Ace7

It seems that Audi has changed the segment that the S4 occupies. When the B5 S4 was released in 2000 it was comparable to the E36 M3. Both had been available in sedan form and had similar horsepower numbers (250 for the S4 and 240 for the M3). Release of the E46 M3 brought an increase in horsepower, but no sedan variants. In 2004 Audi followed up with the 340 hp B6 S4, which again seemed comparable with the M3 of the time. Now we have the soon to be released 414 hp V8 M3 and all the comparisons are with the RS4. Where does this leave the B8 S4? I feel Audi missed the mark with the new RS4 and has subsequently hurt the image and appeal of the S4.

Lets compare the B5 RS4 to the B7 RS4, just in terms of power. In the B5 we saw a 130hp (52%) increase over the S4 compared to 80 hp (23.5%) in the newer model. In my opinion this just doesn't cut it or make the B7 RS4 all that special (especially considering its weight). IF they would have stuck to their formula and produced an car with 470-515 hp then they would have had something. This would have allowed them to use their new direct-injected 420 hp V8 in the B8 S4. So now that RS4 has become more mainstream (I don't think most people even know a B5 RS4 exsists) has it become Audis answer to the M3? What do you guys think?

Andy

Wrinkledpants

IMO audi would need to fill the void between a4 and s4 if s4 were to compete with m3

audikillsbmw

It's a shame the S5 doesn't have more HP.

TwinTurboTerror

M3.

pink shrimp

no that its lined up like that, but i sure wish it was

PKBlu::E30 Hunt

Seems like the B8 S4 will be comparable to the 335i.....maybe the B8 S4 should be just the A4 4.2

S4gasm (LoTR)

the whole problem started when audi decided to stop using turbo's in S-cars.

S4iowa

I've also heard the B8 S4 is going to have a 6cyl TT

S4iowa

Ask anyone who owns one. Many of them are previous Audi owners. And Audi had no problem with sales.

Are you going to say they missed the mark on the R8 too since it only has 420HP?

There's much more to it than HP

Pete5587

how about the R8 maybe thats M3 CSLcompetition.