shawncudy7

in the new Car and Driver they totally embarresed the s4. It was competing against the 330xci, and the wrx. The s4 came in first but it won by 1 point in the end. It startled me cause ive seen specs on the new wrx and i didnt know it was capable to perform as well as it has.And by the way the bmw came in last.

LoS4

I think you miss the point of the article. First of all, it's really just between the subie and the S4.

Second, I think the defining statement of the article comes at the end:

"And as much as we liked the S4 model, it still came achingly close to being beaten by a car tha tis hugely less expensive. Perhaps it's not right to ay that the S4 is 60 percent better than the WRX. Maybe the best way to put it is that in this test, our collective minds simply <i> liked</i> the S4 60 percent more."

Meaning, in my mind, that for a $24K car, the WRX is fricken' great. but it's not an S4.

If you are so worried about being embarrassed, you should check out, in the same issue, where they are talking about new models for 2002. On page 77, under the Subaru section, you'll probably be more concerned about how they say that the WRX STi will be coming out at the end of 2002 or 2003. 275 HP and what will probably be a lighter car. Definitely nothing to sneeze at.

I wrote Subaru to ask about the STi version, and how Car and Driver had mentioned it in a previous issue (May?). The response I got said that they wanted to see how the regular WRX did for a few years before they introduce a newer version. Because who would want to buy a WRX when there is a WRX STi available!! I suppose they'll have to differentiate the cars by at least $8 grand, unless they just replace the WRX.

Carlos

Frank B

I agree and also, the 1 point difference reflected the value rating which normally favours the lower priced car, as it did here. I drove the WRX (and the BMW 330i) before deciding on the S4 and the WRX ain't no S4

Frank B

Thermal

Drove both stick and auto rexes, auto 330xi, and both stick and auto S4.

I actually had the 330xi on order, but got the shaft by the BMW dealer so many times I went with the much more expensive S4 ($38k vs. $43k but I got the avant). The only reason I picked the bimmer first was because my wife has always wanted that roundel... bad afliction.

The rex in five speed form is just fun as hell. Its a very small car with very clearly defined corner and great visability for city driving. Turbo lag wasn't a problem with the 5 speed... but with the auto it became a major hassel. The S4 blew me away as a six speed, it had the same gut wrenching burst of speed I loved in the WRX but also had the refinement and taste I need in a daily driver's drivability.

But what ultimately made me go with the S4 was the Tiptronic. I had to get a car my wife could easily drive and I could drive in Cincy and Dayton traffic. The Auto WRX just plain sucked... only 4 speeds and the first gear ended too early and third gear was way too long. Just took all the fun out of it.

I had no such problems with my S4 Avant Tip. So I got one :-)

dekkard

Don't forget another 'little' fact that C/D pointed out, the S4's lap time came in 2 seconds ahead of the WRX. Again, my buddy's got a WRX and after the article, thinks his car is 'comparable' to the S4. While the WRX is a great car, I'd say he's suffering from 'delusions of grandeur'.

frank

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/442/dsc00016.jpg"></center><p>all your bud has to do, is this..and you will be stunned



The WRX was on lousy, Bridgstone RE92 M+S tires (MUD AND SNOW) 205/55/16

The S4 had Pirelli P6000 (not a SO2, but WAY WAY better than a RE92) size 225/45/17

the lap times would have been reversed, if the WRX had only switched to another brand of tire

I own Both, they are diffrent cars..but from a pure performance standpoint..the WRX wins hands down

however the S4 gives you similar performance, with many more features and comfort..AND Torque for Days

lleone

We have a 2001 S4 with 20k on it and an 2002 WRX with 1.5k on it. We bought the WRX because my wife spends most of her car time covered in dirt, mud, and manure from spending way too much time with her horse. There was no way I was buying her a $40,000+ car for her to trash. The WRX is a great car for the price, but it's not the Audi. The Audi is quieter, more solid, and easier to drive. It also feels better when put through the paces. That being said, if you are buying a car for less than $30,000, the WRX is hard to beat. It is quite "charming".