Finally test drove the S4 yesterday....
07-14-2004, 11:40 AM
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Finally test drove the S4 yesterday....
I own a 2002 330Ci with manual transmission. I have been thinking about the B6 S4 for some time and finally got a chance to test drive it. It was a 6 speed. My thoughts... seats in the S4 are better than the sport seats of my 330-- more support and better feel. The S4 shifter was very smooth and comparable to the 330 which surprised me-- shorter throws which is nice. Power of the S4 is great, but there seemed to be just a bit of throttle delay. Kept pulling very hard though. Definately does not feel as light on its feet as my 330. The extra few hundred pounds of the S4 over the 330 is more than obvious. The 3 series definately feels more balanced. BMW is on the mark with the 50/50 weight distribution. You can certainly feel and front end weight-bias of the S4, but I could probably learn to live with it. All in all I think the S4 is a great car. One last comment... I have driven an E46 M3 on multiple occasions and those who say that the S4 is faster off the line than the M3 are crazy. The M3 is more raw and would certainly beat the S4 rather easily off the line. ONE big plus for me with the S4 (and others probably think this is bad or feel too isolated) was how quiet the cabin is with the windows up. You certainly can hear that strong V8, but surprisingly (and I like it) quiet ride.
07-14-2004, 11:49 AM
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On the last part.... an S4 can beat an M3 off the line....
it is possible but it depepends on the drivers. And the S4 will 0wn the M3 in a wet launch. Not to mention the M3 would be on ice skates in the winter. I as well have driven many M3's and my buddy is an M3 track guy and his dad just bought an S4.
07-14-2004, 11:50 AM
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Where's that topgear video when you need it?
It's clear that the S4 is quicker up to about 3rd gear, where the M3 comes into play in the 4th gear change.
As far as the suspension is concerned, the S4 is very heavy, but planted. Take it around a track or through some safe twisties and I think you'd be surprised at how well the car handles.
I know a bunch of BMW guys that were shocked to see a wagon kicking their butts on a few drives I've been on.
NOT knocking the BMW. AWESOME car. 330ci is a great car, and it is definitely nimble. (My brother has a 330ci) But, the S4 really moves through the twists if you have the ***** to push it.
As far as the suspension is concerned, the S4 is very heavy, but planted. Take it around a track or through some safe twisties and I think you'd be surprised at how well the car handles.
I know a bunch of BMW guys that were shocked to see a wagon kicking their butts on a few drives I've been on.
NOT knocking the BMW. AWESOME car. 330ci is a great car, and it is definitely nimble. (My brother has a 330ci) But, the S4 really moves through the twists if you have the ***** to push it.
07-14-2004, 11:53 AM
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fair, but (M)
with drivers of equal skill and good conditions I have to believe the M3 wins. I am not downing your car... I will most likely buy one soon. I like the idea of a performance sport sedan and AWD. Great car for a reasonable price.
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07-14-2004, 12:01 PM
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True. As you said though (kind of), you don't have to drive the S like you hate it in order to ...
get the most out of it. BTW, the raspy sound of the M exhaust sucks A$$. Throw an aftermarket CB - or none at all - and it sounds much meaner than the M.