GTP

Since you're posting this question to a Audi message board, in which presumably most of the readers/posters are enthusiasts, most people will tell you to get the S4 if you can swing it.

I actually had a similar dilemma recently. My lease on a 2007 Audi A4 was ending and I wanted something faster, but my commute to work is only 3.5 miles one-way (so, 7 round-trip). I live in DC, but work in VA. The maximum speed limit for the shortest route to the office is 35 MPH.

I looked at the 2010 Audi S4 and the car is awesome, with its power, fuel efficiency (considering the power), amazing interior, and AWD. But, having spent the past 8 years in an Audi, I decided to switch brands and ended up buying a 1-year old 2009 BMW M3 sedan with 10k miles.

I love the M3, but I somewhat have buyer's remorse. It's simply too much car (i.e. too fast) for my commute. Sure, on weekends I can get out of the city and drive it on some winding roads, but over 90% of my driving is less spirited. I just feel like my car is so under-utilized on a regular basis. Red-lining my car to 8,400 RPM is the fastest way for me to get a ticket. I've thought about downgrading, but the few times I can really open it up, it's pretty darn fun. This may not be the case with the S4, but I'm getting a meager 14 MPG for my less than sprited commmute to the office!

So, the bottom line is: ask yourself - for the X% of the time that you drive in a spririted fashion, is the premium worth it? The verdict is still out for me.

I must say, however, that the commute can be "easier" with a fast car, i.e. over-taking that slow car.