allegro

i was just wondering how the ride quality differs between an A4 1.8T with sport package to an S4. i've now and then read about how the S4 has a very smooth ride quality. just wanted to know. thank ye kindly.

massmole

I had a 1.8T with sport package suspension and now have an S4. The ride quality is identical if not the S4 being a wee bit softer, not in a bad way.

allegro

how does the S4 compare to an A4 with aftermarket suspension (springs & shocks) handling-wise?

massmole

never did put aftermarket suspension on my A4 but I did replace the S4's stock suspension.

Basically, a stock S4 handles just about as well as an A4 with the sports pacakage suspension despite the extra 300 lbs or so of heft. If you're not paying attention, the S4 will even give the illusion of "better" handling due to its quicker smaller ratio steering. This is of course very objective since a stock S4 has better tires than a pre 2001.5 A4 with the sports package. An S4 with aftermarket suspension will handle better than an A4 without aftermarkets and vice versa.

If you put aftermarket suspension on both cars, it is quite obvious that the A4 will have the slight advantage in handling entirely because of less weight up front. After all, an S4 is essentially an A4 with 2.7T shoe-horned under the bonnet.

allegro

thanks.

LI-S4

see my post earlier.

Wife = '01 A4, 1.8Tip, premium, Bose, Sport, cold &
Mine = '01 S4 loaded...

I detailed both cars yesturday.

So I drove them back to back. The S4 is about 20% stiffer then the A4 with the sport package. The A4 has more body lean and a bit more dive under breaking. Good brakes but not like the S4.

The S4 is much more sorted out. The addition of aluminum suspension parts, uprated suspension and the lower profile tires absolutely make an improvement.