2011 M3 vs. 2011 S4?

[burrito007]

So I know there are a lot of posts on this topics, but my friend just drew my attention to his blog post about the 2011 S4 which adds launch control. He thinks S4 + mods is almost as good as an M3 and that the value is there for the S4. (AWD winter driving etc).

I think he's nuts.

http://www.clutchdump.com/?p=60

[JonnyM3]

Basically own both and I agree with a lot of the points made. I will say that no article is to judge how you should spend your money, and to me it felt worth it to spend the extra 15k on the M3.

[PKL]

Originally Posted by AudiS5

to me it felt worth it to spend the extra 15k on the M3.

Ditto! I was looking at S4, but I am a BMW guy

[M3 Montreal]

It's been talked about here also...

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-vs.-M3-really

[Lowest_Frequency]

S4 looks amazing and am jazzed to hear so much good praise, but in my eyes it seems Audi as a company still doesn't have the reliability aspect yet (my general opinion). Coming from someone who enjoys owning cars for quite awhile, this scares me. Thoughts?

[savaho]

Had I gotten an S4 I would have always have been wishing I got an M3 everytime one would pull up next to me. I'm glad to say I will not be that guy wishing anymore.

[Kyoshi71]

Please. Written by an Audi Fan boy who doesnt even put his name to the article. Launch Control, Dual Clutch...that is M territory and unfortunately, the S4 loses. Not to mention, when was the last time any of you actually saw an RS5?

I truly get a kick out of the names that these companies give their differentials. Torque Vectoring Rear Diff!!!. Sounds so serious scientific. Open up the cover and they all look the same; a bunch of clutch packs, gears and bearings.

[Kyoshi71]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

I thought is was a pretty good review... I didn't think it was fan-boyish at all.

It was written well but just seemed that way to me by the way he described things. Either way, I think Audi makes beautiful stuff.

[bobbyd1961]

what a joke the 335 is a much better handling and faster car than the audi s whatever. the audis do look good but not like the M3 no comparison.

[JonnyM3]

Originally Posted by bobbyd1961

what a joke the 335 is a much better handling and faster car than the audi s whatever. the audis do look good but not like the M3 no comparison.

Do you live under a rock? My S5 was faster than all my friends stock 335's and the S5 was significantly slower than the S4. My friends GF just got a 335is last week and once thats broken in we're gonna see how the two stack up. S4's are putting down constant 12.xx stock at the drag strip. Yes the BMW is a slightly more rewarding drive, but when it boils down to it- the S4 is simply faster both track, and straight.
http://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/b...udi_s4_b8.html
http://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/b...udi_s4_b8.html

Just so you guys aren't misinformed, Audi seriously underrated the power of that supercharged V6, people are dynoing as high as 300+wheel, around 330-345+ w/ a simple tune.

Also reason you don't see RS5's in the states yet is due to the fact they aren't available in the U.S. yet. While the cars numbers haven't been destroying our M3 numbers they are pretty similar...but IMO they did drop the ball building this car. I truly do believe though they've got something up their sleeves in the next few years, whether it be the Audi Quattro Coupe, or the next RS4 Audi will definitely bring something big to the table.
http://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/a...3_e92_dkg.html

One thing that really bothers me about the BMW community is how butt hurt many of you get when another car is better. Also, the article clearly stated Audi didn't build the S4 w/ the M3 in mind.

[graider]

the look of the s4 interior/exterior just doesn't do it for me, especially that nasty two tone black/cream seat. i have seen a couple of them in person so far and I think they look boring as hell.

but i think m3 is pretty sh1t reliability wise. The forum is great source of help and lot of aftermarket support for the m3 which makes it appear somewhat reliable. but in reality, it is not very reliable based on my experience.

[Rshane]

Audi makes a pretty good car. I love our TT, and I do miss my A5 S-Line...and to be honest, I think the A/S/RS 5 is a better looking car than the 3 series...and the interior is nicer too IMHO. I just love the performance I get with the M which is why I sold my A5. However, I would love to have the best of both worlds. When I get back stateside I would love to pick up a used S5 V6T as a daily driver...decent gas mileage, a great looking car with a great interior (same interior as the A5), and, no matter what your personal opinion, great performance too.

[Alex_bm]

Test drove the S4 with DSG. The car seems to be very hesitant when launched from stop, like it takes a second or two every time when you push the gas pedal.
Also the seats are no where near BMW sport seats even on my 128... That's almost a deal breaker to me, not enough bolstering and can't be adjusted either.

Overall S4 felt like more like a luxury car than a sports car. Should not be compared to M3

[Alex_bm]

"External Resources:

Below is a list of forums and other sources that contain some good information on the model we have discussed in the post.

www.audizine.com
www.vwvortex.com
www.audiworld.com
"

How come no BMW related resources?

[hemi to e90]

Originally Posted by Kyoshi71

Please. Written by an Audi Fan boy who doesnt even put his name to the article. Launch Control, Dual Clutch...that is M territory and unfortunately, the S4 loses. Not to mention, when was the last time any of you actually saw an RS5?

I truly get a kick out of the names that these companies give their differentials. Torque Vectoring Rear Diff!!!. Sounds so serious scientific. Open up the cover and they all look the same; a bunch of clutch packs, gears and bearings.

written by a true bmw fanboi imho.

guess what, the 335i and s4 compete, not a s4 and m3.

also, remember the rs5, ISNT EVEN IN THE COUNTRY YET.........

Originally Posted by bobbyd1961

what a joke the 335 is a much better handling and faster car than the audi s whatever. the audis do look good but not like the M3 no comparison.

oooo really? im in the market for either a rwd 335i, s4, or a used m3. s4 with an active diff completely out handles the 335i, and approaches the m3. dont get me wrong, the m3 is still king, but it demands a kings ransom in price.

Originally Posted by Alex_bm

Test drove the S4 with DSG. The car seems to be very hesitant when launched from stop, like it takes a second or two every time when you push the gas pedal.
Also the seats are no where near BMW sport seats even on my 128... That's almost a deal breaker to me, not enough bolstering and can't be adjusted either.

Overall S4 felt like more like a luxury car than a sports car. Should not be compared to M3

seats? really? ive driven both the m3, 335i, and s4; what adjustment did you find "lacking". ps, i felt the bolstering was over done on the s4, but never did i feel "lose" in the seat.

[Alex_bm]

BMW has adjustable bolsters, so you can make them as tight or as loose as you like. In S4 I felt lost, taking corners was not fun as seat would not hold me in place.

I am not a big guy, about 160+ pounds. I can see some-one at 250 feeling comfortable tight in S4

[Alex_bm]

"oooo really? im in the market for either a rwd 335i, s4, or a used m3. s4 with an active diff completely out handles the 335i, and approaches the m3. dont get me wrong, the m3 is still king, but it demands a kings ransom in price."

While S4 feels well planted on the road, it's not very communicative with the driver. Even the article mentioned that fact. 335 ways more fun.

[hemi to e90]

Originally Posted by Alex_bm

"oooo really? im in the market for either a rwd 335i, s4, or a used m3. s4 with an active diff completely out handles the 335i, and approaches the m3. dont get me wrong, the m3 is still king, but it demands a kings ransom in price."

While S4 feels well planted on the road, it's not very communicative with the driver. Even the article mentioned that fact. 335 ways more fun.

1 wheel spin is way more fun? oooo really?

the death of the 335i is that its rear is unpredicatble, so im sorry its not "way more fun"

as for communication, you relying on the article or real life experience? the s4 is awd, which like a 335xi, suffers in communication because of the front diff being driven. with that said, with the active diff, the s4 much more predictable and stable in its transitions, be it in comparison to a 335i or 335xi. its a trade off of awd.

i stand by my point 335i < b8 s4 < m3.

[bobbyd1961]

Originally Posted by hemi to e90

1 wheel spin is way more fun? oooo really?

the death of the 335i is that its rear is unpredicatble, so im sorry its not "way more fun"

as for communication, you relying on the article or real life experience? the s4 is awd, which like a 335xi, suffers in communication because of the front diff being driven. with that said, with the active diff, the s4 much more predictable and stable in its transitions, be it in comparison to a 335i or 335xi. its a trade off of awd.

i stand by my point 335i < b8 s4 < m3.

i was next to an s5 today and blew his doors off without power button and in s1 mode. he was in awe

[esqu1re]

Isn't there a rather large hp and base price difference between the two? Now, a tuned S4 v. M3.....

[hemi to e90]

Originally Posted by bobbyd1961

i was next to an s5 today and blew his doors off without power button and in s1 mode. he was in awe

right, because thats a b8 s4 or the same motor?

Originally Posted by esqu1re

Isn't there a rather large hp and base price difference between the two? Now, a tuned S4 v. M3.....

yeah. tuned is ~410hp (362awhp) but its still not m3 territory and still not m3 wieght


however compared to a tuned 335i its comparable. see the trend?

[Kyoshi71]

Originally Posted by hemi to e90

guess what, the 335i and s4 compete, not a s4 and m3.

also, remember the rs5, ISNT EVEN IN THE COUNTRY YET.........

I surmise comprehension has been a little bit of a rough spot for you?

Your response was exactly my point to begin with.