S4: 333 HP (M3 had this is like what? 2002?), 3800 lbs
M3: 425 HP, 3600 lbs
Looks like the S4 will continue in its 'hot pursuit' status. It's quite a chunk of change cheaper though (about 10k).
The Audi S4 has been in hot pursuit of the BMW M3 for well over two decades. While it hasn't quite gathered the following that the M3 has, it offers plenty. The latest rendition features a 333-horsepower supercharged V6 hitched to a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. But Audi really pulled out all the stops with driver interaction. Their infotainment system is cutting edge and offers everything a luxury sedan should, all controlled by the dial on the center console.
So I got to spend some quality time with the Audi S4 while doing some route driving for our upcoming Classic Motorsports Magazine Orange Blossom Tour in March. While scouting the tour route, I was able to drive the Audi on a mix of interstate, city and back roads.
if there is such a thing as the perfect sports sedan, the Audi S4 comes really close. From the exterior to the interior, I was very impressed with the way the Audi was put together. The instrument panel is a little difficult to figure out quickly, but with time, all the controls became second nature. The seats were good, but I wished they had been all leather instead of the leather and microfiber mix.
So how does it perform?
The Audi S4 has three different modes: Comfort, auto, and individual. I kept it in auto for the majority of the time, with an occasional pull back of the auto shifter into sport mode which really brings this car to life. It practically does all the upshifting and downshifting for you. The handling on the back roads was slot car perfect, while at the same time being comfortable to drive on the interstate or in the city. Fuel mileage was the achilles heel for the Audi, only averaging in the 17 mpg range.
Overall, I loved the Audi S4 and feel that if you are in the market for a sports sedan in the $55,000 range, I would really take a good close look at this car before all the other competitors.
S4: 333 HP (M3 had this is like what? 2002?), 3800 lbs
M3: 425 HP, 3600 lbs
Looks like the S4 will continue in its 'hot pursuit' status. It's quite a chunk of change cheaper though (about 10k).
The S4 is really positioned in competition with the 335i, the competitor to the M3 is the RS4. Alas, they don't sell it here because it's Avant-only and the US market hates wagons.
...and the new AWD Ford Fusion. 325HP. 
I really like the current S4, but it hasn't had a major refresh since 2010. That's getting pretty old in that market.
Current gen S4 is your last chance to get a manual transmission.
And they put down 300+ HP at the wheels. So, power is mucho underrated.
So I want a sports car.. .. . . . And an infotainment system is important how?
dean1484 wrote: So I want a sports car.. .. . . . And an infotainment system is important how?
That's what I was thinking... If they're trying to chase the sports car market, they're focusing on and talking up the wrong parts of the car...
rslifkin wrote:dean1484 wrote: So I want a sports car.. .. . . . And an infotainment system is important how?That's what I was thinking... If they're trying to chase the sports car market, they're focusing on and talking up the wrong parts of the car...
S4 is a sedan. The target market is someone who wants sporty daily transport, not a weekend boy racer. As stated above the real M3 fighter is the RS4.
bradyzq wrote: Current gen S4 is your last chance to get a manual transmission. And they put down 300+ HP at the wheels. So, power is mucho underrated.
That depends on the dyno, but yes. My B6 S4 (340hp 4.2L V8) made 250 at the wheels on 034's Mustang Dyno, whereas stock B8s make around 280.
Fueled by Caffeine wrote:rslifkin wrote:S4 is a sedan. The target market is someone who wants sporty daily transport, not a weekend boy racer. As stated above the real M3 fighter is the RS4.dean1484 wrote: So I want a sports car.. .. . . . And an infotainment system is important how?That's what I was thinking... If they're trying to chase the sports car market, they're focusing on and talking up the wrong parts of the car...
I was going to say, if you want a sports car, what are you doing looking at a $60k AWD sedan?
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