ZAMIRZ

A local street racer here in the valley has a very nicely modded S4, untouchable car because of the launch but then he breaks things often too.....But nonetheless, a really quality built machine. The WRX is a nice car too, I had the opportunity to drive a mildly modded one and the car was pretty fast, but the build quality is not there on the Suby in my opinion.

caneaddict

Definately another car to look at is the new 350Z. I've heard good things about it and there are tons of mods being made for it. You can buy one in the upper 20's and spend 4k on mods (lots of supercharger and twinturbo kits coming out for it right now). You would easily have a 400HP sports car. Also as you get more money you can improve the handling and with enough money run with most Porsches.

HBdirtbag

Yea, i've driven the 350Z too, and actually have a friend that is prototyping an SC kit from one of the big company's. Haven't had a chance to check it out yet. My only thing is they are way to small. Can't fit a decent size golf bag and I would just feel to confined w/ it as a daily driver. Sweet car though, really fun to drive.

interpath

To: soon2be993TT-

Agree with the above postings, especially relative to the WRX.
mmm's got a great car and a setup that is somewhat similar to mine (2003 WRX Vishnu stage 2...but, I have DMS 40mm coilovers which do have an acceptable (non-harsh, but stiffened) ride with minimal body roll). My (yellow sonic color) car can be see at:

<a href="http://216.110.171.17/vishnueditionwrx.htm" target="_blank">http://216.110.171.17/vishnueditionwrx.htm</a>

I added black (sieve) foglight covers, debadged rear end and just added a (944) "TURBO" badge to the trunk recently.

Now that the STI is on our shores, I would strongly consider this route/option on a performance-fun/value scale (especially because of the 2.5 liter engine, 6 speed/DCD transmission, etc.; or, for that matter,
the Mitsu EVO VIII)...

do check the Subie (STI) forums and various threads at:
<a href="http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/" target="_blank">http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/</a>

or, for the Mitsubishi Evo VIII:
<a href="http://www.evolutionm.net/" target="_blank">http://www.evolutionm.net/</a>

For perspective, I had a 2002 911 C4S (320HP), and recently upgraded to the 2003 911TT X-50 package(444 HP); the latter is great fun but NOT my daily drive (the WRX is, and as per mmm, I do love it!)...thus far, reliable, fun a head-turner-what more can I say...Enjoy!

BCS996TT

I agree with DPJ...

I also had an e36 M3 with Dinan Supercharger, Suspension, etc. and it was a blast to drive. The car handled so well and was rock solid. No problems at all.

There are a number of reputable tuners out there that are offering excellent power gains for the E36. Check out Active Autowerke for their turbo kits. They are the best BMW turbo guys around hands down!

jimrd

Scott - I have had an S4 for two years now and love it as a daily driver. I have done a chip and exhaust for mods to bring the hp to about 310. I also replaced the tires and wheels with 18's. The car is very comfortable in traffic and has been superbly reliable - only service has been scheduled maintainence covered by warranty. The suspension is soft in the stock form, but that's OK for me as a daily driver. It has plenty of power and is great fun to drive. At Denver altitude, it is actually quicker than a normally aspirated 996, and comes reasonably close to my 1991 C2 turbo(prior to having some stuff done to the C2 turbo). Overall, I think the S4 gives you the most car for the money out there. The fit and finish puts other similarly priced cars to shame. I have a new S4 on order and will be sad to give up the twin turbo version for the V8. Something about those turbo cars ...
Jim

ETSMotorsports

I had an S4....Fast...It was modded. But the absolute worst car and the worst experiences with service and treatment. I would definitely not reccomend an S4. Audi took too many short cuts on the car.

Jack

STI -- what a BLAST to drive!

Best $32K I've ever spent on a car. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />

HBdirtbag

Jack, how long have you had it? How many miles have you put on it? Also, have you added a stereo yet? Is it prewired?

Other then a blast to drive what's your thought on the overall build quality so far?

HBdirtbag

Thanks for all the help guys, really appreciate it!

We'll see what comes about my thoughts in the next month or two.

Le Chef

Had an S4 and loved it for the twin turbo rush, and the rainy/snowy day security of awd. Downsides? UNDERSTEER. And no steering feel. Hence buying a 996 C4S. I still miss the turbo rush, but can't afford a 996 TT just yet...

pig4bill

If you want an S4 because you can mod it, then chances are you will break something sooner or later. And you won't believe how much it costs when you break something. Because labor costs are outrageous due to the design.

If you like the 350z but want more space, look at the G35 coupe. Supposedly it drives almost identically. If you need even more space go to the G35 sedan. It won't be as fast as the Subie or Evo, but better put together, no doubt.

Jack

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by soon2be993TT:
<strong>Jack, how long have you had it? How many miles have you put on it? Also, have you added a stereo yet? Is it prewired?

Other then a blast to drive what's your thought on the overall build quality so far?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Sorry for the delay in responding to your questions -- got the car Wed. and been too busy driving to check out the MB's.

I've got about 400 miles on the STi so far and love driving it. Build quality is great (especially given its price tag), definitely no worse than the Turbo (but perhaps that's not saying much). The car is FAST, NO turbo lag (makes my TT feel like it has tons of lag <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> ) and loves to be driven hard in the twisties. The car is very "race-like" in many ways, close ratio 6-speed (straight cut gears), forged BBS wheeels, large intercooler with water sprayer, BIG Brembos, aluminum suspension components with inverted struts both front and rear, increased rigidity (over the WRX), extra sticky Bridgestone RE070 tires, reduced sound deadening, aluminum hood, thinner glass for the rear window, driver controlled center diff, etc., etc. The STi is to a stock WRX what the GT2 is to a stock 996TT. Hence, there's a lot of "good noise" from the tranny/gears/limited slip diffs, turbo, engine, tires, etc. -- all of which you hear quite clearly due to the lack of sound insulation.

Despite what certain magazine commentators have said, I test drove both the EVO and the STi and much prefer the latter, but what do I know. <img border="0" alt="[ouch]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" />

As for you last question -- No, I haven't had a stereo installed yet and it is prewired.

YMMV <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

AsianBond

I think the Audi S4 has the ideal drivetrain configuration. A twin turbo V6 with a manual 6 speed is the perfect set up for me. When the boost comes on at 60mph in 3rd gear not much cars can keep up with it. Take this over a wrx or evo anyday because of its more torquey engine. One of the smoothest fastest cars I ever drove. My favorite sedan/wagon.

AsianBond

One more thing, comparing the interiors with the evo an wrx, and how solid the car feels when you close the door, there is no comparison.