, and I'm enjoying the S4 more and more. E-mail me if you would rather, but I think there are quite a few S4 owners on this board who might also be interested.

MTM Chip, Stoptech, Stasis suspension, bipipe, Milltech exhaust, Bailey valves...one more slope to slip on...

Chuck

George from MD

I drove a student's S4 at an HPDC on the Jefferson Circuit this Fall. I was amazed and fell in love with the thing.

I did not want to give the car back. The car is very quick; has a moderate amount of understeer (but not objectionable IMO) and electronics that will bail the novice out of all but the most egregious mistakes yet don't normally interfere with spirited driving. It really was a hoot.

lexpilot

Pardon my ignorance. What specifically is a Benz "C32" ? Also, I hate to be blasphemos but how about a Lexus GS 430 ? I've not owned one but hey I liked both of my LS 400's really well. Nomex underwear is in place.

Viken

MB C32

lexpilot

I guess I'm the only one who did not know that a a C32 specifically was an AMG version of their C class sedan. I should have gone to the Benz site first. I also am bozo enough to have liked my new 79 280E Benz, when everyone else was buying 300D diesels.

John W

I've driven a B6 S4, and it is a truly superb car.
Okay, so it is a heavy old lump, but find me another car with the same comfortable seating, avant usability and performance for that money.

M3 is possibly a bit quicker but far more tiring to drive (imo) and is not available in an estate.

The V8 sounds superb, and has more torque than the standard B5 S4. A chipped B5 will feel torquier though. You will also find that the V8 lacks the turbo punch of th B5 car.
The seats are more comfortable, and the ride is noticeably better in the new car though.

What put me off was the 18mpg, which I can't justify.
I therefore brought a used RS4 with low miles, which is returning 23mpg and does everything the new S4 does but at a better price, and with hopefully better residuals (due to limited numbers).

Hope that helps.

Cheers,
John. (94 Iris Blue C2, 2001 Nogaro RS4, plus some others)

Doug H

Would not the downer about the V8 be that it is very limited in regards to modifications or hp boost. The S4 twin 2.7 TT was pretty easy to mod. Had an S4 2.7 and a TT 225. The Cayenne is more fun than both. Decent cars for the money, but not overly exciting. A little on the heavy feeling side. Audi's NA philosophy is a bit questionable. Take the new 3.2 litre TT for example. Seems like a waste when the TT 225 can be easily and cheaply modded to exceed the hp of the 3.2 NA. Not sure I would go with another Audi considering the other German options out there. I did consider an RS6 when I looking for a daily driver recently to take the load off my TT, but got another P Car instead.

BCAT

Chuck, I have a GIAC chip , divertor valves, free- flow intake, and UUC VM3 exhaust on the S4. I was going to put coilovers but then it would be lowered and might have trouble with snow. Actually, the main reason is I just got a 96 993tt which is obviously awesome. Oh, forgot that also have RH AG Cup 18in wheels on Audi

KOAN

A '96 993tt is my dream car. I had a student with one at Road America, and it absolutely blew me away. I am an aggressive driver, though, and I'm hesitent to take that much power (and money) to 10/10. I'm safer in my '93 NA993.