Overlake

<center><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j250/BENJMNS/bennew9-1.jpg"></center><p>I currently drive an E46 M3 and used to have a Comptech supercharged S2000 that Jin detailed a while back. I tell you this so maybe it'll give you a baseline on why/how I come up with my loose observations.

To respect the to-be owner of the S4 whoever it may be, I did not flog it at all since the car was brand spanking new with less than 4 miles on it. The test drive was about 4 miles long, though I'm sure the sales guy would've let me do whatever I wanted with it. Hence, I was not able to discern the difference with the new 40/60 split.

The thing I was most impressed with was the seats. Feels nice and firm without excessive padding or bolstering. Just the right amount.

The car is very quiet and the torque is nice. The engine is very smooth and the revs fall quick in between shifts (quicker than the M3's inline 6 and slower than a lightened flywheel S2000). I did get to flog around a used B6 S4 about a year ago and I noticed back then the V8 doesn't pull in a linear fashion like the S2000's F20C and the S54 M engine. It feels like it runs out of breath as you move up the rev range. It just has a lot of practical grunt for putzing around town. It's more comfortable than the M3.

The shift action is better than the M3 so Audi has come a LONG way in this dept. The B5 S4 I drove was an absolute nightmare. The clutch action is noticeabley lighter than the M clutch and way more lighter than the ACT unit I had on the S2000. M clutch/tranny is somewhat noisy in comparison.

The steering is really light at lower speeds and firms up on the hwy.

I like the S4. It is a more practical car and less visceral than the M3. I recently saw some pics of the DTM optioned 2007 S4. It looks perfectly aggressive for an Audi.

Ultimately I am not tempted to move to the four rings because it's just not a thrilling enough ride, but can appreciate the S4 for what it is. Had I gone for one, I'd get the DTM '07 model and slam it on some 19" HREs. Add some sort of exhaust and it'd be a good looking, sounding ride for a long time to come.

Here's my current car for reference. I enjoy browsing this forum, though I am not a part of the club.

Grouse:3.Slow

for more practical grunt I think the s4 will be far more popular once a good s/c comes out.

Overlake

Nothing against the mod lovers out there as I was once there, but don't have the interest nor the time to putz around anymore with aftermarket power mods.

And my S2000 was dead reliable...

And the customer segment that's interested in the S/C is so miniscule, it won't make a dent in S4 sales. At least that's the story I'm weaving.

Kimchee

I drove a B7 RS4 a couple weeks ago.. and it's a better car than the S4... but $25K-$30K better? I can't say it is...but what fun that little sprint was. mmmm.

I'd say the S4 is refined and the M3 is more visceral/raw.

Kimchee

until the price of the B6/7 S4 hits the teens... i'm betting the aftermarket support then would be more prevalent and the prices for s/c's and such will take a steep dive.

Kimchee

BTW.. gorgeous! Love the LMs on the M3.

Grouse:3.Slow

No it won't change the sales, it will make the car more popular in the moding area. 10k for 450hp.


That being said, for the same money i'd buy an atom and keep the audi i have.

Overlake

I'll e-mail you when the time comes. Congrats!

Kimchee

the new products we use are hands and fist better than before.

Check out our website and gallery:

<a href="http://www.mirrorworksdetail.com">www.mirrorworksdetail.c om</a>

Overlake

And really liked the stock suspension and shifter. The grip is confidence inspiring.

Ain't nuttin' to fuq wit.