B8 S4 test by edmunds.

[OBI_agent]

Model Year: 2010
Make: Audi
Model: S4
Style: Premium Plus Quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 6M)
Base Price: $46,725
Price as Tested: $59,150
Options on Test Vehicle: Prestige, Driver Assist Package, Audi Drive Select Package, Silk Napa Leather Seats, Metallic/Pearl Effect Paint.
Drive Type: All-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Six-speed manual
Transmission and Axle Ratios (x:1): I=3.667:1, II=2.158:1, III=1.520:1, IV=0.133:1, V=0.919:1, VI=0.778:1
Engine Type: V6
Displacement (cc / cu-in): 2,995cc (183 cu-in)
Block/Head Material: Aluminum/aluminum
Valvetrain: Double overhead camshaft
Compression Ratio: 10.3
Redline (rpm): 7,000 rpm
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 333 @ 5,500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 325 @ 2,900
Brake Type (front): Ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): Disc
Steering System: Electric speed-proportional power steering
Steering Ratio: 16.5:1
Suspension Type (front): Multilink
Suspension Type (rear): Multilink
Tire Size (front): 255/35R19
Tire Size (rear): 255/35R19
Tire Brand: Dunlop
Tire Model: SP Sport Maxx GT
Tire Type: Performance
Wheel Size: 19-by-8.5 inches
Wheel Material (front/rear): Alloy
Manufacturer Curb Weight (lb): 3,847
Curb Weight As Tested (lb): 3,984
Weight Distribution, F/R (%): 56/44
Recommended Fuel: Premium unleaded (recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal): 16.9
EPA Fuel Economy (mpg): 18 city/27 highway
Edmunds Observed (mpg): 15.9

Conditions for Testing Top
Temperature (Fahrenheit): 70.56
Humidity: 67%
Elevation (ft): 1,121
Wind: 1.62 mph headwind

Performance Top
0 - 30 (sec): 1.9 (2.2 with stability control on)
0 - 45 (sec): 3.3 (3.6 with stability control on)
0 - 60 (sec): 4.9 (5.2 with stability control on)
0 - 75 (sec): 7.2 (7.5 with stability control on)
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 13.2 @ 106.1 (13.4 @ 106.0 with stability control on)
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 4.6 (4.8 with stability control on)
30 - 0 (ft): 27
60 - 0 (ft): 109
Braking Rating (Excellent, Good, Average, Poor or Very Poor): Excellent
Slalom (mph): 68.8 (67.2 with stability control on)
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0.90 (0.92 with stability control on)
Handling Rating (Excellent, Good, Average, Poor or Very Poor): Excellent
Db @ Idle: 36.3
Db @ Full Throttle: 76.4
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 63.0
Acceleration Comments: Turning off stability/traction control also removes launch rev limiter. However, electronics still protect drivetrain once the clutch comes out through throttle manipulation and clutch damping. Very respectable numbers with stability control on or off. Incredibly responsive engine. Good shifter.
Handling Comments: All handling tests with Drive Select in Dynamic mode. Somewhat erratic front grip (perhaps due to varying torque split?) makes driving around the skid pad more difficult and less predictable than some RWD competitors. With stability control on , however, it works awesomely on skid pad. Requires neutral throttle or acceleration with stability control off through slalom. Otherwise, it will go backward -- probably a useful trick on the track or back roads.
Braking Comments: Solid pedal has more mechanical feel than some competitors. Loud ABS. Consistent, fade-free stops.

[OBI_agent]

My opinion, I love the interior, space inside, engine, the tuning capability, the AWD, the looks(I kind of dig the sleeper look with few ques of S),etc. But the car is really heavy(close to 4000pounds) for this segment. Overall, I like all the reviews but as most pointed out, the only problem with the car is that it's a porker.

[OBI_agent]

No one wants to read about 335i's competitor??? Strange.

[footie]

Originally Posted by OBI_agent

No one wants to read about 335i's competitor??? Strange.

I said that the S4 was a true competitor to BMW's reign within five minutes of driving one back several months ago and every motoring journalist has agreed with my findings. It is heavy but that really only shows it face on the track and only shows this through the brakes and tyres which can't cope long term with the abuse. On the road none of the above issues ever truly appear and in this enviornment it truly excels.

The problem is no one here wants to admit that someone other than BMW is competitive and capable of producing a really good driver's car, which is sad when everyone claims to be car enthusiasts and not brand driven.

[boombastic]

Currently, from my signature you can tell, i have both tuned m3 and c63. but 4 days ago, i added this new S4 to my garage, (reason of purchase is for winter). after 4 days of ownership for the s4, it really gave me a wonderful driving experience. Something i have to point out: the S4 IMO, handles better than my c63, and the interior is 1000X better than C63. The new 7 speed DSG shifts better than my M3 DCT (i loved my m3 DCT so much already). The Quattro with LSD is so much fun to drive.

Originally Posted by footie

I said that the S4 was a true competitor to BMW's reign within five minutes of driving one back several months ago and every motoring journalist has agreed with my findings. It is heavy but that really only shows it face on the track and only shows this through the brakes and tyres which can't cope long term with the abuse. On the road none of the above issues ever truly appear and in this enviornment it truly excels.

The problem is no one here wants to admit that someone other than BMW is competitive and capable of producing a really good driver's car, which is sad when everyone claims to be car enthusiasts and not brand driven.

[josephr25]

Originally Posted by footie

I said that the S4 was a true competitor to BMW's reign within five minutes of driving one back several months ago and every motoring journalist has agreed with my findings. It is heavy but that really only shows it face on the track and only shows this through the brakes and tyres which can't cope long term with the abuse. On the road none of the above issues ever truly appear and in this enviornment it truly excels.

The problem is no one here wants to admit that someone other than BMW is competitive and capable of producing a really good driver's car, which is sad when everyone claims to be car enthusiasts and not brand driven.

That's because 95% of the forum are brand whores. If something from a different country is faster they go to the "interior" or "it's just a (non-German) car." Or in this case, "it's just a VW."

I would definitely take this over a 335 sedan. It has to be white with the split 7-spoke wheels though.

[OBI_agent]

Originally Posted by footie

I said that the S4 was a true competitor to BMW's reign within five minutes of driving one back several months ago and every motoring journalist has agreed with my findings. It is heavy but that really only shows it face on the track and only shows this through the brakes and tyres which can't cope long term with the abuse. On the road none of the above issues ever truly appear and in this enviornment it truly excels.

The problem is no one here wants to admit that someone other than BMW is competitive and capable of producing a really good driver's car, which is sad when everyone claims to be car enthusiasts and not brand driven.

+1....audi was spot on with the B8 S4 but I'm still a little disappointed with the weight. Maybe Audi couldn't make it lighter because of the extra rear space provided. It's good that they provided a sweet engine with it.

Anyway, I'm optimistic about the future with rumor's of an all aluminium chassis being used. That would be sweet.

Originally Posted by boombastic

Currently, from my signature you can tell, i have both tuned m3 and c63. but 4 days ago, i added this new S4 to my garage, (reason of purchase is for winter). after 4 days of ownership for the s4, it really gave me a wonderful driving experience. Something i have to point out: the S4 IMO, handles better than my c63, and the interior is 1000X better than C63. The new 7 speed DSG shifts better than my M3 DCT (i loved my m3 DCT so much already). The Quattro with LSD is so much fun to drive.

I'm happy for you. I hope it turns out to be a great car.

And Dude....what do you do for a living?

Please provide a pic of your garage because no one is going to believe you...

[footie]

I've seen reports on the new light weight A5 and it's very promising.

[MrRoboto]

She is a heavy beast.

[boombastic]

hehe i am in the MB forum too, people have seen my c63 and m3 while we had a met last time. M3 is my car, C63 my wife drives it. S4 is our winter car for safety purpose, coz we are having a baby.

Originally Posted by OBI_agent

+1....audi was spot on with the B8 S4 but I'm still a little disappointed with the weight. Maybe Audi couldn't make it lighter because of the extra rear space provided. It's good that they provided a sweet engine with it.

Anyway, I'm optimistic about the future with rumor's of an all aluminium chassis being used. That would be sweet.



I'm happy for you. I hope it turns out to be a great car.

And Dude....what do you do for a living?

Please provide a pic of your garage because no one is going to believe you...

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by boombastic

hehe i am in the MB forum too, people have seen my c63 and m3 while we had a met last time. M3 is my car, C63 my wife drives it. S4 is our winter car for safety purpose, coz we are having a baby.

I see Sflgator over on the C63 section of mbworld and I still hate his posting style there too.

[OBI_agent]

Originally Posted by boombastic

hehe i am in the MB forum too, people have seen my c63 and m3 while we had a met last time. M3 is my car, C63 my wife drives it. S4 is our winter car for safety purpose, coz we are having a baby.

WTF.........even though it doesn't rain over here, I want to be able to afford a S4 for "safety purpose".....at least a c63 would be nice............you are lucky dude, thank GOD for it.

[Year's_End]

The weight of this car just makes its performance stats even more impressive.

It weighs a solid 400lbs more than the 335i coupe, but it performs even better in terms of acceleration and on certain handling tests. That AWD system is impressive.

[boombastic]

i was driving my M3 last winter at NY/NJ area with winter tires. well, it was ok, but, all wheel drive is better for sure.

Originally Posted by OBI_agent

WTF.........even though it doesn't rain over here, I want to be able to afford a S4 for "safety purpose".....at least a c63 would be nice............you are lucky dude, thank GOD for it.

[boombastic]

this S4 is my first all wheel drive. it is really impressive.

Originally Posted by Nikkahtropolis

The weight of this car just makes its performance stats even more impressive.

It weighs a solid 400lbs more than the 335i coupe, but it performs even better in terms of acceleration and on certain handling tests. That AWD system is impressive.

[ArmyBimmerDude]

Originally Posted by Nikkahtropolis

I see Sflgator over on the C63 section of mbworld and I still hate his posting style there too.

I'm glad he's posting overthere now. Every post he ever created seemed to need a minimum of 10 smilies. That and he really isn't much of a driver. That car he has now will make him feel better than he really is.

[graider]

i don't like the exterior look. but I think it is probably a better car than the 335i sedan at the moment.

[Nikolas]

The 6 speed is 25 lbs heavier than the 335XI. The 7 speed is much heavier and weighs just under 4000 lbs.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by ArmyBimmerDude

I'm glad he's posting overthere now. Every post he ever created seemed to need a minimum of 10 smilies. That and he really isn't much of a driver. That car he has now will make him feel better than he really is.

Uhhh . I don't know what you could possibly be talking about. I trap ~12.12s @ 115mph all with the help of PROcede REV4 and make ~345RWHP/355RWTQ. .

I tried my best.

[stickypaws]

Originally Posted by OBI_agent

Please provide a pic of your garage because no one is going to believe you...

If you want pics of boombastic's new B8 S4, look here: http://www.mbworld.org/forums/3754385-post34.html

[footie]

Originally Posted by Nikolas

The 6 speed is 25 lbs heavier than the 335XI. The 7 speed is much heavier and weighs just under 4000 lbs.

You have to remember there is a size difference between the two cars.

Overall Length : 4531mm (335i) vs 4717mm (S4)

Overall Width : 1817mm (335i) vs 1826mm (S4)

Overall Height : 1421mm (335i) vs 1406mm (S4)

Only 25lbs between 335xi and S4 doesn't sound that much all things considered. Oh, and the difference between 6sp manual and 7sp DSG is 35kgs.

Or put it another way, the difference between the 335i and the S4 is the equivalent between the S4 and the 550i, there is roughly the same difference in overall size. This isn't an excuse for the weight but might explain things better.

[ArmyBimmerDude]

Originally Posted by Nikkahtropolis

Uhhh . I don't know what you could possibly be talking about. I trap ~12.12s @ 115mph all with the help of PROcede REV4 and make ~345RWHP/355RWTQ. .

I tried my best.

Brilliant. You nailed it perfectly.