For Feb '09 - Which is the best A4/S4 platform?

[Admin]

As Audi's most popular model, the A4 and S4 are extremely important to both us enthusiasts and of course Audi's profits. The vehicles have long been favorites of ours, and are certainly the most popular here on Audizine. Much like BMW's 3 Series and the Mercedes C Class, each new model A4/S4 has been the pinnacle of German sport sedans.

There have been many iterations, improvements, powerplants, and transmissions over the years. With over a decade gone by since Audi's "4" model was first introduced, we're now on the 4th generation.

With that, we want to know which one you like the most? There are many factors which one can base their decision on, but there can be only one favorite. When you hear "Audi A4" or "S4", which platform pops into your mind first?

Here's a very brief rundown...


The B5 - The original. With its classic body lines it introduced the Audi/VW 1.8T and 2.7T motors as well as quattro to the masses. It also saw the 2.8 V6 naturally aspirated motor and the RS 4 model.

The B6 - The second generation brought about major changes to the body, which soon became a favorite and then later another classic. We also saw improvements to the 1.8T in the A4 (also a bump from the V6 motor to 3.0) and the switch to a 4.2 V8 in the S4. No RS 4 produced.

The B7 - With a sharpening of the previous gen's body lines, the biggest enhancement came by way of another iconic turbocharged motor with the 2.0T. The A4's V6 was bumped from 3.0 to 3.2. The S4 still came powered by the 4.2 V8 and an RS 4 model was produced.

The B8 - The new generation. With the A4's 2.0T and 3.2 V6 engines carrying over, albeit enhanced, the biggest news come by way of the S4. Dropping the naturally aspirated V8 in favor of a return to forced induction with a supercharged V6.


After you vote we'd also love to hear your thoughts and feedback as to how you came to your choice. Feel free to tell us why you may have chosen the way you did.

As always, we thank you for your participation.

[J2 S4]

I love the B5 S4 platform the most.

I am really looking forward to the B8 S4 though. Sold my 2004 M3 and kept the B5 S4.

Next on my list B8 S4!! After Grad School though (maybe)

[Sharkfin]

This poll comes down to the most members (owners) per forum, the b5 or b6 forum will win with ease.

[Anthony]

We understand that there could be a bias, but we hope that the majority of members don't let their current vehicle taint their vote. So far it doesn't look like they are, as the OG B5 is taking a strong lead (the B6 A4 Forum is currently the most active forum).

[Sharkfin]

Not dissing just commenting, nonetheless I think its a cool poll idea.

[downhillracer]

you need to separate the a4 and s4, For the a4 i choose b6, but for s4 I choose b5!

[Anthony]

you need to separate the a4 and s4, For the a4 i choose b6, but for s4 I choose b5!

Was thinking about it, but opted to keep it as a combined platform poll.

[downhillracer]

well, I voted b6 but the more I think about it, I really choose b5! Its the classic, and the 2.7t is just so amazing. So if you want to edit my vote you can!

[boostedup]

Definitely the B5, it's the Godfather of all of the platforms, started it all and STILL looks good till this day. And to be more specific, my obvious favorite is the B5 Rs4, considering it had the widebody+2.7ko4tt 6 speed drive-train not to even mention the interior :)

[downhillracer]

^ yes! b5 rs4 FTW

[Stampy]

A clean B5 done right is rolling art.

[S4DTM]

The B5 is great mod wise...but if we're talking reliability, maintenance, and pure sound...the B6/B7 are tops. I personally prefer the B7 as the lines look better to me and the quad tips I think let out a better growl with the V8.

[quattro joe]

The B5 was a real wake up call to BMW and Mercedes, undoubtedly a classic!

My favourite was the B6 because of it's daring industrial lines and block-ish shape. A late model B6 with colour-coded lower bumpers and sills is the pick. I had a Silver 1.8T fully loaded with factory options and S4 boot lip spoiler. The only car I've ever wanted to keep when my lease finished!

IMO B7 softened the edginess of the B6 even if it was a better car.

[ChumbaWumba]

is it just me or is "the" in "the b5" the only one that is italicized hmmm....

well i voted b5 anyways =)

[B6bomber]

B6 S4 fo LYFE!!! IMO the upgrade of interior from the B5 to the B6 makes this decision easy (besides you have to love the rumble and the instant torque of the V8, and the reason I didn't pick the B7 is due to the fact that I just can't get over that it seems like a chick car to me. I mean don't get me wrong I have seen some sick B7's, but stock they are just not appealing to me.

[therox182]

definitely the b5, but then again, i guess i'm biased.

i sure would love a b6 s4 though...

[sambrody44]

I think the B6 is one of the best looking cars on the road to this day. The B5 S4 though... well you know. Amazing.

[D's Avant]

The B5 put Audi back in the game when it first came out.

[tdn]

I chose the b5 because of looks and potential overall, that includes the a4, s4 and rs4. The b6 overall doesn't look as good, is heavier and less responsive and is has less potential when the s4 and a lack of rs4 are taken into account. The b7 is like the b6, except it looks better, but again when the s4 and rs4 are taken into account it doesn't match up with the b5 s4 and rs4 potential. Where the b7 does beat the b5 it seems is reliability.. however, the potential overall in my opinion outweighs the reliability of these cars.

When I bought my b5, I was deciding between the b5 and b6, I was considering a b7, but didn't want to finance the car. So I went with the b5 for the reasons above.

[jturnbull]

Where the b7 does beat the b5 it seems is reliability..

Its harder to tell which is reliable because there are not nearly as many b7's with the mileage that alot of b5's have and whose to say the b5 isn't reliable its all in how you take care of it and maintenance

[Anthony]

is it just me or is "the" in "the b5" the only one that is italicized hmmm....

well i voted b5 anyways =)

It's because that's the one you voted for.

[B5 Quattro]

I like the original.
The B6's are nice too though. The B7's just dont look right ...to me ! And the B8's are just too dam BIG. If I wanted to drive an A6 I would buy one. You know what Im sayin' ?
LOL.
Anyhow B5 or B6.
Im done now.

[Jung]

urs4? haha.

[TverRus69]

This poll comes down to the most members (owners) per forum, the b5 or b6 forum will win with ease.

Don't be jealous just cuz we're better

In all honesty i like them all, but feel that there's nothing better than the original...

[Gewaltakt]

is this a serious poll??

B5 hands down.

[Sharkfin]

haha see? the b5's will take over! lol

[imola_Jon]

B5 RS4 > *

[biketsai]

haha see? the b5's will take over! lol

We wont "take over", we were just here first

[B6Lovin]

im gonna be that douche that knows i SHOULD have voted one way... but i voted another.

the b5 is hands down the winner in the performance category with basically any engine on it's platform. it's also got great looks, a nice interior (albeit nowhere near the level of it's younger siblings) and the s4/rs4 of that generation are still the best platforms for the perfect balance of luxury, class, and mind-blowing performance.

but i voted b6 'cause it's prettier and i have one

[Tifun]

I voted B5, maybe because I own one, or maybe because this isn't my first. I feel the B5 is an instant classic, much like the mk1 gti in my eyes they are on similar levels. I feel the B5 help revolutioninze our community and bring it more into the semi-mainstream market. As much as I love the newer models(especially the B7) for their looks and overall improvements, I will always be drawn towards the B5 chassis. Now when I hear Audi from anyone the first thing that goes through my mind is the oldskool ur quattro.
-Keith

[A4B7burnrubber]

Don't get me wrong the B5 S4 is legendary, but I voted B7 S4 just due to the look and engine. The B8 S4 just looks bad, not mean at all and the back is hidious.

[Anthony]

Weird, I actually think the B8 is the meanest and sexiest one yet, and the B8 RS 4 is going to be amaaaaaazing. Looks don't mean everything though...

[sambrody44]

Has there been any talk of the B8 RS4 yet?

[Anthony]

Has there been any talk of the B8 RS4 yet?

Nothing official, no. We won't see one for a few years.

[poopypants]

Looks like a lot of folks own the B5 model. Obviously i like the B6 because that is why i purchased it. Not to bash on the others, but the B5 is just not as classy or sophisticated as the B6. And im talking about the S4 model. The B5 has the most potential, performance wise, but in looks.... the RS4 is the best lookin one out of them all, hence why the majority opt for the RS4 upgrades and such. The B7 is the same thing, interior wise as the B6, just with a face lift( which i do luv) but the @ss end looks like the new Civics. And the B8, it hasn't been out long enough to judge its overall worth.

[Sharkfin]

Looks like a lot of folks own the B5 model. Obviously i like the B6 because that is why i purchased it. Not to bash on the others, but the B5 is just not as classy or sophisticated as the B6. And im talking about the S4 model. The B5 has the most potential, performance wise, but in looks.... the RS4 is the best lookin one out of them all, hence why the majority opt for the RS4 upgrades and such. The B7 is the same thing, interior wise as the B6, just with a face lift( which i do luv) but the @ss end looks like the new Civics. And the B8, it hasn't been out long enough to judge its overall worth.

The b7 for looks hands down, for mods that are for looks b6 hands down. For performance, b5 hands down.

[eliTTe]

The B5 was the original, the yardstick for all the other A4/S4's to come. it may not be the favorite, but the original is the best.

[audikid66]

i love all audis and have ownded a few.. b5 is just dated now..interior/exterior, etc... i like b6/b7

[sakimano]

I think hands down the BEST car is the new one, the B8

I own a B7, but to say the new B8 isn't a massive improvement would be living in a bubble.

The B5 S4, modded to all hell, is an insane car, and the B5 A4 is wonderful because it saved Audi from imminent doom but to say they're the best is a little bit of a stretch.

Unfortunately, as with almost every poll, most people are voting with their title (and thus their heart), not their brain.

[Anthony]

I think hands down the BEST car is the new one, the B8

I own a B7, but to say the new B8 isn't a massive improvement would be living in a bubble.

The B5 S4, modded to all hell, is an insane car, and the B5 A4 is wonderful because it saved Audi from imminent doom but to say they're the best is a little bit of a stretch.

Unfortunately, as with almost every poll, most people are voting with their title (and thus their heart), not their brain.

I tend to agree with you, on all counts.